- Being overweight – obesity is a major risk factor, although thin people can develop severe sleep apnea also.
- Nasal congestion or obstruction – sinus trouble or allergies.
- Large tonsils and/or adenoids, having a “crowded throat”, a large tongue or small jaw.
- Lung disease, atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
- Scoliosis or muscle weakness.
- Sedating medicines and alcohol.
- Hypothyroidism and certain other endocrine (hormonal) disorders.
- Increasing age.
- Family history.
- Malformation of the orofacial area (misaligned teeth, jaw, palate).
- Bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
- Menopause.
- Progesterone/Estrogen deficiency.
- Anatomy and physiology of the airway.
- Male gender.
- Neck size >17 inches in men, and >15 inches in women.
- A decrease in tone of muscles holding airway open.
- Smoking.
