Sleep Apnea, Obesity, and Hypertension: What Is the Link?

Family history, age, and male sex are risk factors for OSA. The disease can occur at any age, even in childhood, but it is more common in people older than 40 years. It is also believed that males are more at-risk for the sleep disorder, which is partially explained by differences in weight distribution between men and women a men are more likely to carry extra weight around the stomach and neck. There is also some evidence to suggest a role for hormonal factors since the prevalence of OSA among women increases after menopause.