Risk factors for sleep apnea

Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, which increases fat around the neck and airway; a thick or long neck that can narrow the airway; age, as it becomes more common with aging; male gender, though it affects women too; family history, indicating a genetic predisposition; certain anatomical features like a large tongue or small jaw; nasal congestion or blockages; and lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol use. These factors can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing characteristic of sleep apnea.