Sleep apnea can occur in ALL age groups and both sexes, although it is more common in men. It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans and 3-4% of Hong Kong population are suffering from sleep apnea.

People most likely to have sleep apnea include those who snore loudly and also are overweight, or have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other parts of the upper airway. Sleep apnea seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.