After a long day, a good night’s sleep is essential in order to function properly and conquer the next day. Have you ever woken up and realized you are panting because you could not breathe properly? Chances are you are suffering from central sleep apnea. Now you may be wondering what exactly central sleep apnea is?
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is an affliction associated with abnormal breathing while sleeping. People who have sleep apnea have numerous prolonged pauses in their breathing while sleeping. These brief breathing pauses impair sleep quality and reduce the body’s supply of oxygen, possibly resulting in serious medical complications.
Medical doctors suggest it is a result of a serious ailment concentrated in the lower part of the brain, thus affecting breathing. Sometimes in babies, it can lead to pauses that last about 20 seconds.
What Causes Central Sleep Apnea?
Generally, central sleep apnea causes vary with the type you are suffering from. When your central nervous system fails to transmit commands to your respiratory muscles, you come face to face with this condition.
Central sleep apnea can be triggered by a mixture of conditions that impair your brain stem’s potential to direct your breathing. The brainstem connects your brain to your spinal cord and regulates many parameters such as heart rate and breathing. Doctors advise taking care of your diet, as severe obesity may lead to this ailment as well.
What Are The Symptoms Of Central Sleep Apnea?
Breathing pauses are considered the most common central sleep apnea symptom. It does not normally cause snoring the same way that obstructive sleep apnea does. However, there are some other easily noticeable symptoms associated with CSA that one definitely needs to keep an eye out for. These are as follows:
- Apparent episodes of non-breathing or unusual breathing patterns while sleeping
- Awakenings that are sudden and followed by breathlessness
- Having trouble falling asleep
- Excessive drowsiness during the day
- Having trouble focusing
- Memory and mood issues
- Sweating at night.
- Urinating frequently at night.
In children, the symptoms may not be prominent and it can be difficult to know if they are suffering from central sleep apnea. Some common symptoms to look for in children are:
- During the day, mouth breathing and swallowing are challenging.
- When inhaling, the ribcage moves inward.
- Less active throughout the day
- Poor academic performance
- Noticeable learning changes
What Are The Types Of Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea is broadly categorized into 2 main types: hyperventilation and hypoventilation.
In the latter’s case, the brain is unable to give signals for correct breathing, resulting in a buildup of carbon dioxide in the body. Some types of hypoventilation are as follows:
Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS):
CCHS is an extremely uncommon hereditary disorder that mostly affects babies and children under the age of five. In both consciousness and sleep, the brain doesn’t send stimulus to breathe.
Narcotic-Induced Central Sleep Apnea:
Illicit drug usage, such as the use of opioids or heroin, impairs the brain’s capacity to effectively start and restrict breathing in this sort of central sleep apnea.
Medical Condition induced Central Sleep Apnea:
This subtype is frequently caused by a stroke, tumour, or trauma to the brain. Usually, the brain stem is compromised, which is a portion of the brain that controls respiration.
Hyperventilation is the second type of central sleep apnea. It is caused by erroneous progression and respiration regulation.
Idiopathic Central Sleep Apnea:
The term “idiopathic” refers to the lack of an obvious cause, so this type of CSA happens without an easily recognizable cause.
Periodic Breathing Caused by Altitude:
Higher altitudes like over 8,000 feet can cause this type of CSA. The breathing of an individual gets faster and bigger and may also induce breathing pauses while sleeping.
Cheyne-Stokes breathing:
Cheynes-Stokes breathing is a category of central sleep apnea that is prevalent in people with heart diseases like Cardiac arrest and atrial fibrillation. Breathing pauses of 30 seconds to 2 minutes are common in this ailment.
Does Sleep Apnea Go Away?
There is no simple answer to it. Sleep apnea is classified as a chronic condition. But, in mild cases, recovery is possible with the right treatment. Many doctors recommend losing weight and increasing physical activity to help control the symptoms. In chronic cases, the road to recovery can be difficult and sometimes with no positive signs. Still, with the right mindset and consistency, you will soon find yourself having a good night’s sleep and a more fulfilled life.
Final Thoughts
Central sleep apnea can be a condition that can decrease the quality of your life and affect your mental and physical health adversely. However, with the right treatment and suggestions, it is possible to combat this ailment and gradually improve your living condition.
