There are certain factors that can put individuals at risk for causing obstructive sleep apnea.

1.Male – men are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.

2.Age – obstructive sleep apnea commonly occurs in elderly adults.

3.Race – African Americans, Hispanic, and individuals from the Pacific Islands are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.

4.Smoking – individuals who smoke are likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.

5.Diabetes – obstructive sleep apnea common occurs in individuals who have this disease.

6.Menopause – the risk of a woman to develop obstructive sleep apnea  increases  after menopause .

7.Excess weight, areas of fat around the upper airway can cause a obstructive sleep apnea.

8.High blood pressure. obstructive sleep apnea  is fairly common in individuals that suffer from this disorder.

9.Narrowed airway. A naturally narrow throat or enlarged tonsils or adenoids may block an individual’s airway.

10.Neck circumference. Neck size may indicate increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea. A neck circumference of more than 17 inches for men and more than 15 inches for women are a considered to be at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea.