Sleep apnea is not a singular condition, but rather a group of disorders characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. Principally, it breaks down into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea. Read on to gain a better understanding of the three types of sleep apnea and their implications.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Before we dive into the types of sleep apnea, let’s quickly understand what sleep apnea is. Sleep apnea is a prevalent, serious sleep disorder in which an individual’s breathing intermittently stops and starts during sleep. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting millions of adults and some children worldwide.
Causes and Symptoms of OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax. This relaxation obstructs the airway, causing breathing to stop and start during sleep, leading to snoring and a notable decrease in blood oxygen.
Diagnosing and Treating OSA
Doctors diagnose OSA primarily through a sleep study. Therapies for OSA range from lifestyle changes to mouthpieces, breathing devices, and in some instances surgery.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is a less common type of sleep apnea. This condition occurs not because of any obstruction but because the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Causes and Symptoms of CSA
The cause of central sleep apnea is more related to the function of the central nervous system than physical blockages. CSA can be associated with severe illnesses like heart disease and stroke.
Diagnosing and Treating CSA
Diagnosis of CSA also may involve monitoring your breathing and other body functions during sleep. Treatment for CSA usually involves treating existing conditions, using a device to assist breathing or using supplemental oxygen.
Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSAS)
Complex sleep apnea syndrome (CompSAS) is a form of sleep apnea in which a person has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Causes and Symptoms of CompSAS
This type of sleep apnea often occurs in individuals who have a history of obstructive sleep apnea and are undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy but still have apnea events.
Diagnosing and Treating CompSAS
The diagnosis is based on the results of a sleep study or polysomnography test. Treatment typically includes treating both forms of sleep apnea, using a combination of therapies that could involve CPAP, positional therapy, or oral appliances.
In Conclusion
Remember, sleep apnea is treatable, and there are steps you can take to mitigate its effects. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing any form of sleep apnea, reach out to us here at the Bend Headache Center to discuss your symptoms. Your sleep health is crucial for your overall health.
