Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Hereditary?

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common types of sleep apnea, affecting 936 million adults worldwide. If a close family member has this condition, you are also at greater risk of developing it.

The root causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are not well understood. Although your health and lifestyle can affect your risk, genetic factors can also play a role. Research shows that people who have a first-degree relative with the disease, such as a parent, child, or sibling, have a 50% chance of developing the disease.

Overall, more research is needed to determine which specific genes will increase your risk of developing the disease. Some evidence suggests that the same genetic factors that influence the size and shape of your face, the structure of your airways, and where you carry your weight can all affect the development of OSA.

Researchers have found that about 40% of sleep apnea diagnoses can be linked to genetic factors, while 60% are related to health, environment and lifestyle. Here are some possible ways genetics may influence your risk of obstructive sleep apnea:

• Obesity: Research has linked obesity to several genetic causes, and obesity increases the chances of developing OSA. About 60 to 70 percent of people with OSA are also obese. Even a 10% increase in weight can make the risk of developing OSA six times higher.
• Certain disorders: There are several diseases with a genetic component that increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Some examples include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and mucopolysaccharidosis type I (when your body can’t break down sugar).
• Anatomy: The shape of your face, the size of your neck, and where you carry your weight can all be influenced by genes. These things can increase your risk of sleep apnea. For example, one study found that the size of your neck might be the best indicator of OSA.

Your health and lifestyle may also increase your risk of developing OSA. Here are some other possible causes of the disease:

• Age: Getting older increases your risk of developing sleep apnea. One study found that 56% of people aged 65 and older are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can relax the muscles in your throat and mouth, which could obstruct your airway during sleep, causing sleep apnea.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause inflammation of the airways and affect the quality of your breathing.
• Sex: Researchers have found that OSA is more common in men than women.
• Heart or kidney failure: These conditions can cause fluid buildup, especially in the neck. When this happens, it could affect your breathing.