Characterizing Sleep-Disordered Breathing by Race and Ethnicity: Phenotypes, Risk, and Clinical Implications-Part 1.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an extremely prevalent disorder and mostly underdiagnosed. Its prevalence is even higher among African Americans (AA), Hispanic, Asian Americans and Native Americans (NA) adults and children. AA present younger, with more severe and comorbid OSA, and are sleepier than their white counterparts. Evidence suggests this problem could be as severe in Hispanics, Asian Americans and NA. This first part of the review will focus on epidemiology and data in the adult population.