Risk factors associated with Sleep Apnoea

Obesity. Being overweight leads to an accumulation of fat in the neck and base of the tongue; this increases the likelihood of the upper airway (UAW) collapsing while asleep. In addition, the fat deposited between the muscle fibres in the throat reduces their ability to contract.

Male. Men have a greater pharyngeal and laryngeal resistance than women.

Age. Pharyngeal resistance increases as we get older.

Alcohol. Alcohol intensifies snoring in both healthy individuals and people with SAHS. It is a central nervous system depressant that reduces the body’s response to hypoxia and, therefore, lowers the threshold for waking up during apnoea. Since alcohol is a vasodilator, it also exacerbates pharyngeal resistance.

Tobacco. Smoking irritates the mucous membranes.

Hypnotics or central nervous system depressants such as codeine, morphine, neuroleptics, anxiolytics or barbiturates, among others.

Anatomical factors that favour the obstruction of the upper airway (UAW). Adeno-amygdala obstruction, craniofacial abnormalities.

Hormonal factors such as hypothyroidism.

Neurological and respiratory diseases.