When people talk about sleep apnea, they’re typically referring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as it’s
the most common type of sleep-breathing disorder across the globe. However, millions of people also suffer from
central sleep apnea (CSA), too. Read on to learn more about CSA, including what symptoms to look out for, and how to
identify when it’s time for you to see a sleep
doctor in Glendale.
What is Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea has a lot of the same characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea, so you’ll likely notice
some overlapping information when you read about both. Just like OSA, CSA is a disorder that results in the
cessation of breathing several times throughout the night. However, unlike OSA, it’s not because there’s
an obstruction of the airway.
CSA is a result of the respiratory control center of the brain not sending the right signals to the surrounding
muscles that allow you to inhale and exhale as you sleep. Because it has to do with the brain not firing the proper
signals for the body to function properly, it’s considered a neurological condition.
Causes of Central Sleep Apnea
In some cases, what causes CSA can be completely unknown. However, it can also be the result of specific underlying
conditions, side-effects, and other issues, like the following:
- Cheyne-Stokes Breathing: This condition affects about half of CSA cases and causes a
person’s breathing to speed up, slow down, and stop completely before starting up again.
- Medications: Narcotics, like morphine, are often associated with CSA.
- High Altitude: While Glendale and most places in Arizona aren’t considered high altitude,
if you have lived in a place with an elevation of 8,000+ feet, you may have experienced symptoms of CSA as a
result.
- Medical Conditions: Serious medical concerns like heart and kidney failure, as well as strokes
and Parkinson’s, have also been linked to CSA.
Possible Complications of Central Sleep Apnea
Just like OSA, research has shown that CSA can lead to a higher risk of many of the same health complications. Two of
the most common potential complications of this condition include chronic fatigue due to repeatedly awakening
throughout the night and an inability to get restorative sleep, as well as cardiovascular issues like heart attacks.
This is due to the drop of oxygen levels in the blood, which can impact heart health.
When Should You See a Sleep Doctor?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea in Glendale, even if you’re unsure of how serious your
condition may be, you should visit a sleep doctor for testing. This will provide you with
important details, like how much oxygen your brain and body are getting.
Based on our team of experts’ findings, we
may recommend a variety of treatment methods, including CPAP, BiPAP, or ASV therapy, which all deliver pressurized
air through a mask as you sleep. We may also prescribe certain prescriptions or recommend a more holistic approach
that also addresses your diet or underlying conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Our team is happy to work with you to help you find relief. Simply give us a call to schedule your consultation. We
accept Medicare, insurance, and CareCredit, and
we’ll do everything within our power to help you get the most out of your benefits.
Physicians
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