Which age group is most likely to experience sleep apnea?

Elderly individuals are indeed the age group most likely to experience sleep apnea. As people age, there are several physiological changes that can increase the risk of this sleep disorder. These changes may include alterations in the anatomy of the upper airway, decreased muscle tone, and increased prevalence of other health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which are known risk factors for sleep apnea.

In addition, elderly individuals often experience fragmented sleep and may have comorbidities that complicate their sleep patterns, making it more difficult for them to maintain stable breathing during sleep. This age group also tends to have a higher incidence of other sleep disorders, which can coexist with sleep apnea, further increasing the likelihood of diagnosis.

Other age groups, such as children and young adults, typically experience a lower prevalence of sleep apnea, often linked to different underlying causes. Middle-aged adults certainly have a significant risk as well, particularly due to lifestyle factors and higher rates of obesity, but the elderly population has a pronounced risk due to the various factors mentioned above, making them the group most commonly affected by sleep apnea.