It is estimated that as many as 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Men are more common but may not be diagnosed among women and young African Americans. Sleep apnea tends to operate in some homes, although no genetic link has been confirmed. The risk factors associated with sleep apnea include the following:
Abnormalities in the nose, throat or other parts of the upper respiratory tract
obesity
hypertension
Smoking causes inflammation, swelling and narrowing of the upper respiratory tract
Use alcohol or sedatives and sleep medications
