It is a sleeping disorder that impacts your breathing, forcing it to constantly stop and start during sleep. This health problem develops when the brain stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. Also, this type of sleep apnoea is different from obstructive sleep apnoea, which prevents you from breathing due to upper airway obstruction.
Another common reason for central sleep apnoea is sleeping at a high altitude. However, if you struggle with this issue, treatment for central sleep apnoea is available, which can help you live a normal life.
Generally, central sleep apnoea patients do not experience noticeable symptoms. They usually learn about their problem after visiting a health expert. When symptoms get noticeable, they are usually related to abnormal oxygen levels in the blood and fragmented sleep. Some common symptoms are as follows:
There are several types of central sleep apnoeas. And all of them have different causes, which are discussed below.
When you visit the health expert, they will take your medical history and ask for symptoms. They will also give a referral overnight sleep study and conduct a physical exam. The professionals often begin the diagnosis process by asking the patient and their caregiver or partner about their symptoms.
Your health provider will ask about conditions related to central sleep apnoea, like trouble breathing and breathlessness when lying down. Since there is no set method to diagnose the condition with physical assessment, an exam can provide signs of problems associated with central sleep apnoea.
Untreated central sleep apnoea can lead to several complications. Therefore, you must consult an expert when you notice any signs. Some common risks are:
Your health professional will advise you on various treatment methods and medications, including:
You can prevent central sleep apnoea by maintaining a healthy weight, trying yoga, avoiding drinking and alcohol, using oral appliances, using a humidifier, and altering your sleeping position. Obese or overweight people are more likely to develop central sleep apnoea. Around 12.8% of adult women over 18 are overweight, and 4.5% of adult men are obese, leading to the risk of developing central sleep apnoea. For this, you need to start working on losing enough weight to maintain a healthy weight.