Regulatory variation at serotonin receptor 1F (HTR1F) modulates arousals and risk for sleep apnea

Abstract

Background Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting at least ten percent of the population. It is caused by lack of breathing during sleep, typically mediated by obstruction of airways or less frequently by misdirected central signals for breathing. The primary risk factor is a high body mass index (BMI), causing airway obstruction. However, understanding risk factors for sleep apnea in non-obese (BMI < 30) individuals requires further exploration.