Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is a disease for "fat people"? Awareness survey on SAS reveals 53.5% answered "I am not a target."

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS), which causes severe daytime sleepiness and serious illnesses, is often preceded by a biased image of being a "disease for overweight people," leading many potential sufferers to overlook their own risks. To address this, the Japan Snoring and Sleep Apnea Association conducted an "Image and Knowledge Survey on Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)" targeting 200 general men and women nationwide. The results highlighted an extremely strong image of SAS being common in "overweight people" and "those who snore loudly," while simultaneously revealing a misunderstanding that it is less likely to occur in "thin individuals" or "children," who are actually at risk. By visualizing the gap between the public's perception and the reality of those affected, this survey aims to sound an alarm against the unconscious oversight of "it doesn't concern me or my family" and offer insights for correctly addressing it as a common illness that anyone can develop.

Survey Background

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep. Generally, a strong image persists that it affects "overweight middle-aged men" or is "just a problem of loud snoring." However, in reality, it is a condition that can occur in anyone, regardless of body type, age, or gender, including "thin individuals" with small jaws, "women," "children," and "the elderly." Due to insufficient recognition of this fact, many cases are diagnosed and treated late because individuals postpone seeking medical attention, thinking, "I'm not overweight." This survey was conducted to visualize the reality of such misconceptions, improve health literacy through correct knowledge, and raise awareness of nearby risks.

Survey Summary

72.0% know that "Sleep Apnea Syndrome" is related to snoring and breathing cessation.

"Overweight people/obese people" are most frequently associated with being prone to SAS at 27.6%, followed by "people who snore loudly" at 20.6%.

"Thin/normal-weight people" at 22.2% and "people who do not snore" at 18.9% are mistakenly thought to be less likely to develop SAS.

A combined 53.5% answered that the possibility of them having SAS is "not very likely" or "not at all likely."

Regarding correct information sources for SAS, "explanations from doctors/specialists" (34.2%) and "official websites of medical institutions/specialist associations" (27.5%) are sought.

Detailed Data

Q1: How much do you know about "Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)"?

Know it's related to snoring and breathing cessation: 72.0%

Have only heard the name: 17.5%

Know the symptoms and treatments in detail: 10.0%

Don't know at all / Never heard of it: 0.5%

→ While most people are aware of the name SAS and its main symptoms of "snoring/breathing cessation," only about 10% answered that they "know the symptoms and treatments in detail." This indicates that although the disease name itself is well-known, there is a lack of deep understanding regarding its fundamental causes and broad risks.

Q2: What kind of people do you associate with being "prone" to SAS?

Overweight people/obese people: 27.6%

People who snore loudly: 20.6%

People who drink alcohol frequently: 14.9%

Middle-aged to elderly men: 14.4%

People with irregular lifestyles: 13.8%

Other: 8.7%

→ The results strongly reflect common societal stereotypes such as "obesity," "loud snoring," and "alcohol consumption." This suggests that even without knowing the disease mechanism, visual images and those created by media like television have taken precedence and become established.

Q3: What kind of people do you associate with being "less prone" to SAS?

Thin/normal-weight people: 22.2%

People who do not snore: 18.9%

Children: 16.4%

People who do not drink alcohol: 13.7%

Younger generations: 12.1%

Other: 16.7%

→ In reality, SAS can occur in "thin individuals" due to skeletal features like a "small jaw," as well as in "children." However, many people mistakenly believe the possibility is low. This assumption based on body type and age is suggested to be a major factor in overlooking early symptoms.

Q4: Do you think you yourself might have SAS (Sleep Apnea Syndrome)?

I don't think so: 46.0%

I think there's a little possibility: 38.5%

I think there's a high possibility: 8.0%

I don't think there's any possibility at all: 7.5%

→ When combining "not very likely" and "not at all likely," over half (53.5%) believe their own risk of the disease is low. As seen in the results of Q2 and Q3, many may be unconsciously judging themselves as "not a target" due to assumptions like "I'm not overweight" or "I'm a woman."

Q5: Where would you like to get accurate information about SAS for yourself or your family?

Explanations from doctors/specialists: 34.2%

Official websites of medical institutions/specialist associations: 27.5%

Advice from a primary care physician: 16.7%

Mass media such as TV and newspapers: 8.4%

Online information such as SNS and videos: 5.5%

Other: 7.7%

→ The overwhelming majority expressed a desire for "reliable information from experts" such as doctors and medical institutions, rather than SNS or mass media. This clearly shows that for a disease directly related to one's health, evidence-based accurate knowledge is sought over easily accessible online information.

Summary of Survey Results

This survey revealed that the image of Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) as a "disease for overweight people" is extremely strong, and the misconception that "thin individuals" and "children" are not affected is widespread. This "misconception of the affected individual's profile" can lead to the assumption that "it doesn't concern me," significantly delaying diagnosis and early detection. SAS is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to decreased daytime performance and life-threatening complications. It is important to have correct knowledge about this disease, which anyone can develop, without being fixated on specific images or body types, and to consult a medical institution if you have any concerns about sleep quality or daytime discomfort.

Comment from the Japan Snoring and Sleep Apnea Association

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is a common illness that can occur in anyone, regardless of snoring or obesity, due to factors such as skeletal structure (like the small jaws common among Japanese people), aging, and changes in female hormones. If left untreated, it can lead not only to severe daytime sleepiness and decreased concentration but also to serious risks such as heart disease. Assumptions like "I am thin" or "I don't snore" can lead to overlooking hidden illnesses and missing opportunities for treatment. It is crucial not to dismiss yourself or your family as "not targets" based solely on typical images. If you have any concerns about your sleep, please consult a specialized institution first. Our association will continue to disseminate accurate information and conduct awareness activities to eliminate these biased perceptions and provide everyone with an opportunity to re-examine their own health status correctly.

Survey Overview

Survey Sponsor: Japan Snoring and Sleep Apnea Association

Survey Period: June 23, 2026 - June 24, 2026

Survey Target: General men and women nationwide

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire survey

Number of Valid Responses: 200