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If you’re one of many people who struggle with getting enough quality sleep, you may have wondered if sleep apnea might be the culprit preventing a good night’s rest. Almost 80% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed, and it could be the reason your sleep is suffering. 

There are multiple types of sleep apnea, and understanding the different ways it can manifest can help you understand more about this sleep disorder and how it could impact your life. This article will investigate the two most common sleep apnea types: central and obstructive sleep apnea. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes continual breathing interruptions while sleeping. These interruptions can last seconds to minutes and may occur throughout the night.

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the throat muscles relax excessively when you sleep, blocking the airway. The other type is central sleep apnea (CSA), which involves a miscommunication between the brain and the muscles used to breathe.

Untreated sleep apnea can result in serious health issues, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, to surgery in more severe cases. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the airway during sleep. This occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to a blockage that prevents proper airflow.

Risk factors include obesity, age, a family history of sleep apnea, and anatomical features such as a thick neck or enlarged tonsils. Symptoms of OSA can include:

  • Loud Snoring — Often a prominent symptom, though not everyone with OSA snores.
  • Gasping or Choking — Individuals may wake up suddenly feeling like they can’t breathe.
  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness — Frequent disruptions to sleep can lead to fatigue and drowsiness during the day.
  • Difficulty Concentrating — Lack of quality sleep can affect cognitive function.

Diagnosis & Treatment

OSA is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and a sleep study (polysomnography). The most definitive way to diagnose OSA is with a sleep study, which can be done in a lab or at home.

In-lab polysomnography measures various bodily functions while you sleep, including airflow through the nose and mouth, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and brain activity. Home sleep apnea tests are typically used for patients with a high likelihood of OSA and without other complicating factors.

Treatment options often involve CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or surgery in severe cases.

Central Sleep Apnea

CSA is a less common type of sleep apnea. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a physical airway blockage, CSA is related to issues in the brain’s respiratory control centers.

Symptoms of CSA can include the following:

  • Breathing Interruptions — Individuals may experience pauses in breathing that can last several seconds to minutes, often occurring repeatedly throughout the night.
  • Lack of Snoring — Unlike OSA, CSA usually does not involve loud snoring because the airway isn’t blocked.
  • Daytime Symptoms — People with CSA may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.

Causes of Central Sleep Apnea

CSA can arise from several underlying causes, primarily related to how the brain regulates breathing. Here are some common causes.

  • Heart Conditions — Heart failure is a significant risk factor, as it can affect how well the brain communicates with the respiratory muscles.
  • Neurological Disorders — Conditions such as strokes, brain tumors, or degenerative diseases (like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or multiple sclerosis) can disrupt the brain’s ability to control breathing.
  • High Altitude — Sleeping at high altitudes can lead to CSA due to lower oxygen levels, which may affect the brain’s respiratory control.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea — This occurs when someone has OSA and CSA. It is often diagnosed during treatment for OSA.
  • Other Medical Conditions — Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or certain metabolic disorders can also contribute to CSA.
  • Medications — Some medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system (like opioids), can impact breathing regulation during sleep.

Diagnoses and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor breathing patterns and brain activity while you sleep. Treatment options may include using adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines, managing underlying conditions (like heart failure), and lifestyle changes or medications in some cases.

Turn to DreamZz Sleep Center If You Think You May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, but early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference.  If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, DreamZz Sleep Center can help.

Our dedicated team of specialists is committed to providing comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to improve your sleep quality and overall health. We can schedule a consultation in as little as two weeks so you can be on your way to restful sleep in less than a month.

Contact us today and take the first step toward restful nights and revitalized days.