Find Out if Genetics Increases Your Chances of Sleep Apnea in Bothell

Is it hard for you to function when you roll out of bed in the morning? Do you find yourself yawning constantly throughout the day, only to wake up the next morning feeling just as exhausted? While there are many symptoms associated with sleep apnea in Bothell, it may be that your genetics are playing a role in your condition. Find out just how much, if at all, your genetics can increase your likeliness of developing sleep apnea.

Can Genetics Influence My Chances of Developing Sleep Apnea?

It’s important to note that there is no definitive gene that will guarantee you will develop sleep apnea; however, you may have certain traits or characteristics that might make you more prone to it. If you were these genes “risk factors,” some of these would include:

• Obesity: Considered to be one of the most prominent causes of obstructive sleep apnea, if you have a predisposition to weight gain, you will have an increased chance of developing this disorder. When fat builds around your throat, it can make it easier for your airway to collapse while you sleep, thus, creating the apnea.
• Large tonsils or adenoids: Both of these traits can be passed on genetically. If either exists, it can certainly affect your sleep quality and restrict your airway.
• Neurological disorders: Does Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s run in your family? If so, these diseases, as well as Huntington’s Disease and epilepsy can make it difficult for your brain to signal your body for its need to breathe. When you stop breathing at night, your brain must send a signal to your body in order for you to continue breathing again.

What Can I Do to Manage My Sleep Apnea?

No matter how or why you develop sleep apnea, there are plenty of treatment solutions available to help those who suffer from this condition. Not only can you manage your sleep apnea with exercise and eating a well-balanced diet, but you can talk to your dentist about having your tonsils and adenoids removed. Also, if you have a neurological disorder, it is suggested that you seek options for therapy and medications to help prevent symptoms.

You can also talk to your doctor about being properly diagnosed with a sleep study. If it is declared that you have sleep apnea, your dentist in Bothell may suggest:

• A CPAP machine that helps to keep your airway open while you sleep. Patients wear a mask that is connected to an air pump. This keeps a constant airflow going.
• Oral appliance therapy, which is small and compact, and can be worn at night. This device adjusts your lower jaw, moving it forward to keep your airway open during the night.

Whether it’s genetics or something else that is the reason behind your sleep apnea, there are treatment options available. You don’t have to keep losing sleep and putting your health at risk. Talk to your dentist today about how you can get help for your sleep apnea.

About the Author
Dr. Henry Hsue, DMD, graduated from UCSD with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. He then continued his post-graduate learning at Boston University School of Dental Medicine. There he graduated with High Honors and received various clinical and academic awards of excellence. Not only is he dedicated to improving smiles, but Dr. Hsue and his team at Annigan Dental want to help those patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. To learn more about our services and how we can help you get the sleep you need, contact us at (425) 492-6898.