Can Sleep Disorders Run In Families?

Have you ever wondered if your sleep issues might be something you've inherited from your family? Many of us struggle with sleep but often overlook the possibility that these issues could be a condition that runs in our family. 

Understanding whether your sleep issue has a hereditary element could help you unlock more restful nights and enjoy better overall health. At Modern Migraine MD, led by board-certified neurologist Risa Ravitz, MD, our team of providers helps you do just that. 

At our offices in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, and using telehealth across 13 states, our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions, including sleep disorders. 

We emphasize the importance of professional evaluation and personalized care plans to effectively manage and treat sleep problems. If you’ve wondered whether sleep disorders might run in your family and what that means for you, keep reading. 

Sleep disorders without clear genetic links

Sleep disorders frequently develop for reasons that aren’t necessarily linked to any specific hereditary element. 

Genetics may play a role. But just as often, people with sleep issues don’t have a family history of the disorder, making the link unclear. These conditions include: 

Central sleep apnea

Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is a neurological issue that is typically associated with other health issues, like heart failure or stroke rather than genetic factors.

Circadian rhythm disorders

Environmental factors often influence these disorders, which put your internal clock out of sync with the sun. There may be a genetic predisposition in how certain people adapt to these external cues, however, this link isn’t yet clear.

Parasomnias

The disorders that fall under this group include sleepwalking and night terrors. These issues can sometimes appear in families but are also heavily influenced by environmental factors.

Sleep disorders often linked to genetics

Several sleep disorders have stronger genetic components, making them more likely to occur among family members. They include:

Fatal familial insomnia (FFI)

This rare genetic disorder involves progressive insomnia, leading to significant physical and mental deterioration. It can cause coma and sometimes death. 

REM sleep behavior disorder

Often seen in families, this disorder causes people to act out their dreams during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, leading to potentially harmful actions.

Central nervous system hypersomnia

This group of conditions includes issues like narcolepsy, where genetics can play a significant role in the development of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Why accurate diagnosis with a neurology expert matters

Diagnosing sleep disorders accurately is extremely important because it determines the treatment strategy that will best help your symptoms. 

For example, treating central sleep apnea involves addressing the underlying conditions, while managing FFI or REM sleep behavior disorder requires different approaches. 

A neurology specialist can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation that considers both genetic predispositions and environmental influences. 

At Modern Migraine MD, Dr. Ravitz and our team conduct thorough neurological assessments, including medical history reviews, sleep studies, and genetic testing where appropriate. 

This comprehensive approach helps make sure that any treatment plan created addresses your specific needs and condition, whether your sleep disorder is genetically inherited or influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors.

Understanding whether your sleep disorder has a genetic link is an important step toward effective treatment. Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation at Modern Migraine MD, and let us help you get better sleep.