More than 40 per cent of the population has some form of SDB, particularly among those 50 years and older. As people get older the tissue in the upper airway loses its elasticity, and it tends to vibrate more during breathing, increasing the sound of snoring. It also reduces the airway size, and, during sleep, the tongue is more easily sucked into the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. At least 60 per cent of men, and 40 per cent of women over the age of 40 snore. Snoring and OSA is also quite common in children aged between two and seven, particularly if they have chest infections or enlarged tonsils.
SDB is also commonly experienced in women during the latter stages of pregnancy. SDB is progressive i.e. 90 per cent of OSA sufferers snore. Snoring can also lead to OSA.

These include:
A tongue that relaxes too much during sleep
Large tonsils, long soft palate or uvula
Being overweight – a recent study showed that a 10 per cent weight gain may lead to a six-fold increase in the likelihood of developing OSA.
Nasal congestion from colds, allergies or deformities of cartilage in the nose
Smoking, alcohol, or medication (which causes drowsiness)
Menopause
Hypothyroidism – due to a lack of thyroid hormone, sufferers tend to have a larger tongue as well as increased fat deposits in the tissue of the upper airway.