Central Sleep Apnea – Tulsa, OK
The Lesser-Known Version of Sleep Apnea
Although most discussions on sleep apnea are about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this is only the most common form of the disorder. One of the rarest versions, however, is central sleep apnea (CSA), which only affects less than 1% of all individuals. How different can this be from the normal type of sleep disorder, and what can you do to alleviate your condition so that you can improve your rest? Keep reading to learn more about central sleep apnea or call our office to schedule a consultation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs. Central Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Difference
In both cases, a person will experience repeated interruptions or pauses in their breathing during rest. Both OSA and CSA come with similar types of conditions, such as daytime drowsiness, reduced productivity at work, and a higher chance of developing certain health problems.
The main difference between the two is how they occur. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tissues in the upper airway are overrelaxed, restricting free airflow. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send the proper signals to your muscles that control breathing, causing you to stop throughout the night.
What Causes Central Sleep Apnea?
In the cases where CSA doesn’t have an obvious cause, it’s referred to as idiopathic or primary CSA. That said, some potential causes of central sleep apnea include:
- Cheyne-Stokes breathing: Almost half of all CSA cases experience breathing that speeds up, slows down, stops, and repeats in a cycle.
- Medical conditions: Kidney/heart failure, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease can each raise your risk of CSA.
- High altitudes: CSA can occur more frequently at elevations above 8,000 feet.
- Medications: Some narcotic medications can impact your breathing patterns, such as morphine and oxycodone.
Complications of Central Sleep Apnea
Not only is it an annoyance, but CSA can also significantly raise your risk of a wide variety of complications, such as:
- Diabetes
- Uneven heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
If you’re already experiencing major health conditions, including the ones mentioned, CSA can end up worsening the problem and making them more difficult to handle. For instance, a lack of sufficient rest can keep you from maintaining a healthy diet to combat diabetes.
When to See a Doctor About Central Sleep Apnea
If you’re concerned about your quality of sleep or have noticed issues in a loved one’s breathing throughout the night, make sure to schedule an appointment with your general care doctor. Once they’ve understood your symptoms, they may recommend you take a sleep test where machines will monitor your breathing and vitals while you rest. After a professional analyzes your results, they can determine if you have sleep apnea, which kind you have, and then develop a treatment plan for you. Depending on your situation, you might be provided with a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, or a combination of the two.
Central Sleep Apnea FAQs
How Can I Tell if I Have Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea can be difficult to detect on your own because its symptoms often overlap with those of other sleep disorders. You may notice signs such as frequent awakenings during the night, excessive daytime tiredness, or difficulty concentrating. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, you might not experience loud snoring or obvious pauses in breathing, since central sleep apnea involves your brain failing to send the correct signals to your breathing muscles.
It is important to seek a medical evaluation if you experience any signs of a sleep disorder. A healthcare provider will likely recommend a sleep study, known as polysomnography, to accurately diagnose central sleep apnea. This test monitors your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels while you sleep, helping your doctor determine the exact nature of your sleep disorder.
Your medical history and sleep diary may also play a role in helping your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
What Are the Risk Factors for Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea is more likely to occur in certain individuals due to a variety of risk factors, including:
- Heart disorders, such as congestive heart failure
- Stroke or neurological diseases
- Use of certain medications, especially opioids
- High altitude exposure
- Age, particularly being over 65 years old
- Male gender
Each risk factor plays a unique role. For example, heart disorders can affect the regulation of breathing, while certain medications may suppress the respiratory system. High altitude exposure temporarily increases the likelihood of central sleep apnea due to changes in oxygen levels.
Does Central Sleep Apnea Ever Go Away?
The prognosis for central sleep apnea depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. In some cases, central sleep apnea may resolve, especially if it is linked to temporary factors such as high altitude exposure or certain medications. When the triggering factor is removed, your breathing during sleep may return to normal.
For chronic cases associated with medical conditions like heart failure or neurological disorders, central sleep apnea may persist. However, effective treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve sleep quality. Your healthcare provider may recommend therapies such as positive airway pressure devices, supplemental oxygen, or adjustments to medications. Treating the underlying condition often leads to significant improvement.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up are important. Even if central sleep apnea does not go away entirely, you can work with your medical team to minimize its impact.
Is It Possible to Have Both Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Yes, some people have both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. This dual diagnosis, known as complex sleep apnea syndrome or mixed sleep apnea, is fairly rare.
The combination of these two disorders can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging, and it often requires specialized care. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as treatment strategies may differ for each condition. Your healthcare provider may use a sleep study to identify the presence of both types and determine the best course of action.