Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common types of sleep apnea, affecting 936 million adults worldwide. If you have a close family member with the condition, you are at greater risk of developing it, too.
The root causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are not well understood. While your health and lifestyle can affect your risk, genetic factors may also play a role. Research shows people who have a first-degree relative with the condition—such as a parent, child, or sibling—have a 50% chance of developing the condition.
Overall, more research is needed to determine which specific genes will increase your risk of developing the condition. 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 roughly 40% of sleep apnea diagnoses may be related to genetic factors, while 60% are related to health, environment, and lifestyle. Here are some possible ways that genetics may influence your risk of obstructive sleep apnea:
- Obesity: Research has linked obesity to several genetic causes, and having obesity increases your chance of developing OSA. About 60-70% of people with OSA are also obese. Even a 10% increase in weight can cause a person’s risk of developing OSA to be six times higher.
- Certain disorders: There are several conditions with a genetic component that increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Some examples include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and mucopolysaccharidosis type I (when your body cannot 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 may increase your risk of sleep apnea. For instance, one study found that the size of your neck may be the best predictor of OSA.
Your health and lifestyle can also increase your risk of developing OSA. Here are some other possible causes of the condition:
- Age: Getting older increases your risk of developing sleep apnea. One study found that 56% of people age 65 and older have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Alcohol use: 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 in your airway and affect how well you breathe.
- Sex: Researchers have found that OSA is more common in men than in women.
- Heart or kidney failure: These conditions can cause fluid buildup, particularly in your neck. When this happens, it could affect your breathing.
