Do your relatives sometimes complain about poor sleep? Has one or more of them been diagnosed with sleep apnea? If so, you might wonder about your own risk for developing the same condition. Is sleep apnea genetic? This blog post dives into how genetic factors can influence the quality of your sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Genetic Factors
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It causes a person to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, occur when tissues block the flow of oxygen in the upper airway.
There is no specific gene that directly causes sleep apnea. However, genetics can influence some risk factors for OSA. For example:
- Body weight. Genes can influence how much weight you carry on your body. Obese individuals are more likely to develop OSA than those with a lower BMI.
- Body composition. Your DNA has a bearing on where on your body you carry your weight. If you have a large neck circumference or a large abdomen, you are at a higher risk of suffering developing disordered breathing during sleep.
- Airway and facial anatomy. Your genes have a big impact on the shape of your face and your airway, both of which can influence how well you are able to breathe. For example, your genes may have bestowed you with a deviated septum or narrow jaw, both of which can lead to OSA.
- Natural sleep rhythm. Research indicates that your body’s natural sleep schedule is at least partially influenced by genetics. This can have a bearing on your risk for OSA.
How to Sleep Well Regardless of Your Genetics
You cannot change your genes, so some risk factors for sleep apnea are beyond your control. However, there is good news. Even if OSA runs in your family, there are still things you can do to enjoy high-quality rest. Here are some helpful tips:
- Try to manage your weight. You do not have to completely transform your body. Losing as little as 5 – 10% of your body weight can often reduce or even eliminate symptoms of OSA.
- Exercise. Even if it is not accompanied by weight loss, regular exercise has been shown to reduce the severity of OSA.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. You should have a regular sleep schedule, invest in a comfortable mattress, and maintain a quiet, dark, and clean bedroom.
- Adjust daily habits. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake before bedtime can reduce OSA symptoms and improve sleep quality.
- Seek dental care. Getting braces to correct dental misalignment could improve the function of your airway.
- Get OSA treatment. Something as simple as an oral sleep appliance (which looks like a mouthguard) from a dentist can prevent apneas and help you enjoy high-quality rest.
Your genes might cause you to develop sleep apnea, but that does not mean you are doomed to poor-quality sleep. Use the above tips to get the rejuvenating rest you deserve.
Meet the Sleep Dentist
Dr. Lori Hare is an experienced dentist and an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She is passionate about helping patients cope with sleep disordered breathing, including OSA. To learn how she may be able to serve you, contact our Tulsa office at 918-300-4325.