The Role of Genetics in Sleep Apnoea: Is It Hereditary?

Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, it can lead to a variety of health issues — from daytime fatigue to serious cardiovascular problems. While lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption are known to contribute to the development of sleep apnoea, a growing body of research suggests that genetics may also play a crucial role. But is sleep apnoea genetic? Could it be hereditary?

Let’s explore the relationship between genetics and sleep apnoea — whether this condition runs in families and how hereditary factors might influence its development.

Sleep Apnoea – Discovering the Disease

Let’s first understand what the condition entails. Sleep apnoea is characterized by repetitive episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This interruption in breathing can last for a few seconds to a minute or more, and it can occur multiple times throughout the night.

There are three main types of sleep apnoea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

The most common type occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a blockage of the airway.

Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)

This type occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, causing breathing to stop temporarily.

Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

A combination of OSA and CSA, this type involves both airway obstruction and issues with brain signalling.

Though the underlying causes of sleep apnoea can vary, many people with the condition experience snoring, choking, and gasping during sleep, which can lead to disturbed rest and a range of health problems.

Is Sleep Apnoea Genetic? – Seeking the Answer

A common question among those diagnosed with sleep apnoea is: Is sleep apnoea genetic? The answer is not straightforward, as multiple factors can contribute to the development of this disorder, but genetics can certainly play a significant role.

Numerous studies have explored the heritability of sleep apnoea, and the evidence suggests that there may indeed be a genetic component. Research has shown that people with close family members who have sleep apnoea are more likely to develop the condition themselves. This suggests a familial pattern that points to sleep apnoea genetic factors as a possible cause.

Sleep Apnoea Genetic – Examining the Research

Several genetic factors have been linked to sleep apnoea, including those related to the anatomy of the upper airway, muscle tone, and brain signalling. The most prominent sleep apnoea genetic influence seems to be related to the size and shape of the airway. A narrow airway — whether due to bone structure, soft tissue, or both — increases the likelihood of obstruction during sleep.

Additionally, research suggests that genetic variations in certain genes may influence how the brain regulates breathing during sleep. These genes might make some people more susceptible to central sleep apnoea, where the brain fails to signal the muscles properly. While this type is less common than OSA, the sleep apnoea hereditary links are equally significant.

The sleep apnoea genetic link also extends to obesity. Certain genetic factors that contribute to weight gain may increase the risk of developing sleep apnoea. Fatty tissue around the neck and throat can narrow the airway, leading to a higher risk of blockage during sleep. However, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity also play a major role in obesity-related sleep apnoea.

Is Sleep Apnoea Hereditary? – Looking for an Answer

A natural follow-up to the question ‘Is sleep apnoea genetic?’ is ‘Is sleep apnoea hereditary?’ While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to slightly different concepts. Genetic factors are those influenced by the genes you inherit from your parents, while hereditary factors specifically refer to traits passed down through generations.

So, is sleep apnoea hereditary? Research suggests yes — it can be passed from parents to children through their genetic makeup. If you have a parent or sibling with sleep apnoea, you may be at an increased risk of developing the condition. This familial link is particularly strong in obstructive sleep apnoea, where anatomical factors such as jaw structure and airway size play key roles.

While hereditary factors are important, environmental and lifestyle factors can interact with genetics to modify your risk. Even if sleep apnoea runs in your family, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and managing other risk factors can reduce the likelihood of developing the disorder.

Genetic Factors for Sleep Apnoea – Exploring the Facts

1. Airway Structure

Genetics can influence the size and shape of your airway. People with a naturally narrow airway or certain facial features, such as a recessed jaw or large tonsils, are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnoea.

2. Fat Distribution

Genetic factors can affect where your body stores fat. If your body tends to store more fat around the neck and upper body, this can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.

3. Muscle Tone

Some people inherit a tendency for throat muscles to relax more easily during sleep, which can cause the airway to collapse — a key factor in OSA.

4. Brain Signals

In central sleep apnoea, the brain fails to signal breathing muscles properly. Certain genetic variations may make some individuals more susceptible to this form.

5. Collagen Production

Collagen supports the tissues in the upper airway. Genetic variations in collagen production can influence airway strength and stability, affecting the risk of collapse during sleep.

Environmental Factors and Lifestyle – Their Role in Sleep Apnoea

Obesity

Excess body weight contributes to fatty tissue buildup around the neck and throat, narrowing the airway and increasing obstruction risk.

Age

The risk of sleep apnoea rises with age as throat muscles weaken, explaining why it’s more common in older adults even when genetics play a role.

Gender

Men are more likely to develop sleep apnoea than women, though risk increases for women after menopause due to hormonal changes and possibly genetic factors.

Smoking and Alcohol Use

Both relax airway muscles, increasing the likelihood of apnoea. People with a family history of sleep apnoea who smoke or drink are at higher risk.

Nasal Congestion

Chronic nasal congestion from allergies or sinus issues can worsen sleep apnoea by making it harder to breathe through the nose at night.

Conclusion

The question of whether sleep apnoea is genetic or hereditary is an important one — and research clearly indicates that genetics play a significant role in its development. While lifestyle and environmental factors are also crucial, your family history and genetic makeup can increase your susceptibility to sleep apnoea.

If you have a family member with the condition, monitor your own sleep health and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms like snoring, choking, or daytime fatigue. Understanding these genetic and hereditary components can help you take proactive steps to manage your risk.

If you suspect sleep apnoea runs in your family, or if you experience symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Dr. Aditi Desai, an expert in sleep apnoea treatment in London, can provide guidance and care to properly address the condition. With the right approach, you can manage the condition effectively and improve your quality of life.