A person with a neck circumference which is greater than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women is at greater risk of developing various sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. The large circumference of the neck usually corresponds with the presence of obesity and excess weight.
Increased fat issue in the body causes the neck to enlarge, which can cause tissue crowding along the throat airways.
The excess tissue narrows the airways causing them to partially collapse which can result in excessive snoring. In the more severe cases, the airways become completely blocked and the person develops obstructive sleep apnea.
