Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

WHAT IS IT?

Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. This condition is different from obstructive sleep apnea, in which you can't breathe normally because of upper airway obstruction. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea.

Treatments for central sleep apnea might involve treating existing conditions, using a device to assist breathing or using supplemental oxygen.

SYMPTOMS

Common signs and symptoms of central sleep apnea include:

• Observed episodes of not breathing or abnormal breathing patterns during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Morning headaches
• Snoring

Although snoring indicates some degree of airflow obstruction, snoring can also be heard in the presence of central sleep apnea. However, snoring may not be as prominent with central sleep apnea as it is with obstructive sleep apnea.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

Consult a medical professional if you have — or if your partner notices — any signs or symptoms of central sleep apnea, particularly the following:

• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you're working, watching television or even driving

Ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued, sleepy and irritable. Excessive daytime drowsiness can be due to other disorders, such as not allowing yourself time to get enough sleep at night (chronic sleep deprivation), sudden attacks of sleep (narcolepsy) or obstructive sleep apnea.

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