By Dr. Max Hirshkowitz, PhD, DABSM and Patricia B. Smith from "Sleep Disorders For Dummies"

Anyone can have sleep apnea, a condition in which you stop breathing for as long as 10 seconds multiple times every night. However, certain factors increase your chances of joining the ranks of the power snorers:

Are male: Studies report sleep apnea in 9 to 24 percent of adult men as opposed to just 4 to 15 percent of adult women.

Are African American: For reasons not yet understood, African Americans have a higher risk of sleep apnea than any other ethnic group.

Are overweight: Although all overweight people have a higher risk, particularly the morbidly obese, people who have what is popularly known as the “pear shape,” who deposit most of their fat around their middles, have a higher incidence of sleep apnea than people whose excess weight is more evenly distributed.

Are older than 40: Studies show the prevalence of sleep apnea increases with age, although doctors believe that 2 to 4 percent of all children have the condition as well.

Are a smoker: Studies suggest that smokers with a two-pack a day habit run a 40 percent higher risk of developing sleep apnea than their non-smoking friends.

Have a history of chronic respiratory track problems: Conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis put you at higher risk for the breathing disturbances associated with sleep apnea.

Have sleep apnea in your family: A family history of sleep apnea increases your risk two to four times.

Numerous scientific studies have shown a correlation between neck size and obstructive sleep apnea. Men with necks larger than 17 inches in diameter and women with necks larger than 15.5 inches are more likely to snore and have sleep apnea.

In addition, people with certain physical characteristics in their faces and mouths run a higher risk. They include:

  • A high palate — may be genetic but also can result from bottle feeding, pacifier use, and thumb sucking
  • Long-face syndrome — people with long faces usually also have high palates
  • A receding chin
  • An overbite
  • A narrow upper jaw
  • A large tongue
  • A large uvula
  • Excessive soft tissue in the oral cavity

Warning

Drinking alcohol and using sleeping pills can increase the number of apnea episodes and also makes them last longer. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, avoid the use of alcohol in the evening and stay away from sleeping pills unless you’re under a doctor’s direct supervision.