Can Sleep Apnea be Hereditary?

12/16/2014 10:00

Can Sleep Apnea be Hereditary?There are numerous factors that can lead to a person developing sleep apnea, and genetics appear to be one of them. The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, and it is the result of the tongue or other soft tissues blocking the flow of air through the throat. Therefore, genetically inherited traits like your face and skull shape, characteristics of your upper airway muscles, and body fat distribution can all contribute to whether or not you have sleep apnea.

If you have a family history of sleep apnea, you should inform our Los Angeles sleep apnea dentist, as this can help diagnose your exact condition. A family history of sleep apnea along with displaying any of the symptoms such as morning headache, irritability, loud snoring, and excessive daytime fatigue could indicate you have sleep apnea. Although sleep apnea tends to affect only certain people, every man, woman, and child has the potential to develop it.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, talk to our dentist about the best treatment option for you.