Central Sleep Apnea Defined

Central sleep apnea is one of the main types of sleep apnea, which basically results in the brain not sending the signal to breathe to the breathing muscles, and as a result leading to frequent breathing pauses, usually while sleeping, that further leads to oxygen deprivation.

In normal circumstances, it is the brain that monitors and regulates the breathing process, and accordingly sends signals to the throat muscles in charge of breathing. For instance, if the brain senses a reduction in the level of oxygen in the body, or for that matter an increase in the carbon dioxide levels in the blood, then it can send signals to increase the breathing level and thereby regulate the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Central Sleep Apnea Photo

However the problem of central sleep apnea arises when the brain fails to monitor the oxygen-carbon dioxide level, and hence does not send the appropriate signals. For instance, if a patient is suffering from long-term increase in carbon dioxide levels, the brain slowly starts ignoring the oxygen level in the body and only focuses on the carbon dioxide levels. In addition the brain also becomes slow to respond to the oxygen-carbon dioxide levels, hence as a result there is often repetitive cycles of slow breathing, followed by rapid breathing and slow again, and so on and so forth. This abnormal pattern of breathing is what characterises central sleep apnea, and if not treated effectively can lead to serious health problems such as heart diseases etc. Central sleep apnea usually occurs both when the patient is awake or asleep, but the problem is usually compounded when he/she is asleep.

Central Sleep Apnea in Children

Central sleep apnea can occur both in premature and normal newborn babies. It is also common in adults, especially those who have other medical conditions related to the heart. When normal apnea is said to last more than 20 seconds, it falls under this category and results in reduction in oxygen levels, changes in the heart rate etc which can be quite dangerous. Hence it is important to keep a close eye if you suspect some one close to you has symptoms of central sleep apnea. Usually specialists use overnight monitors or other sleep studies to diagnose central sleep apnea.

If diagnosed, it is important to treat central sleep apnea as effectively and quickly as possible. In the case of central apnea in children, doctors tend to use apnea alarms to monitor the breathing pattern of the child. If the child experiences apnea symptoms, the alarm goes off, immediately indicating the same to the parents who can then take necessary action. Usually as the child grows, the apnea tends to disappear and hence the monitor is no longer needed. However in the case of central sleep apnea in adults, the common way to treat the disorder is by treating the underlying problem/condition that causes central sleep apnea. Heart diseases are common causes, apart from certain other conditions/problems; hence by taking care of these problems, one is able to take care of central sleep apnea.