Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

Your genes play a huge role in your personality, your appearance, and your health. Conditions like heart problems, diabetes, and even cancer all have genetic risk factors. But what about sleep apnea? If someone in your family struggles with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), does that mean you may also be vulnerable to this condition? It might. This blog post discusses how your genetic makeup could influence the quality of your sleep.

Genetic Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

As far as modern science knows, there is no specific “sleep apnea gene” that means you will develop OSA. However, there are a number of risk factors for OSA that can be influenced by your DNA:

• Body weight and composition. Some people are naturally heavier than others. If you are predisposed to obesity, or you carry a lot of weight around your neck and/or abdomen, you are more likely to develop OSA.
• Your mouth and teeth. Your genes can influence the shape, size, and positioning of your oral structures. Individuals with a narrow palate or misaligned jaws may be more likely to experience nighttime breathing issues.
• Race and ethnicity. Individuals of Black, Hispanic, Chinese, and American Indian descent are slightly more likely to develop OSA. This is probably due to common aspects of their facial anatomy.
• Circadian rhythms. Your genes may influence your body’s natural sleep patterns, which could have a bearing on your risk for sleep disorders.

What Can You Do?

Regardless of genetic makeup, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of OSA and/or manage your condition:

• Control your weight. Even modest weight loss can lead to a significant reduction in OSA symptoms.
• Exercise. Even without weight loss, exercise by itself can promote high-quality sleep.
• Visit a dentist. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can improve the function of the upper airway.
• Monitor your sleep. If your partner ever tells you that you snore loudly, or you find that you always feel tired, you might have OSA or another sleep disorder. You may need to arrange for a sleep test.
• Comply with treatment. If you are diagnosed with OSA, you should do your best to consistently comply with your treatment, whether it is a CPAP machine or an oral appliance from a sleep dentist.

Your DNA might make you more likely to develop OSA, but if you are proactive about your health, you may be able to enjoy a lifetime of restful nights and high-quality sleep.

Meet the Practice

Under the guidance of Drs. Stacey Layman, Roger Roybal, and Elizabeth Wallmann, the Go to Sleep team in Mesa provides top-quality care for sleep apnea patients. We specialize in providing oral appliance therapy, a comfortable and convenient CPAP alternative. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact us at 623-239-0007.