Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sleep apnea, a prevalent global health issue, is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This systematic review aggregates global data to outline a comprehensive analysis of its associated risk factors. PURPOSE: The systematic review underscores the global prevalence of sleep apnea and the universal importance of its early detection and management by delineating key risk factors contributing to its development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a thorough systematic review of international medical databases up to July 31, 2023, including PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library, to ensure a wide-ranging collection of data reflective of various populations. RESULTS: The systematic review identifies several risk factors such as obesity, age, gender, neck circumference, family history, smoking, alcohol use, underlying medical conditions, and nasal congestion, highlighting their prevalence across diverse demographics globally. CONCLUSION: Emphasizing lifestyle modifications and proactive interventions, our findings advocate for global health strategies to mitigate the risk of sleep apnea and enhance sleep health worldwide.