Obesity
The number of adults classed as being overweight or obese is steadily increasing year on year around the world. If you are overweight or obese you are at risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, as the excess fatty tissue tends to narrow your airways.
Airway shape and structure
If your airways are narrow or prone to collapsing, you are at risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Narrow airways can be inherited and sleep apnoea often runs in the family. Certain genetic disorders can also alter the shape and structure of your airways, although these changes may not always be passed down through families. Alternatively, you may develop narrow airways due to inflammation or injury.
Drugs
Certain drugs can narrow your airways and increase your risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Alcohol can trigger bouts of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, while smoking narrows the airways and leads to chronic lung damage that may make sleep apnoea worse.
Over 65’s
As you age you may develop weaker airway muscles and experience a loss of teeth. This can narrow your airways and lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. If you start to develop dementia, sleep apnoea can worsen your condition.
For women
Women are less likely than men to develop Obstructive Sleep Apnoea as they have a different body shape and produce hormones that help to protect them against sleep apnoea. However, if you are female there are times in your life when your risk increases: after the menopause, during pregnancy and if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome.
