The Different Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing while sleeping. The pause in breathing comes in different types. This condition may occur in different ways. Variations of this disorder need varied treatments. If you want to know the different types of sleep apnea, here are the details.

CSA (central sleep apnea)

The cause of this nighttime sleep problem is neurological. CSA does not occur because of upper airway obstruction. It does not manifest through snoring. The person stops breathing because the nervous system and the brain do not communicate well. There is a problem with the consistency of their signals.

There may be no symptoms in some people. Others experience difficulty focusing on tasks and sleepiness during the day. Insomnia and waking up in a panicked state are symptoms as well. CSA may result from opiates and congestive heart failure.

OSA (obstructive sleep apnea)

This is the most reported form of this sleep problem. OSA involves the obstruction of the upper airway. The tongue drops on the soft palate while sleeping. The uvula and soft palate drop against the throat. This makes it difficult for the person to breathe. In some cases, it may even be impossible.

Snoring is the usual sign of this disorder. The soft palate and the tongue rattle. Obstruction in the upper airway causes the person to wake up in a panic. Gasping is common in OSA patients.

The body tries to breathe even if the lungs are fine. The blockage prevents the proper oxygenation of the brain. This triggers a reflex to gasp. The brain is telling the body that it needs more oxygen. Studies show that OSA is common in males, pregnant women, back sleepers, and overweight or obese individuals. Other symptoms of OSA are:

• Constant headaches
• Tiredness during the day
• Dry mouth
• Inadequate sleep
• Confusion
• Inability to focus on tasks

CSAS (complex sleep apnea syndrome)

This is a combination of CSA and OSA. CSAS may show during the initial sleep study. In some cases, it becomes clear if the patient’s sleep apnea does not go away after OSA treatments. Other symptoms of CSAS are:

• Dry mouth
• Brief waking moments
• Poor sleep quality
• Insomnia
• Fatigue during the day
• Confusion during waking

Knowing the types of sleep apnea can make treatments more effective

Everyday life can be difficult if you have sleep apnea. Your quality of life can go down. The same may happen to your health. The right treatment will come once the sleep doctor identifies which type of apnea bothers you. Getting the right treatment can help you get restful sleep. This may help lower your risk for developing chronic diseases.

Tiredness during the day is not healthy for anyone. Knowing why you are tired during the day will pinpoint its cause. Your doctor will help you regain good quality sleep. This often begins with a sleep study. This is an important component in determining the right treatment plan for your sleep apnea case.

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