What is Central Sleep Apnea?
Most people with sleep apnea have what is called obstructive sleep apnea. This is when your airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing you to snore. However, there is another type of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea. This is when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to your muscles to keep your airway open. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea, but it can be just as dangerous.
If you have central sleep apnea, you may be prescribed a positive airway pressure (PAP) machine. This machine helps to keep your airway open by blowing air into your lungs. If you have central sleep apnea, you may also be prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This machine is similar to a PAP machine, but it also has a feature that helps to keep your airway open even when you’re not breathing.
If you have central sleep apnea, you may be at risk for heart failure. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to many health problems. If you have central sleep apnea, you should see a sleep medicine specialist. He or she can help you find the right treatment for your condition.
There are several treatment options for central sleep apnea. One treatment option is weight loss. If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can help to reduce your risk for central sleep apnea. Another treatment option is to use an upper airway pressure (UAP) device. This device helps to keep your airway open by delivering air to your upper airway.
If you have central sleep apnea, you may also be prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This machine is similar to a PAP machine, but it also has a feature that helps to keep your airway open even when you’re not breathing.
If you have central sleep apnea, you may be at risk for heart failure. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to many health problems. If you have central sleep apnea, you should see a sleep medicine specialist. He or she can help you find the right treatment for your condition.
Causes of Central Sleep Apnea
There are many different sleep disorders that can cause central sleep apnea. The most common are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea. Other less common sleep disorders include restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and insomnia.
Adaptive servo ventilation is a treatment that can be used for central sleep apnea. This treatment helps to regulate breathing by providing a steady stream of air to the lungs.
Blood pressure is often the underlying cause of central sleep apnea. When blood pressure is too high, it can cause the breathing muscles to relax too much and collapse. This can block the airway and cause central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. It can occur dozens of times an hour. Each apnea can last for several seconds to minutes.
If you have central sleep apnea, you may not be aware of it because it can occur while you’re asleep. However, there are signs and symptoms that may suggest you have the condition, including:
1. Waking up gasping or choking
If you have central sleep apnea, you may wake up feeling like you’re gasping for air or choking. This can happen because your brain is signaling your body to breathe, but your body isn’t responding.
2. Loud snoring
Loud snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has the condition. If you snore loudly and you also have other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, see your doctor.
3. Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
If you have sleep apnea, you may have episodes of breathing that stop during sleep. These episodes can last from a few seconds to minutes. You may snore when your breathing is interrupted or stop breathing altogether.
4. Waking up feeling tired
If you have sleep apnea, you may wake up feeling tired or unrefreshed even though you’ve had enough sleep. You may also have trouble staying asleep or have insomnia.
5. Morning headaches
Sleep apnea can cause headaches in the morning. The lack of oxygen to your brain during sleep may be the cause.
Treatment for Central Sleep Apnea
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not central sleep apnea can be cured. The best way to determine if a particular treatment will be effective for a person with central sleep apnea is to consult with a sleep specialist.
There are a number of different treatment options for central sleep apnea, and the most appropriate option will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, treatment may be as simple as making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. In other cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary, such as the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices or surgery.
No matter what treatment option is chosen, it is important to keep in mind that central sleep apnea is a chronic condition that will require lifelong management. With proper treatment, however, many people with central sleep apnea are able to lead normal, healthy lives.