﻿ Sleep Apnea Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - How common is
obstructive sleep apnea? - MedicineNet  Sleep Apnea (cont.)
Medical Author: Medical Editor:  How common is obstructive sleep
apnea?  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is estimated to affect
about 4% of men and 2% of women. In one study of people over 18
years of age, obstructive sleep apnea was estimated to develop
in 1.5% of people per year over the 5 year study. It is probably
more common than either of these numbers because the population
is becoming more obese, and obesity worsens obstructive sleep
apnea. More shocking is the estimate that only 10% of people
with obstructive sleep apnea are currently receiving treatment
and many patients with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed.  Some
groups are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.    •
Men are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than women
before age 50.   • After age 50, the risk is the same in men and
women.   • Among obese patients, 70% have obstructive sleep
apnea. Obstructive sleep