Excess weight: Overweight (Body Mass Index of 25 to 29.9) and obese (Body Mass Index of 30 and above) people are highly susceptible for OSA. Fat deposits around the upper airway may obstructs the breathing. Medical conditions that are associated with obesity, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, also can cause OSA.Thin people can also develop OSA, hence it is not necessary for an overweight person to suffer from OSA.

Sex: In general, men are twice likely to have obstructive sleep apnea. The frequency of OSA increases in women after menopause.

Narrowed airway: Men and women with large neck sizes: 17 inches or more for men, 16 inches or more for women are susceptible to have OSA. People with chronic nasal congestion, tonsils, as well as adenoids may suffer from snoring or OSA.

Hypertension: Hypertensive patient is more likely to have OSA.

Smokers: People who smoke are more likely to have OSA.

Diabetes: OSA is seen more commonly in people with diabetes.

Congenital abnormalities: patients with Down syndrome, abnormalities of bony and soft structures of head and neck, inherited narrow airway passage can be risk factor for OSA.

A family history of sleep apnea: If you have family members with OSA, you may be at increased risk.

Asthma: Research has found an association between asthma and the risk of OSA.

Endocrine disorders such as Acromegaly and Hypothyroidism.