Sleep Apnoea Risk Factors: Who Is Most Likely to Get It

Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, but certain factors make it far more likely. Understanding your own risk can help you spot the signs early and know when it's worth getting checked.

Obstructive sleep apnoea happens when the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, narrowing or blocking your airway. Some of the factors that lead to this are within your control, others aren't. Knowing which apply to you is a useful first step, whether that's for your own peace of mind or because you're wondering about someone you sleep next to. For a fuller picture of what the condition involves, see our guide on what sleep apnoea is, its symptoms, causes and treatment.

Body weight and neck size

Carrying extra weight, particularly around the neck and upper body, is one of the most significant risk factors for sleep apnoea. Fat deposits around the throat can narrow the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep. A thicker neck is also a useful indicator on its own, even independent of overall weight.

This relationship works both ways. Sleep apnoea itself can make weight management harder, partly because poor sleep affects appetite and energy levels. We've explored this in detail in Sleep Apnoea and Weight: The Two-Way Relationship, which is worth reading if this feels relevant to you.

Age and sex

Sleep apnoea becomes more common as people get older, likely because muscle tone throughout the body, including in the throat, naturally decreases with age. It's most frequently diagnosed in middle age and beyond, though it can occur at any age, including in children.

Men are diagnosed with sleep apnoea more often than women, particularly before women reach menopause. After menopause, the gap narrows considerably. Hormonal changes are thought to play a part here, though women's symptoms are also sometimes less classic and can go unrecognised for longer.

Anatomy and physical structure

Some people are simply built in a way that predisposes them to airway narrowing. This isn't anyone's fault and often runs in families.

Features that can increase risk

• A naturally narrow throat or airway
• Large tonsils or adenoids, especially relevant in children
• A recessed chin or smaller lower jaw
• A large tongue relative to mouth size
• Nasal congestion or a deviated septum that makes nasal breathing harder

If several of these apply to you, it doesn't necessarily mean you have sleep apnoea, but it does mean it's worth paying attention to symptoms like loud snoring or daytime tiredness.

Family history and genetics

If sleep apnoea runs in your family, your own risk is higher. This is partly because physical traits like jaw shape, airway width and tendency to carry weight around the neck can be inherited. It's also possible that some families share habits or environments that contribute to risk. If a parent or sibling has been diagnosed, it's sensible to be a little more alert to your own symptoms.

Lifestyle factors

Several everyday habits can raise your risk or make symptoms worse.

Alcohol and sedatives

Alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, which can worsen airway collapse during sleep. The same applies to sleeping tablets and some other sedative medications. Drinking in the evening, even without feeling particularly drunk, can make snoring and breathing pauses more pronounced.

Smoking

Smoking irritates and inflames the airway, which can contribute to swelling and narrowing. People who smoke tend to have a higher risk of sleep apnoea than people who don't, and quitting can help reduce inflammation over time.

Sleeping position

Sleeping on your back allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft tissues backward, which can block the airway more easily. Many people with mild sleep apnoea notice it's worse when lying flat on their back compared with sleeping on their side.

Underlying health conditions

Certain medical conditions are linked with a higher likelihood of sleep apnoea, including:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• An underactive thyroid
• Nasal allergies or chronic congestion

The relationship between these conditions and sleep apnoea is often complex, and it's not always clear which comes first. Regardless, if you have one of these conditions and also snore heavily or feel excessively tired, it's worth mentioning sleep apnoea to your GP.

When to see a GP

Having one or two risk factors doesn't mean you definitely have sleep apnoea, and plenty of people with several risk factors never develop it. But certain symptoms deserve proper attention rather than being brushed off.

Speak to your GP if you or your partner notice loud snoring combined with gasping or choking sounds, if there are pauses in breathing during sleep, or if you feel persistently exhausted during the day despite seemingly enough hours in bed. These are the signs that genuinely warrant a proper assessment rather than a wait-and-see approach.

If you're unsure whether your symptoms are worth flagging, our 60-second sleep quiz is a gentle way to reflect on what you're experiencing before deciding on next steps. You can also explore our full sleep apnoea hub for more guidance on diagnosis and treatment options.

Understanding your risk factors isn't about worry, it's about making informed choices. Small changes, like adjusting your sleeping position or cutting back on evening alcohol, can genuinely help, and knowing when to seek proper medical advice means you're never navigating this alone.