Sleep apnea can occur at any age. In childhood the apnea is commonly the result of enlarged tonsils or adenoids or of some cranio-facial abnormality. In adulthood apnea becomes more common in middle age and is more common in men than in women, although after menopause women may be at equal risk. Sleep apnea is often associated with being overweight, particularly with excess fatty tissue around the neck. In people who are not overweight, it is likely that they have been born with a narrow airway or facial structure which leads to a narrow airway. Almost everyone who has obstructive sleep apnea snores as snoring is also the result of narrow or floppy upper airways.
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