Sleep is supposed to be a time of rest and recovery, but for some, it becomes a nightly struggle to breathe. While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more commonly known sleep disorder, central sleep apnea (CSA) presents its own unique challenges. Unlike OSA, where the airway is physically blocked, CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can lead to repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, disrupting sleep and impacting overall health. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, Advanced Homecare is here to help coordinate sleep studies and deliver the best sleep apnea supplies to improve your sleep quality.
What is Central Sleep Apnea?
CSA is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to the brain’s inability to regulate respiration properly. Unlike OSA, where snoring and choking sounds are common, CSA is often silent. The condition can lead to fragmented sleep, decreased oxygen levels, and excessive daytime fatigue.
Symptoms of CSA can be subtle, but some of the most common signs include waking up frequently during the night, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and feeling tired despite getting a full night’s rest. Since CSA doesn’t always present with loud or obvious symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it until they undergo a sleep study.
What Causes Central Sleep Apnea?
There are several possible causes of CSA, each affecting the way the brain communicates with the respiratory system. One common risk factor is heart failure, where fluid buildup and circulation issues impact the brain’s ability to regulate breathing. Certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or brainstem injuries, can also interfere with the body’s natural breathing rhythm.
Another potential trigger is the use of opioid medications, which can suppress the brain’s respiratory centers. Even people without underlying health issues can develop CSA in response to high-altitude environments where oxygen levels are lower. In some cases, CSA occurs with no identifiable cause, known as idiopathic CSA. Identifying the underlying reason for the condition is key to finding the right treatment.
How is Central Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Because CSA doesn’t always produce obvious symptoms, diagnosis often requires a polysomnography (PSG), or sleep study. During a sleep study, specialists monitor brain activity, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate to determine whether a person has CSA or another sleep disorder.
Learn more about how a sleep study works here!
A sleep study can also help differentiate between CSA and OSA, which is essential for treatment. Some people may have a combination of both conditions, known as mixed or complex sleep apnea. Proper diagnosis ensures that the right therapy is chosen to improve sleep and overall health.
Treatment Options for Central Sleep Apnea
Treating CSA often requires a different approach than OSA, as standard CPAP machines may not be effective. One of the most successful treatments for CSA is adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), a type of positive airway pressure therapy that continuously adjusts airflow based on the patient’s breathing patterns. Unlike traditional CPAP, ASV adapts in real-time to ensure smooth, consistent breathing.
Another option is BiPAP with a backup rate, which not only provides two levels of air pressure (one for inhaling and one for exhaling) but also includes a setting that triggers a breath if the patient’s breathing stops. This can be especially useful for those with opioid-induced CSA or severe breathing irregularities.
For people whose CSA is linked to an underlying health condition, treating that condition may improve or even resolve the sleep apnea. Heart failure patients, for example, may see improvements in their CSA symptoms with optimized cardiovascular treatment. Reducing opioid use or adjusting medications can also help in cases where CSA is drug-induced.
Take Control of Your Sleep Health
Central sleep apnea can take a toll on energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, better sleep is within reach. If you suspect you may have CSA or another sleep disorder, getting tested is the first step toward reclaiming restful nights. Advanced Homecare offers expert sleep study coordination and a full range of sleep apnea supplies to help you breathe easier. Contact us to coordinate an at-home or in-lab sleep study today and take the first step toward better sleep.
