Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat compresses during sleep, blocking the airway. Patients with central sleep apnea, however, are likely to have a condition related to their nervous system and brain. An example is patients who have a neuromuscular illness or had a stroke. Those who have experienced heart failure and other forms of pulmonary disease are also at risk.

WHO GETS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?

Obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 25% of males and nearly 10% of women. OSA affects all ages, including infants and kids, however, adults over 40 and people who are overweight are more likely to be diagnosed with OSA. In fact, OSA patients with obstructive sleep apnea may share some of the same physical and clinical characteristics:  excessive weight, a big neck, and anatomical anomalies that reduce the opening of the upper airway, such as nasal blockage, a low-hanging soft palate, swollen tonsils, or a small jaw with an overbite.