Who is at high risk for apnea?

• Position: Sleep - Brief Article

Researchers reported at the American Thoracic Society 2001 International Conference that about one-third of primary care patients in the U.S. and Europe have risk factors for sleep apnea, a disorder in which a person stops breathing during sleep. The study is the first direct comparison of primary care populations among countries in regard to these risk factors, such as persistent snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Specifically, 36% of American and 26% of European patients report risk factors for sleep apnea. Overall, U.S. patients have greater daytime sleepiness and obesity, as well as a composite score for high risk for sleep apnea, despite similar rates with Europeans for chronic snoring. About 31% of those surveyed indicate they experience excessive daytime sleepiness, with a higher prevalence in the U.S. (34.6% vs. 10.1% in Europe).

The study finds variations among the sexes. Men have greater overall risk than women, independent of where they live. However, U.S. women have a higher risk of sleep apnea than their European counterparts, while U.S. and European men have a more similar risk. Aging results in less...