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Permalink Reply by Mike on August 3, 2009 at 1:57pm

presume this finding would hold true for adults too, but i'm no scientist, so not 100% on it.

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Permalink Reply by D. W. Conn on August 3, 2009 at 2:56pm

Let me try and answer.
Have we found the gene embedded in the double helix that has been an identifier for Apnea? Short Answer is no. That doesn’t mean that there is not an apnea gene,
What we can be sure of is this: Families share genetic information passed down to offspring. First we can touch on genetics and body type that was touched on another post. The Ectomorph, the Mesomorph, the Endomorph, or a Combination. ,
Endomorphs tend to be compact, round and heavy. This could be left over from the blending of Neanderthal and Modern man. (This is another story for later). The genes for this type of body style tends to lead to excessive tissue in the throat acerbated by a short and plump neck which can be factors that led to obstructive sleep apnea. The Ectomorph is long slender and tends to have delicate features such as thin jaw, narrow long nose. This in itself wouldn’t cause obstructive sleep apnea BUT the base of the skull could have narrowing that tends to slow the progression of nerve transmission relating to breathing and Central sleep Apnea could occur. (This is possible but rare).
With these few types of genetic differences you can see where genetic related sleep apnea is not only plausible but probable in family lines .

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