Sleep apnea is one of the more severe sleep disorders, the result of periods when you actually stop breathing during the night. This problem can be due to a blockage of the nasal passages or oral airway. It can also be due to a problem with the central nervous system when the brain fails to tell the body to keep breathing regularly.
Each time that you stop breathing, your body is deprived of the oxygen supply that is vital for your health. Sleep apnea does more than make you feel like you are always tired. It puts a strain on your heart and can increase your risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack. What you may not realize is that your sleep disorder could be inherited.
Research suggests that sleep disorders could be genetic
Scientists have focused on families and the connection with sleep disorders, even focusing on twins with similar sleep problems. It is believed that environment, physical condition, and genetics all play a part in a variety of sleep disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea. Recent research has gone as far as finding gene mutations in family members that share a particular sleep disorder.
Sleep disorders could run in your family
Take a look at the members of your family and your ancestors. There’s a good chance that you can trace problems with sleeping back through the generations. When your grandfather was always restless at night, it could have been his sleep disorder at the root of the problem. Understanding family connections can help you to find answers for yourself and think ahead for future generations as well.
Be sure to get help with your sleep disorder
Regardless of why you have a sleep disorder, you need to take care of yourself. Seek help from a sleep disorder specialist or sleep disorder dentist to get to the bottom of your problems during the night. With effective treatment options, you can rest well once more.
Not only will you be able to have pleasant dreams, you will also be taking better care of your health as well.