Which demographic is more likely to have sleep apnea?

Older adults are more likely to have sleep apnea due to a combination of factors that tend to accumulate with age. As people get older, they often experience more significant anatomical changes such as increases in body mass index (BMI) and alterations in muscle tone, particularly in the upper airway. These changes can lead to a higher likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep, which is a primary characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea.

Moreover, older adults frequently have other comorbid conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, that can exacerbate the risk and severity of sleep apnea. They are also more likely to use medications that may affect the central nervous system and muscle tone, further contributing to airway collapse.

In contrast, while sleep apnea can occur in children, young adults, and teenagers, its prevalence is more pronounced in older adults, making this demographic the most likely to experience this condition.