Sleep apnea is an increasingly common sleep health disorder affecting over 30 million people in the U.S. alone. It is characterized by repeated breathing disruptions throughout the night, resulting in symptoms such as morning headaches, daytime fatigue, lack of focus, and irritability.

Sleep apnea has serious comorbidities, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of stroke, yet over 80% of cases go undiagnosed, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Because of these factors, there is a growing concern as to what actually causes sleep apnea and if there is a genetic connection.

The Genetic Link to Sleep Apnea

According to the NIH National Library of Medicine online health site MedlinePlus, you are about 50 percent more likely to develop sleep apnea if a direct relative also suffers from it. Researchers agree that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, is most likely to have a hereditary connection. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by muscles that relax during sleep, resulting in blocked upper airways.

In addition, there are inherited facial structure and throat shape attributes that contribute to the increased likelihood of having this condition. The size of the face and skull, the shape and size of the nose, and the placement of the jaw are all hereditary characteristics connected to OSA. Enlarged tonsils and tongue are other attributes associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea due to their ability to narrow the upper airways.

Central Sleep Apnea is a less common form of sleep apnea caused by the brain not sending the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. The heart issues that can be an underlying cause of Central Sleep Apnea may have a hereditary connection, but generally, researchers consider OSA to be the type of sleep apnea with a genetic link.

Factors Contributing to Sleep Apnea

One of the most predominant risk factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is obesity. According to the Sleep Foundation, being only 10% overweight makes you six times more likely to develop moderate to severe sleep apnea. Your weight distribution is a critical factor that is often determined by genetics. Having a large neck and carrying weight in the upper body has been associated with a narrower airway due to how the fat is distributed. Obesity alone is not a cause for OSA, but when combined with inherited facial and neck structure, it can significantly contribute to the development of this condition.

Other medical conditions have been shown to have a genetic link to OSA. For example, nasal polyps and deviated nasal septums are associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea and often run in families. Allergies, often hereditary, are also common in those who suffer from sleep apnea due to the congestion that adds to airway blockage.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

If you or a family member show sleep apnea symptoms, it is best to talk to your healthcare practitioner, who can order a sleep study. Sleep studies can now be done conveniently in your home and measure heart rate, breathing, and blood oxygen level while you sleep. If you test positive for sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as weight loss may be your first course of action.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), considered the gold standard in care for moderate to severe sleep apnea, delivers pressurized air through tubing and a mask worn during sleep, allowing airways to remain open and provide uninterrupted quality sleep.

While health and lifestyle may be the most significant factors in your risk of developing sleep apnea, research shows a genetic connection to OSA. The good news is that treatment is available to help you achieve a good night’s sleep and better overall health.