Is sleep apnea inherited?

No: Sleep apnea is not inherited per se. There is no identified gene that causes sleep apnea but it tends to be familial - runs in families.

Yes: Yes, it is often inherited, but not always. One reason has to do with the fact that we look similar to our relatives. The facial bone growth determines the size of the airway and may be narrow in families with sleep apnea. Other familial factors may be obesity, size of tonsils and adenoids, muscle tone and how we breathe when we sleep.

NO NOT REALLY: There is no inherent gene to say this. It's more likely the family traits. Obesity is a big one. If you have the same stature as one or both parents, and they have sleep apnea, you're sure to have it too. Regardless, see a sleep specialist and have a sleep study done. If it is weight you can have control over that.

Depends: What type of sleep apnea? Central or peripheral? I assume you meant peripheral where all patients have an airway issue. This type of sleep apnea depends on the anatomy of the nasal cavity, jaws, tongue, oral cavity and throat with the associated amount of excess tissue. This is not inherited.

OSA unlikely genetic: Less likely in obstructive sleep apnea. Main cause for obstructive is obesity, some other risk factors include age>50, male sex, comorbidities with diabetes and hypertension, body mass index (more likely in overweight), larger than 17 inch neck (men) and 16 inch (females) and enlarged tonsils. Many doctor have to screen for sleep apnea. But just as s central sleep apnea is more genetic related.

Genetic: Good question. We need studies to confirm this but genetic basis could be supported in the fact that asian race though not obese have a narrow airway and can have sleep apnea.