Sleep Problems

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is one of the sleep disorders that can have serious effects on your health.  It has the symptoms of loud snoring and frequent breathing interruptions during sleep.

The following are the list of people who are at risk of obstructive sleep apnea:

1 out every 15 Americans.  It is estimated that 1 in 15 Americans have OSA.  That is around 20 million people.  85%-90% are undiagnosed and untreated.  This means around 17-18 million Americans suffer everyday without treatment. 1 out of 4 adult males, 24% of men were found to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. 1 out of every 10 adult females.  In the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, 10% of women were found to suffer from OSA. Middle aged men.  Men between the ages of 40 and 55 were found to have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.  As they age further, this risk actually decreases. Old women.  Women in general do not have as high a risk for OSA as men.  However, due to menopause, older women have a higher risk for OSA.  The onset of menopause decreases the amount of female hormones that are released in the body.  It is believed that the female hormones estrogen and progestin are what protect females from sleep apnea. People who are obese.  Obesity is a significant factor for OSA.  This is due to the fact that people who are obese have many extra layers of tissue, fat, or muscles and these can obstruct airways for breathing.  The weight of their extra tissues, fat, or muscles can also help constrict the passageways for breathing. People with cholesterol.  Studies have shown that cholesterol is a factor for the onset of OSA.  It is not yet fully understood what the reason is behind this.