In most situations, when discussing sleep apnea, the topic surrounds obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is because OSA is very common, affecting about 22 million Americans. However, many people aren’t aware that there is another type of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea (CSA). Read on to learn more about the condition, how it works, potential complications, and when to seek professional help.
OSA and CSA are similar because they both consist of repetitive cessions in breathing throughout the night, so the patient experiences similar symptoms. However, the causes of these cessions are different. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tissues in the upper airway relax and “obstruct” the free flow of air. On the other hand, central sleep apnea is due to the brain not sending the correct signals to the muscles that regulate breathing during sleep.
CSA has several different potential causes. Here are the most common ones:
· Cheyne-Stoke Breathing: This condition is apparent in about half of CSA cases. It is a cycle where a person’s breathing speeds up, slows down, stops, and restarts.
· Medications: Narcotic medications, like oxycodone and morphine, can affect your breathing patterns.
· High Altitude: Central sleep apnea is more common at higher altitudes, especially when you are above 8,000 feet.
· Medical Conditions: Medical conditions, like kidney failure, heart failure, and stroke, all increase your risk of CSA.
CSA is associated with many serious health risks. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
· Irregular heartbeat
· High blood pressure
· Obesity
· Diabetes
· Heart failure
· Heart attack
· Stroke
If you already have one of these conditions, developing CSA can worsen them.
If you have concerns about your quality of sleep, or you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it is a good idea to schedule a visit with a sleep dentist. You can discuss your symptoms and see if next steps need to be taken, like a sleep test. If you are diagnosed with CSA, you can work with the doctor to find a treatment that works for you. Some patients see improvement by simply adjusting medications. Others benefit from oral appliance therapy. By seeking help from a professional, you can work to get the quality sleep you need to thrive!
