As you might know, sleep apnea has various risk factors. Common ones include things like obesity, age, smoking, etc. Therefore, you may wonder if sleep apnea is genetic. Can a person’s genes make the condition more likely? Well, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.” If you want to learn the details, just listen to your Plano sleep dentist. Here’s a primer on sleep apnea, its genetic links, and when to see a doctor for it.
Context: What’s Sleep Apnea?
To be clear, sleep apnea is a fairly serious sleep disorder. It occurs when your breathing stops and starts a lot while asleep. Often, the issue is caused by throat muscles relaxing too much. This shift prompts the throat to totally or partially close.
While it might seem harmless, sleep apnea is quite dangerous. The condition prevents restful sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, irritability, and headaches. Over time, it can also put stress on your heart, which may have deadly consequences.
Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?
To at least some extent, sleep apnea is genetic. You can inherit a risk for it from your family background.
Current science backs this conclusion. Today, researchers think obstructive sleep apnea is 40% attributable to genetics. Having relatives with the problem means you’re likely to get it. That said, the other 60% of underlying causes are lifestyle-related. Plus, scientists don’t yet know which genes trigger sleep apnea. Thus, You should continue to live healthily to reduce your risk.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Of course, genes can’t force you to get sleep apnea. You can still make good choices that lower your risk. As such, it’s best to see a doctor only when you show several relevant symptoms. These include the following:
- Frequent snoring
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Morning Headaches
- Persistent Irritability
- Choking or gasping in your sleep
- Memory loss
- Difficulties with concentration
- Constant Waking in the middle of the night
While sleep apnea is genetic, it doesn’t have to be your destiny. Remember the facts above and see a sleep dentist if you show notable signs. From there, you’ll get much better nights of rest.
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano is based in Plano, TX. Led by its excellent team, our practice will help you get a better night’s sleep. That means we can treat sleep apnea, insomnia, nocturia, and other related issues. In particular, our office provides high-quality oral appliance and CPAP therapies. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (469) 914-4427.