gnathia, positive family history of sleep apnea, genetic syndromes that reduce upper
airway patency (e.g., Down’s syndrome, Trea cher Collin’s syndrome), adenotonsillar hy-
pertrophy (especially in youn g children), menopause (in fema les), and various endocrine
syndromes (e.g., acromegaly). Compared with  premenopausal females, males are at in-
creased risk for obstruct ive sleep apnea hypopnea, possibly reflecting the influences of sex
hormones on ventilatory control and body fat distribution, as well as because of gender
differences in airway structure. Medication s for mental disorders and medical conditions
that tend to induce somnolence may worsen the course of apnea symptoms if these med-
ications are not managed carefully.