Is Sleep Apnea Genetic? How Your DNA Could Affect Your Risk

An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, a dangerous breathing disorder that occurs during sleep. It can have significant consequences for a person’s overall health and quality of life. If someone in your family has this condition, you might wonder if you are also at risk. Is sleep apnea genetic? While there is no specific “sleep apnea gene,” there are some genetic factors that can influence your risk. This blog post explains what you should know.

Genetic Factors That Affect Sleep Apnea Risk

Some genetic factors that may influence your risk of developing sleep apnea include:

• Body weight and composition. Your body weight, as well as where on your body you store fat, can be heavily influenced by your DNA. If you have a lot of fat around your neck or abdomen, you are at an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Facial and airway anatomy. If you naturally have a small jaw or certain other anatomical abnormalities, that can affect your upper airway and increase your chances of developing OSA.
• Sleep patterns. Research indicates that your body’s natural sleep/wake cycle can be influenced by genetics. This can affect your risk of sleep apnea.
• Sex. Statistically, biological males are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than females.

Protecting Yourself from Sleep Apnea

If someone in your family has sleep apnea, you should certainly do your best to monitor the quality of your sleep and protect yourself from nighttime breathing problems. Here are some practical things you can do:

• Look for symptoms. If you always feel exhausted, snore frequently, or often wake up gasping for air, it is possible that you have OSA. You should speak to your medical team about arranging for a sleep test. Thereafter, you can explore treatment options.
• Manage your weight. If you are genetically predisposed to obesity, it may be difficult for you to become thin. However, even modest weight loss can significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Staying physically active can also be beneficial, regardless of whether it results in weight loss.
• Stay vigilant. Even if you are a healthy sleeper right now, it is important to remember that OSA is more common in older people. As you age, you should continue to keep an eye on your sleep quality and seek treatment as soon as you notice that something is amiss.

Your genes can affect your chances of developing sleep apnea! Know your risk level so you can take appropriate actions to protect the quality of your nightly rest.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Ivan Paskalev is a sleep dentist who specializes in offering oral appliance therapy for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and other prestigious organizations. If you would like his assistance to fight sleep apnea and achieve improved health, contact Better Sleep Eugene at 541-246-8284.