Rick Factors

Risk Factors for OSA

Physicians have identified a number of factors that may increase a person's risk of having OSA:

• Obesity
• Snoring
• Family history of OSA or snoring
• Small upper airway (large tongue, large uvula, recessed chin, excess tissue in the throat and/or soft palate)

Heavier people have a greater risk of sleep apnea. In addition, the heavier a person becomes the more severe OSA becomes, so most physicians recommend exercise and a healthy diet for people with OSA.

Researchers have discovered that REM sleep deprivation increases people's appetites and decreases their energy levels. Consequently, researchers believe that OSA might initiate a downward spiral for some people because as they lose sleep, they eat more, gain weight, and increase the severity of their OSA.

source: www.resmed.com