Genetics of sleep disordered breathing (syndromes excluded)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present the approach, the main methods and the main results obtained in the study of the genetics of sleep disordered breathing. It is not an exhaustive systematic review of the literature but a didactic presentation to aid understanding of current research in the domain. It highlights the existence of a genetic predisposition to developing respiratory sleep disorder, from simple snoring to sleep apnea syndrome. The genes and pathways most frequently identified are those involved in inflammation.