Is There a Genetic Component to Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the airway during sleep, also has genetic underpinnings. Genetic predispositions to obesity, craniofacial structure, and upper airway muscle tone can contribute to OSA. Variants in genes like TNF-α, IL-6, and others that regulate inflammation and muscle function have been implicated in OSA.
