Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur several times an hour. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open.

While the exact causes of sleep apnea are not fully understood, research suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder. Studies have shown that sleep apnea tends to run in families and that individuals with certain genetic variations are more likely to develop the disorder.

Key Genetic Factors

One of the key genetic factors that have been identified in sleep apnea is the presence of a specific variant of the gene called ADRB1. This gene plays a role in regulating the airway muscles, and individuals with the variant form of the gene have been found to have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.

Another genetic factor that has been linked to sleep apnea is the presence of a variant of the gene called TGFB1. This gene plays a role in the regulation of collagen, a protein that helps to keep the airway open. Individuals with the variant form of the gene have been found to have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Factors

In addition to these genetic factors, research also suggests that certain lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of sleep apnea. For example, being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for sleep apnea, as is having a large neck circumference.

There are also several other medical conditions that can increase the risk of sleep apnea, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

While the genetic component of sleep apnea is not fully understood, it is clear that there is a strong connection between genetics and the development of the disorder. If you have a family history of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, it may be worth discussing the possibility of genetic testing with your doctor.

Summing up

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. Research suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder, with certain genetic variations increasing the risk of developing sleep apnea. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese and certain medical conditions also play a role in the development of sleep apnea. If you have a family history of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, it may be worth discussing the possibility of genetic testing with your doctor.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.