Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your breathing pauses or becomes shallow during sleep, disrupting your body’s natural resting state.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke. While most people have heard of sleep apnea, not everyone knows that there are different types of this condition.
In this blog, we will explore the three main types: obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, sometimes called apnea sleep disorder, is a common sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods while asleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to a minute, and they may occur many times during the night.
This interruption can lead to poor sleep quality and other health problems.
Why Understanding Sleep Apnea Matters
Understanding apnea sleep disorder is crucial, as it can help you recognize symptoms, seek proper treatment, and improve your overall health. Knowing about the different types can also make it easier to communicate with healthcare providers.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of apnea sleep disorder are not always obvious. Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, and feeling tired after a full night’s sleep.
Other symptoms include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
The Three Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of apnea sleep disorder:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type – it occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much. This relaxation causes the airway to narrow or close, which stops breathing.
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA can have many causes. Being overweight is a common one. Extra fat around the neck can block the airway.
Large tonsils or a small airway can also cause OSA. Additionally, it sometimes runs in families.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are some clear signs of OSA. Loud snoring and waking up gasping for air are common symptoms. Other symptoms include feeling tired during the day and having a dry mouth in the morning.
Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Treating OSA can help you sleep better. Losing weight is a good start if that’s the cause of your condition.
You can also use a CPAP machine – a device that keeps your airway open while you sleep. Surgery is another option for severe cases of OSA.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common than OSA and occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, it is not caused by a blocked airway.
Causes of CSA
CSA can be caused by medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or brain injury. Certain medications can also lead to CSA.
Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of CSA can be hard to spot. Unlike with OSA, loud snoring is less common with CSA. You might wake up a lot during the night and feel very tired during the day.
Treatment Options for Central Sleep Apnea
Treating CSA usually involves managing the underlying health problem. You might need to change your medications. In some cases, adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) devices are used.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea – it is a combination of OSA and CSA. It occurs when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea events.
Causes of Complex Sleep Apnea
While the cause of complex sleep apnea isn’t fully understood, there are some indications of how many people develop it. It often happens when using a CPAP machine for OSA. The machine helps with OSA symptoms, but CSA symptoms may start to appear.
Symptoms of Complex Sleep Apnea
Symptoms of complex sleep apnea include those of both OSA and CSA. These can be loud snoring, choking during sleep, and waking up gasping for air.
It also includes symptoms like abrupt awakenings and daytime fatigue.
Treatment Options for Complex Sleep Apnea
Treating complex sleep apnea can be tricky. It often involves adjusting the CPAP machine settings. ASV devices might also be used. Working closely with a sleep specialist is important to access the best treatment options.
Apnea Sleep Disorder in Austin, TX
If you suspect you may be experiencing sleep apnea or other sleep-related issues, don’t take chances with your health. At Austin Pulmonary, our team of sleep specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options tailored to your needs.
We understand the impact that quality sleep has on your overall well-being, and we are here to help you reclaim it.
To learn more about apnea sleep disorder, schedule a consultation by calling us at our Cedar Park Office at (512) 977-0123 or South Austin Office at (512) 441-9799. You can also contact us by using our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
