12/14/2015 12:11
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Sleep apnea is caused by a cessation in breathing as we sleep. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain not telling the muscles to breathe. This differs from obstructive sleep apnea, in which the patient is not able to breathe because the airways are being blocked. While central sleep apnea can be combined with obstructive sleep apnea, the reasons for not being able to breathe are what differ between the two types of sleep apnea.
Since there is no blockage of the airways, issues with snoring are not necessarily experienced by a person suffering from central sleep apnea. A temporary stoppage of breathing is one of the main symptoms used to identify central sleep apnea. Being tired during the day, waking up a lot at night, morning headaches, memory issues, and mood problems are also considered symptoms of central sleep apnea. These symptoms are usually most easily noticed by a sleep partner, though they can be less obvious than the snoring that is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Failure to treat central sleep apnea can have serious implications for your overall health. Central sleep apnea has been linked to stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and neurological disorders. If you suspect you may be suffering from central sleep apnea, contact our expert in sleep apnea in Thousand Oaks to set up a consultation.