How Many People Have Sleep Apnea

If you’ve ever wondered how many people have sleep apnea, you’re not alone. It’s a common question because this sleep disorder affects millions. The numbers might surprise you, and understanding them is the first step to recognizing its impact on global health.

The short answer is: a lot more than most people think. Sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, is far from rare. Recent studies show it’s a widespread issue affecting a significant portion of the adult population worldwide. Let’s look at the numbers to get a clearer picture.

Global Prevalence of Sleep Apnea

Globally, research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form, affects approximately 1 billion adults aged 30–69 years. That’s about 1 in every 7 people. This estimate comes from a 2019 study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, which suggested the condition is vastly underdiagnosed. Many people live with it for years without ever getting a formal diagnosis.

Sleep Apnea Statistics in the United States

In the U.S., the numbers are similarly striking. The American Medical Association reports that around 30 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea. However, only about 6 million are diagnosed. This means nearly 80% of cases go undetected. Here’s a quick breakdown:

An estimated 26% of adults aged 30–70 have sleep apnea.
Men are two to three times more likely to have OSA than women.
Prevalence increases significantly with age and weight.

Key Risk Factors That Influence the Numbers

Certain factors make sleep apnea much more common in specific groups. Knowing these helps explain why the totals are so high.

Age and Gender

The risk of developing sleep apnea increases as you get older. It’s more common in people over 50. As mentioned, men have a higher risk, though the risk for women increases after menopause.

Weight and Obesity

Excess weight is one of the strongest risk factors. Fatty tissue around the neck can airway breathing. Obesity can contribute to airway obstruction. Studies show that about 60-90% of people with sleep apnea are overweight.

Family History and Anatomy

If you have family members with sleep apnea, your risk is higher. Physical traits like a narrow airway, large tonsils, or a recessed jaw can also make you more susceptible.

Why So Many Cases Go Undiagnosed

The gap between how many people have sleep apnea and how many know they have it is huge. There are several reasons for this underdiagnosis.

Lack of Awareness: Many people dismiss loud snoring or daytime fatigue as normal.
Symptom Attribution: Symptoms like morning headaches or mood changes are often blamed on stress or other causes.
Access to Testing: Sleep studies can be expensive and inconvenient, creating a barrier.
Healthcare Provider Oversight: Doctors may not routinely screen for sleep apnea during check-ups.

Common Signs You Might Be One of the Undiagnosed

Listen to your body and your bed partner. Common symptoms include:

Loud, chronic snoring, often with gasping or choking sounds.
Waking up feeling like you haven’t slept well, despite being in bed long enough.
Excessive daytime sleepiness, like falling asleep while reading or driving.
Morning headaches and dry mouth.
Difficulty concentrating, irritability, or depression.

The Health Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Leaving sleep apnea untreated isn’t just about poor sleep. It strains your entire body. Every time your breathing stops, your oxygen levels drop, putting stress on your cardiovascular system.

High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: The sudden drops in blood oxygen increase blood pressure and strain the heart, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is common in people with diabetes and can make blood sugar control more difficult.
Metabolic Syndrome: This cluster of conditions (high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood sugar) is linked to sleep apnea.
Daytime Accidents: Fatigue from poor sleep greatly increases the risk of workplace or car accidents.

How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed

If you suspect you have it, getting a diagnosis is straightforward. The process usually involves:

Medical History Review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, sleep habits, and overall health.
Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This overnight test in a lab monitors your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing. A home sleep test is a simpler option for many cases.
Results Analysis: A sleep specialist reviews the data to determine if you have apnea and its severity, measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).

Effective Treatment Options

The good news is that sleep apnea is very treatable. Effective management can drastically improve your sleep and health.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA. A machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open. Consistency is key for it to work.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For mild to moderate apnea, a dentist can fit you with a custom mouthpiece. It reposition your lower jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

Lifestyle Changes

For some, lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference:

Weight loss, even a modest amount, can reduce throat constriction.
Regular exercise can improve energy and sleep quality.
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, especially before bed, as they relax throat muscles.
Sleeping on your side instead of your back.

Surgical Options

Surgery is usually considered only if other treatments haven’t worked. Procedures aim to remove or tighten tissue in the throat or reposition the jaw.

The Importance of Raising Awareness

Given how many people have sleep apnea unknowingly, spreading accurate information is crucial. Public health campaigns and doctor education can help close the diagnosis gap. If the symptoms sound familiar, talking to your doctor is the most important step you can take.

FAQs About Sleep Apnea Prevalence

What percentage of the population has sleep apnea?

Studies suggest between 10% and 30% of adults worldwide have at least mild obstructive sleep apnea, with around 3-7% having a moderate to severe form. The percentage climbs much higher in older age groups and those with obesity.

Is sleep apnea becoming more common?

Yes, rates are rising. The primary driver is the global increase in obesity rates. As more people become overweight, the prevalence of sleep apnea follows. An aging population also contributes to the trend.

How many people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it?

A staggering number—up to 80% or more of cases in the U.S. are estimated to be undiagnosed. This means for every person diagnosed, several others are living with the condition and its health risks without realizing it.

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes, pediatric sleep apnea affects an estimated 1-5% of children. It’s often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Symptoms in kids can include snoring, bedwetting, behavioral problems, and trouble focusing in school.

What is the main cause of sleep apnea?

For obstructive sleep apnea, the main cause is the relaxation of throat muscles during sleep, which blocks the airway. Central sleep apnea, which is less common, occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Can you have sleep apnea even if you’re not overweight?

Absolutely. While weight is a major risk factor, thin people can have it too. Anatomy plays a big role—factors like a narrow airway, large tongue, or certain jaw structures can cause apnea regardless of weight.

Final Thoughts on the Numbers

Understanding how many people have sleep apnea reveals a major public health concern. The high prevalence, coupled with low diagnosis rates, means millions are at risk for serious health complications. If you snore loudly, feel exhausted after a full night’s sleep, or have other symptoms, don’t dismiss them. Talk to a healthcare provider. A simple sleep test can provide answers, and effective treatments can restore restful sleep and protect your long-term health. The first step is recognizing that this common condition could be affecting you or someone you care about.