According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 26% of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 have sleep apnea, and the number of patients diagnosed is on the rise. Researchers estimate that 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed because symptoms can be difficult to detect. Sleep apnea causes frequent breathing disturbances throughout the night that can cause serious consequences for your physical and mental health with no treatment. While you may not think you’re at risk of sleep apnea, new research has found the condition can be hereditary.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes interruptions in breathing frequently throughout the right. Each event depletes the body of oxygen and disrupts the sleep cycle. Over time, it can increase your risk of potentially life-threatening complications, like heart disease. However, it can also cause your mental health to decline from sleep deprivation. There are 3 types of sleep apnea:
- Central Sleep Apnea: Pauses in breathing occur from incorrect brain signals sent to the muscles responsible for breathing.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The soft tissues in the back of the mouth or tongue collapse to block the airway.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea causes disturbances in breathing.
Sleep apnea can occur in anyone, but there are various contributing factors, like obesity, a large neck circumference, gender, and age; however, genetics also play a role.
Sleep Apnea is a Hereditary Condition
Health and lifestyle factors can raise your risk of sleep apnea, but research suggests that genetics contribute to about 40% of cases. Researchers have found that people with first-degree relatives with sleep apnea have about a 50% greater risk of developing the condition. While the exact inheritance pattern is unclear, researchers have identified certain genetic attributes that can make someone predisposed to sleep apnea, including:
- Body Fat Distribution: Your genes can influence your body weight and where fat is distributed. Obesity is known to increase the risk of sleep apnea by over 10 times.
- Facial Anatomy: Facial features and anatomy are influenced by genes. If certain traits run in your family, like a short, wide nose or narrow jaw, you can have naturally smaller airways.
- Breathing Control: Genetics can affect the neural signals and muscles involved in breathing.
- Ethnicity: Certain ethnicities are more likely to have sleep apnea because of differences in facial anatomy.
Although you can’t change your DNA, your health and quality of life don’t have to suffer from sleep apnea. Your dentist has the solutions you need to breathe easier.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Find out if the convenient, comfortable device can help you get the rest you need.
About Dr. Dean Hutto
Dr. Hutto achieved his dental degree at the University of Texas Dental School and has completed extensive continuing education in sleep medicine. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you need sleep apnea therapy, contact our office today to request an appointment.