Another morning, another chapter in your ongoing battle with your alarm alongside your faithful companion, the mighty Sir Snooze Button. You (along with roughly 30 million other Americans) have sleep apnea, a condition that makes it almost impossible to get the rest you need. While there are many causes, one that is starting to get more attention is genetics. Is there a “sleep apnea gene” that you got from your parents just like your eye and hair color? More importantly, does this mean that you’ll ALWAYS contend with poor sleep?
Is There a Sleep Apnea Gene?
As the scientific community learns more about the human genome, you’ve probably seen a steady flow of news stories about the discovery of the “Alzheimer’s gene” or the “height gene,” and so on. In truth, a person’s traits are determined by dozens, if not hundreds of individual genes.
At the moment, there is no “sleep apnea gene.” Rather, several genetic factors have been shown to heighten the risk of this disorder.
How Your Genes Can Lead to Sleep Apnea
The following are all determined by your genes and proven to contribute to sleep apnea:
- Having a larger-than-average tongue
- Having a thicker-than-average neck
- Having a narrow or flimsy airway (throat)
- Having narrow nasal passageways
- Pre-disposed to gaining and retaining weight
What You Can Do About It
If you have one or even all of the risk factors touched on above, that does NOT mean you’re “doomed” to feel exhausted due to sleep apnea. The condition, no matter its source, is very responsive to treatment.
While CPAP therapy is the most commonly prescribed option, more and more patients are getting what they need and enjoying better comfort with oral appliance treatment. Provided by a sleep dentist, you’re given a special mouthguard to wear to bed that slightly adjusts your jaw so your airway remains open throughout the night. This means you sleep deeply without interruptions in your breathing, making your mornings (and days) much more pleasant!
Your genes play a big role in your life, but they don’t have to define you, especially when it comes to sleep apnea. One visit to a sleep dentist might be all you need to start making peace with your alarm.
About the Author
Dr. Eduart Shkurti is a highly experienced sleep dentist in Astoria who has helped many patients overcome sleep apnea and snoring using custom-made sleep appliances. He is also an avid supporter of Doctors Without Borders and fluent in both English and Albanian.
To learn more about how he could help you get your sleep under control, schedule an appointment at ED Family Dental by clicking here or calling 646-713-0132.