Can Sleep Apnea Be Inherited?

Sleep apnea is a frustrating condition that can cause a person to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night, which can set them up for a host of health issues later. While sleep apnea can be the result of a variety of lifestyle factors, some people may be more likely to develop it due to their genetics. Here’s a brief guide to what causes sleep apnea and how your dentist can effectively address this problem.

What Lifestyle Factors Can Increase My Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Your daily habits can contribute to sleep apnea in a variety of ways. A few of these include:

• Poor diet: Excessive calorie consumption can lead to weight gain, which makes it easier for the windpipe to be constricted during sleep.
• Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle will deprive your circulatory system of the stimulation it needs to function efficiently when you are asleep.
• Alcohol use: Alcohol is a muscle relaxant, and drinking in the hours before bed can make the tissues in your neck weigh more heavily on your windpipe while you are asleep.
•  Tobacco: Smoking will inflame your airway and make it harder for your body to absorb oxygen, which can inhibit proper breathing while asleep.

What Genetic Factors Can Increase My Risk of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can also be made worse by certain inherited traits such as:

• How body fat is distributed: Some people are more prone to gaining weight than others, and those who have more fat around their neck may be more likely to develop sleep apnea.
• Facial anatomy: The shape of the face and skull can make someone more or less likely to experience breathing interruptions during sleep.
• Breathing patterns: The innate reflexes governing the way a person breathes while asleep may increase or decrease their risk of sleep apnea.
• Circadian rhythms: Genetic factors significantly influence how easily someone’s brain falls and stays asleep.

How Can My Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

Your dentist is trained and equipped to treat sleep apnea in several ways. One of the most popular methods is a customized oral appliance designed to hold the jaw in a forward position that makes it harder for the airway to be constricted during sleep. However, some patients may need to combine this treatment with CPAP therapy, which uses a machine to push pressurized air into a person’s lungs while they rest. These methods routinely help people achieve better sleep and overall health.

Don’t let sleep apnea sap your energy and set you up for a host of oral health problems. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get great rest.

About the Author

Dr. Robert G. Dernick earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and has studied general dentistry and sleep disorders extensively. He is proud to offer the people of the Woodlands the finest sleep dentistry services available, including oral appliance therapy and combined therapy. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial (281) 783-3419.