is sleep apena inherited

Is Sleep Apnea Something That Gets Passed Down Through Generations?
Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/is-sleep-apnea-hereditary/

When a member of your family is diagnosed with a health problem, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll get it as well. If you grew up with a parent who suffers from sleep apnea, you may wonder, “Is sleep apnea genetic?” It’s a perfectly reasonable inquiry. We don’t know what percentage of the population has sleep apnea, but we do know that it’s a fairly prevalent sleep problem that affects a large number of people1. Given the wide range of difficulties that can result from sleep apnea, anyone with a family member who suffers from the disorder may find it especially important to determine if there is a genetic link. You’ve arrived at the right location if you feel as though we’re speaking directly to you. Continue reading to find out more about the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, as well as whether any of these illnesses has a hereditary component.

While there are a variety of circumstances that can put someone at risk for sleep apnea, there is a good chance that it is genetic. There’s a good possibility you’re suffering from sleep apnea if you have a serious condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an endocrine or metabolic disorder. Smoking and the use of alcohol, sedatives, and opioids are all known to raise the risk of sleep apnea.

However, if you are suffering signs of sleep apnea such as loud snoring, loss of energy, daytime lethargy (even after a full night’s sleep), morning headaches, or sadness, you should talk to your doctor about a family history of this serious disorder. Physical features inherited from your parents, such as your face and skull shape, upper airway muscle characteristics, and body fat content and distribution, may all have a role in whether or not you develop sleep apnea.

A high body mass index (BMI) – your height to weight ratio – is commonly associated with sleep apnea. Obesity is linked to sleep apnea, but it can also affect those who are in good shape. Many people, including men and women, the elderly, and even toddlers, can suffer from sleep apnea. Some of the same symptoms that adults have, such as snoring, noisy breathing, chronic mouth breathing, restless sleep, and lethargy or tiredness, can also be seen in children.