Which population is most likely to experience sleep apnea?

The most likely population to experience sleep apnea is middle-aged obese individuals. Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea because excess body weight can lead to increased fat deposits in the neck and throat area, which can restrict the airway during sleep. This restriction can result in recurrent episodes of apnea, where breathing temporarily stops. As individuals age, they may also experience changes in the structure of the throat, which can exacerbate the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.

While athletes may have unique physiological characteristics, such as increased muscle mass and lung capacity, they generally do not have the same risk factors for sleep apnea as those with obesity. Children can experience sleep apnea, particularly if they have certain conditions such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, but it is far less common in comparison to middle-aged adults with obesity. Senior citizens also face increased risks of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, but the combination of age and obesity in middle-aged individuals makes this group particularly vulnerable. Thus, the prevalence of sleep apnea is notably higher in middle-aged obese individuals compared to these other populations.