“My grandfather, as well as my father, is suffering from sleep apnea. Does that mean I will also develop this chronic sleeping condition sooner or later?”
This question might cross your mind often if more than one elder in your family is suffering from sleep apnea. It is a common sleeping disorder that affects your health and wellbeing in many ways. And it is quite possible that you experience the symptoms of sleep apnea at some point in your life, irrespective of the fact that it runs in your family or not.
Sleep apnea is the result of interruption which occurs during sleep when the airways are blocked. This usually happens when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses as you breathe. That’s why overweight people or people with thick neck circumference are at a greater risk of developing this sleeping disorder. It can get dangerous, as people having sleep apnea stop breathing numerous times during their sleep without even realizing it.
While showing symptoms of sleep apnea can be a result of several factors, studies also show its link to genetics. Approximately 25 to 40 percent of people suffering from sleep apnea have family members who are suffering from this disease for a long time.
One reason for it could be the facial resemblance with your relatives. As sleep apnea is caused by a blockage to the airways, physical traits that you may share with your family members such as your face and skull shape do contribute to your risk of having sleep apnea.
So, if your family members have a blockage in the airways because of their facial structures and consequently suffer from sleep apnea, then it is very likely that you too share the same disease.
Apart from heredity, there are a lot of factors that can enhance the effects of this disease such as your diet, your weight, sleeping patterns, and your daily routine. If you have a family member suffering from sleep apnea, then it is highly recommended for you to be proactive and understand if you have any symptoms of the condition. Sleep apnea can be dangerous with the reference of time, hence its cure must be done as soon the symptoms are identified.
Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder and numerous people suffer from it without any discrimination. Men, women, children, and even some pets can develop sleep apnea. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to your lifestyle and how it’s impacting your sleeping patterns. As a first step to find out if you’re at risk of having sleep apnea, you can take this online sleep assessment or home sleep test.