Do you ever that you share some of the same characteristics as your parents? Maybe it’s your nose that you got from your mom, or, those big feet? Yeah, you can thank your dad for those. Your genetics make up who you are, and whether you like it or not, you can thank your parents for passing some of these great (or not so great) traits onto you. But it isn’t just facial characteristics that can be passed along. If you’re not sleeping well at night or you just learned you have sleep apnea in Baytown, you might be surprised to learn that your genetics may have something to do with it. Read on to learn just how pivotal of a role your genes play in your ability to rest at night.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Have you ever been told that you often stop breathing while you’re asleep? Do you wake up gasping for air or find out you sound like a buzz saw because of your snoring? When breathing ceases for 10 seconds or more while asleep, you’re experiencing sleep apnea. Why do you stop breathing? It’s because your airway is being blocked as a result of your tongue and throat collapsing.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and it affects more than 18 million adults in the United States. Unfortunately, close to 80% of those cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Why? Because the symptoms associated with sleep apnea can be easily mistaken for another condition, or, if you don’t have someone telling you that you stop breathing at night or snore, you may not know you have it for years.
Some of the common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Chronic daytime fatigue
- Mood swings or irritability
- Memory loss
- Dry or sore throat
- Loss of libido
- Morning headaches
How Genetics Plays a Role in Sleep Apnea
Whether you realize it or not, your genetics play a large role in your overall health. If your mom previously battled breast cancer, you are at a greater risk of developing it, too. If your dad has serious problems with his allergies, you’re probably going to be grabbing for tissues and eye drops to make it through spring. The same goes for sleep apnea.
Although there isn’t a specific gene that reads “sleep apnea,” there are characteristics that might make you more prone to the disorder, such as:
- Obesity: There is a link between obesity and sleep apnea. If your parents are overweight, you might want to talk to them about their sleeping habits and if they’ve experienced problems with sleep apnea. Apnea occurs due to a blocked airway, and additional weight can cause fat to form around your neck. As it becomes thicker, the tissue surrounding your throat will block your airway. To remedy this, begin eating a well-balanced diet and start a normal exercise routine.
- Neurological Disorders: If either of your parents is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of neurological disorder, you might not only also be at risk, but your chances of developing sleep apnea increase as well. Neurological disorders make it much harder for your brain to receive “triggers,” which means, it will be difficult for you to wake up when you stop breathing during the night.
- Large Adenoids and Tonsils: Loud snoring is an indicator your adenoids are causing you problems. Unfortunately, this can be passed on genetically. However, these and your tonsils are unnecessary parts of your oral cavity as you get older. You can easily have them removed to prevent blockage to your airway.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you’re tired of being well, tired, there are treatment options available. Some patients believe a CPAP machine is the only way to treat sleep apnea; however, more and more dentists are opting to provide patients with an alternative – oral appliance therapy.
These custom-made devices are small and compact, and they are highly effective at treating OSA. There are different types of oral appliances, so depending on your individual needs, your dentist might suggest one over another.
- SomnoDent® Sleep Appliance: This will move your jaw into a forward position, increasing pressure on your soft oral tissue and stretch your facial muscles so your airway remains open.
- The Narval™: Your jaw will shift forward with this appliance, and just enough pressure will be placed on the nearby muscles and oral tissue.
- The Moses®: This is an FDA-cleared device that readjusts your jaw and stimulates your tongue’s natural reflexes, shifting it enough to enlarge your airway and allow for easy breathing.
- ProSomnus® Micr02: Using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology, this device separates your upper and lower jaw arches, adjusting your jaw to the right position.
Don’t let another restless night go by. If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk to your dentist about having a sleep study performed. Once you are given a diagnosis, discuss treatment options and be on your way to a restful night’s sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto, DDS, graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston in 1992. Since that time, he has pursued additional advanced education and continues to care for his patients at Sleep Better Baytown. He and his team work to help each individual get the sleep they need. From scheduling a sleep study to offering treatment options, Dr. Hutto exceeds expectations with a personalized, comfort-based approach. To learn more about how he can help you with your sleep apnea, contact us at (281) 688-2104.