Who does sleep apnea affect?
It can happen to anyone, including infants and older adults. But let’s take a more in-depth look!
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in specific cases and groups of people. For instance:
- Individuals are more likely to develop it as they grow older.
- Before age 50, it’s more common in men. After age 50, it affects men and women at the same rate.
- Having excess weight or being obese strongly raises the risk of developing it.
- It’s more common in individuals who are Hispanic, Black, or of Asian descent.
Central sleep apnea is most common in specific groups of people:
- Adults over 60 years old.
- People with heart conditions, including congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
- People who take opioid pain medications.
- People who live at higher altitudes.
- For some individuals using CPAP or who have obstructive sleep apnea, this can evolve into central events knowns as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
