Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. It can lead to daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and stroke.
But is sleep apnea genetic?
Let’s explore the genetic factors involved in sleep apnea, the role of family history, and how to manage this condition if you have a genetic predisposition.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
The most common type of sleep apnea is OSA or obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the soft tissue and muscles in the throat soften and relax, blocking the airway so you can’t breathe through the nose or mouth. These episodes can last from 10 seconds to two minutes or more and occur hundreds of times each night for some people.
Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?
Several factors determined by genetics can increase a person’s risk of sleep apnea, including:
- Large tonsils
- A small lower jaw
- Having a thicker neck
- Hypothyroidism, or when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough of its hormones
- Skull or facial abnormalities, such as a cleft palate
- Congenital conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
The Role of Family History
If you have close relatives with sleep apnea, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition yourself. This is likely due to shared genetic traits and lifestyle factors within families. Understanding your family history can help you and your healthcare provider anticipate and manage the risk of sleep apnea more effectively.
Managing Sleep Apnea with a Genetic Predisposition
Having a genetic predisposition to sleep apnea might seem hopeless, but there are steps you can take that will help manage the condition and improve your quality of life:
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
- Sleep on your side instead of your back can help keep the airway open.
- Consider CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, an effective sleep apnea treatment.
- Ask your dentist or sleep specialist about oral appliances designed to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue.
- Work with your healthcare provider or sleep specialist to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Take Control of Your Sleep Health
At Ohio Holistic Dental Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for patients with sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Linty John-Varghese today at our Centerville, OH, dental office to explore your treatment options.