Many people, especially those with family members using CPAP machines or mouthguards, are curious to know, "Is sleep apnea hereditary?"

Sleep apnea has two main types–obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. 

It is common for people to associate sleep apnea with high blood pressure, smoking, drinking, and diabetes. 

However, the involvement of genes in sleep apnea is rarely an argument.

According to a study, compared to central sleep apnea, genes are most likely to be a cause of obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, 75% of people with obstructive sleep apnea inherit it from their family.

In this article, we'll look into the influence of genes on sleep apnea, sleep apnea signs, and the diagnosis.

Common Factors that May Cause Sleep Apnea 

If someone in your house has any type of sleep apnea, your question: "is sleep apnea hereditary?" is completely valid. 

As we already know, there are some underlying causes of sleep apnea. 

So even if sleep apnea has nothing to do with genes directly, other genetic disorders may raise the chances of it.

In addition to heredity, the following traits might cause the sleep apnea signs:

Older age: As a person ages, their risk of acquiring sleep apnea rises. Their likelihood of developing other illnesses, including diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and others, rises as people age. These disorders are related to sleep apnea.

High blood pressure: The cardiovascular system is impacted by high blood pressure. Ignoring hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other issues like sleep apnea.

Central Sleep Apnea: Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary

Lifestyle factors, health, and genetics can give rise to sleep apnea. 

It occurs when the brain signals to the respiratory system are delayed or discontinued. 

MedlinePlus states that Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome is hereditary.

That means it's possible to inherit sleep apnea. The skull, face, and upper airway are shaped and sized, which is attributable to genetics.

Additionally, certain genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and cleft lip and palate, can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.

Let's look into how genetics can play a role in the sleep apnea signs.

Causes of Central Sleep Apnea 

Most of the time, the sleep apnea signs may show in these conditions:

Stroke: people who have experienced stroke can have sleep apnea as well.

Aging: people over the age of 60 are more likely to get central sleep apnea.

Gender: as compared to females, more men have this condition.  

Head Injury: after a brain injury, the frequency of CSA may increase.

Brain tumour: it can result in sleep-related breathing issues.

Neuromuscular disorders: progressive muscle weakness and sensory disturbances that happen in neuromuscular disease patients can contribute to sleep apnea.

Altitude: sleeping at a higher altitude can cause CSA. Returning to a lower altitude can fix the problem.

Opioid: chronic use of this painkiller may lead to central sleep apnea. 

Cardiovascular disorders: Irregular heart functioning puts 40% of patients at risk of CSA. 

A person with inherited neuromuscular or heart ailments may be at high risk for central sleep apnea. 

But, as of now, the researchers have not found a specific gene that may cause this type of sleep apnea. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary 

In comparison with CSA, this type can be linked to hereditary factors.

To answer, is sleep apnea hereditary? If you have relatives suffering from this type, your chances of getting it will increase. 

Certain genes have also been connected to the emergence of sleep apnea. These genes are:

• Gene for angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2)

• Tumour necrosis factor 308G/A polymorphism (TNF)

• The gene -Arrestin 1 (ARRB1)

• EP3 subtype of the prostaglandin E2 receptor (PTGER3)

• LPAR1 (lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1)

• Tumour necrosis factor 308G/A polymorphism (TNF)

• GPR83, a gene for a G-protein receptor

• The gene that codes for dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1)

• LPAR1 (lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1)

• The gene for the serotonin receptor (HTR2A)

Other Factors that Give Rise to Sleep Apnea Signs 

Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to be triggered by a variety of genes that regulate a wide range of biological processes, including breathing, hunger, the inflammatory response, and the development of tissues in the face and head, among others.

Hormone abnormalities: By inducing tissue swelling, hormonal problems, including an underactive thyroid or an overproduction of growth hormone, may raise the risk of OSA. 

Tonsillitis: Because they restrict your upper airway, tonsils may be the cause of sleep apnea. Additionally, a large tongue and the placement of the tongue in the mouth may make it simpler for the tongue to obstruct your airway as you sleep.

Overweight: Undoubtedly, excessive weight plays a role in the development of sleep apnea. This is so that a person can breathe more easily. Fat can accumulate around a person's neck, closing or restricting the airway.

Wider Neck: Similar to being overweight, having a bigger neck increases your risk of developing OSA because the muscles and fat can block your airway. Breathing becomes more difficult due to the wider neck circumference.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea 

Most people link sleep apnea with a high body mass index (BMI), which measures your height-to-weight ratio. 

Although obesity is one of the sleep apnea signs, it can also affect athletically inclined people. 

Both sexes, elderly individuals, and even children can experience sleep apnea. 

Some of the same sleep apnea signs that affect adults can also affect children, including persistent mouth breathing, noisy breathing, restless sleep, lethargy, and tiredness.

A family history of sleep apnea may raise your risk of getting the condition yourself. 

Understanding and being aware of the sleep apnea signs is integral. 

Taking a home test for sleep apnea is a fantastic place to start to find out if you could be at risk for sleep apnea.

FAQs

Can sleep apnea be treated with medication?

Genetic forms of sleep apnea cannot be treated, although some types can be managed with surgery or implants.

What are the medical treatment options for sleep apnea?

CPAP machines (continuous positive airway pressure) can treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. In some cases, nasal surgeries can also help in controlling sleep apnea.

Do CPAP machines have types?

Continuous PAP (CPAP), auto-adjusting PAP (APAP), and bilevel PAP (BiPAP) are the three types that help in a relaxed sleep.

How can I evaluate the severity of sleep apnea?

5 to 14 apnea occurrences per hour are typical for mild cases of sleep apnea, 15 or more for moderate cases, and 30 or more for serious ones.

In a Nutshell

Now you know the answer to "is sleep apnea hereditary?". It's a good idea to take a test if you have any reason to believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, including symptoms, underlying medical concerns, or a family record of the illness. 

Treating your sleep apnea can help you maintain overall health as it increases your risk of contracting other illnesses like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

KWC Dental has introduced an intraoral device for those uncomfortable with implants and CPAP machines.

To get more information, feel free to contact us for a consultation.