Is sleep apnea hereditary?

Zoey116 · Post by **Zoey116** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:05 pm

My mother just did a sleep study during which the nurse(or tech) hinted that my mom has sleep apnea, though she hasn't yet seen her MD about it. I'm wondering if i should try to get tested also since i also have some of the same problems as my mom like insomnia and the constant exhaustion. Is it hereditary or am i just being a hypocondriac?(Spelling?)

Robin in Miami

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:43 pm

Wouldn't hurt at all to have a study yourself. Very good thinking!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:12 am

"Sleep apnea seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis." http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-dis ... et.htm#who

I've read that in other reliable sources as well - it is worth your while to get yourself tested.

And, just in case you're wondering if you're a hypochondriac, read Liz's story

O.

rustynail · Post by **rustynail** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:28 am

When I was a baby my mother took a lot of critique for being overly paranoid because she had screamed for my father "do something, the baby is not breathing" By the time my father would get to my room I would be breathing again. Upon my mother's insistence I was checked by the Doctor who could find nothing wrong with me and my mother was basically told to get a grip on herself, all was well.....

On my father's side of the family there apparently is a problem. There were many unexplainable "crib" deaths of children who were up to the age of preteens. Aunts and Uncles who had heart attacks, strokes and car accidents (sleeping behind the wheel) not uncommon at unusually early ages happening in the family.

Prior to the birth of my son I was adamant that he have a monitor ready and waiting. I live and work in Germany where the health system is very different from here in the States. After lots of jumping up and down they (the doctors) agreed to have him on a monitor directly after birth (mostly to get me to finally shut up). My son had an Apgar rating of 10 out of 10 (perfect health) but despite this it became apparent later in the day that my son also had the Apnea (mixed). He is now almost six and is still on a monitor. When he gets somewhat older he will also have a CPAP "just like Mommy!"

No need to get overly paranoid but having yourself checked could be a good idea

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:16 pm

I and my two brothers have sleep apnea. My dad had a sleep study but the doc said his wasn't bad enough for treatment. Not sure I believe that as I think he has some signs, but not as bad as us three. If you have symptoms, ask your doc for a sleep study.

Tom

Zoey116 · Post by **Zoey116** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:14 pm

just out of curiosity is there any link between different sleep problems? like i used to sleep walk as a child (it only stoped when i got a waterbed and could no longer get out of bed easy, or at least i think thats why i stoped) and also i've been told many times that i talk in my sleep and even sometimes will respond to questions with what seems like lucid answers. I have no idea if i snore or not....only time i was ever told that i had was after drinking to much. ANyways i'll quit rambling for now just wanted to hear what y'all might have to say.

Robin in Miami