Is obstructive sleep apnea hereditary if a parent has it?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father snores heavily and was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. Since then, I have been constantly worrying about myself. I am 24 years old and often wake up feeling tired even after sleeping for seven to eight hours. Sometimes I also feel as though I stop breathing during sleep. I keep second-guessing whether my tiredness is normal or a warning sign, and I have become anxious about going to sleep because I am hyperaware of my breathing. My questions are:

Is obstructive sleep apnea hereditary if a parent has it?
In obstructive sleep apnea, how much do genetics contribute compared with lifestyle factors?
Should I consider getting a sleep study done now, or am I overreacting?
What symptoms would make doctors more concerned about obstructive sleep apnea at my age?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

If your parent has obstructive sleep apnea, your own risk is higher, but it does not mean that you will definitely develop it as well. Genetics can influence factors such as jaw structure, airway size, and how easily the throat collapses during sleep, while lifestyle factors like body weight, alcohol intake, nasal blockage, and sleep habits also play a major role.

Your symptoms, including waking up tired despite adequate sleep, feeling as though you stop breathing, and having a family history of obstructive sleep apnea, are worth evaluating, especially if you also snore, gasp during sleep, or feel excessively sleepy during the daytime.

Anxiety can also make you more aware of normal breathing changes during the night, so not every sensation necessarily indicates dangerous sleep apnea.

You are not overreacting by considering a sleep study. A doctor may recommend a home sleep apnea test or an overnight sleep study to determine whether obstructive sleep apnea is present. If it is diagnosed early, it is usually very treatable with measures such as lifestyle modification, side sleeping, oral appliances, or CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy if needed.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.