Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that affects over 30 million people in the US. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type, represents 85% of all sleep apnea cases and is caused by muscles that relax during sleep, resulting in blocked upper airways. People who suffer from sleep apnea have symptoms including excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, irritability, and cognitive decline. While the classic profile of a sleep apnea sufferer is an older adult male who is overweight with other chronic medical conditions, it is possible for a healthy individual to still suffer from sleep apnea.

Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea

In addition to excessive weight, other risk factors for sleep apnea include enlarged neck circumference and age. Sleep apnea risk increases as we age, and men are statistically more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. But slender, healthy individuals are also at potential risk for this disorder if they meet these lesser-known risk factors.

Anatomical features such as the shape of the face or jaw can make certain people more likely to develop sleep apnea. A narrow airway or enlarged tonsils or adenoids can be genetic in origin, so there is a family predisposition to this sleep apnea risk. Those with a petite frame may also have naturally small, narrow airways, which could create the obstruction and collapse of airways most associated with OSA.

Even the ultra-fit may be at risk due to a more muscular neck and upper body. In both instances, the upper airways can get blocked, resulting in the gasping and snoring associated with a lack of oxygen reaching the lungs. If these individuals exhibit sleep apnea symptoms, they may be at risk yet never get tested via a sleep study.

Airway architecture can also be determined by facial structure that is more prominent in certain ethnic groups. African-Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders are three groups that have a higher risk of sleep apnea.

Medical Conditions and Misconceptions

There are also medical conditions that occur regardless of body weight or size. Hypothyroidism, allergies, deviated septum, growth hormone abnormalities, and even gastric reflux are all medical disorders linked to sleep apnea, independent of the sufferer’s body weight or size. Because of the misconception that sleep apnea only strikes overweight individuals, some people who exhibit sleep apnea symptoms but are not overweight never get tested. And if medical practitioners don’t consider these patients for a sleep study, they could be treated for other conditions unnecessarily.

Importance of Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment

Regardless of your physical size or weight, paying attention to obstructive sleep apnea symptoms is important. Sleep apnea is associated with an increased threat of other serious comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke. It is vital to work with your health care practitioner and to voice your symptoms even if you do not fit the profile of a typical sleep apnea patient. What’s most important is to seek testing, diagnosis, and treatment because good sleep health is a pillar of good overall health.