Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This interruption can lead to reduced oxygen intake, impacting overall health and daily function. Neck circumference has emerged as a simple, preliminary indicator often associated with the condition.
Why Neck Circumference Matters
A larger neck circumference is associated with an increased likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This connection stems from the amount of soft tissue present in the neck and around the upper airway. A greater accumulation of fat or other soft tissues in this region can narrow the air passages.
During sleep, the muscles in the throat naturally relax. For individuals with a larger neck circumference, this relaxation, combined with excess tissue, can cause the airway to partially or completely collapse. This collapse obstructs airflow, leading to the pauses in breathing characteristic of sleep apnea. The weight of the neck tissue itself can also contribute to this airway instability.
How to Measure Your Neck Circumference
Accurately measuring neck circumference involves a few simple steps and the right tools. You will need a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape. Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and your head held straight, looking forward.
Locate the midpoint of your neck, typically just below the Adam’s apple in men or at the widest part of the neck for both men and women. Wrap the measuring tape around your neck at this point, ensuring it is parallel to the floor. The tape should lie snugly against your skin but not be so tight that it compresses the tissue or makes it difficult to breathe.
Breathe normally and avoid tensing your neck muscles during the measurement. Read the measurement where the end of the tape overlaps. For accuracy, it can be helpful to take the measurement a couple of times and record the average.
Understanding Your Neck Measurement
Once you have your neck circumference measurement, you can compare it to general guidelines that indicate a potential increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea. For men, a neck circumference greater than 17 inches (approximately 43 centimeters) is considered a risk factor. For women, a measurement greater than 16 inches (approximately 41 centimeters) suggests a higher risk.
These measurements are not definitive diagnostic tools but rather indicators that suggest a person might be at an elevated risk. A larger neck size correlates with a higher chance of having excess soft tissue around the airway. Neck circumference is just one piece of information, and its significance is often evaluated alongside other factors like body mass index (BMI), age, and other symptoms.
What to Do Next
If your neck circumference measurement falls within the higher risk categories, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. This measurement serves as a preliminary indicator, not a diagnosis. A doctor can evaluate your individual situation, considering this measurement along with other potential symptoms of sleep apnea.
Other symptoms that warrant discussion with a healthcare provider include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, witnessed breathing pauses, and excessive daytime fatigue. Your doctor may recommend further evaluation, such as a sleep study, to accurately diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity.