What is central sleep apnea How can you treat it
                     What is central sleep apnea? 
How can you treat it?
Central sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder. It is a condition where your 
breathing starts and stops in the middle of the night. The problem results 
from miscommunication between the brain and body. This type of sleep 
apnea is different from obstructive sleep apnea, in which the inhalation and 
exhalation process is hindered because of obstruction in the airway. For those 
interested in learning more about central sleep apnea and its treatments, 
more information is provided in the following sections. Have a look!
What is central sleep apnea?
In people with central sleep apnea, the brain fails to send signals to the 
muscles responsible for managing the breathing process. As a result, the 
oxygen does not reach the lungs. The problem can result from health 
problems like heart failure and stroke or might affect people when they are at 
a high altitude. The common sleep apnea symptoms that appear in this 
condition are abrupt awakenings, abnormal breathing patterns, difficulty in 
concentrating on tasks, excessive daytime sleepiness, mood changes, and 
morning headaches.
How can you treat and diagnose the 
condition?
Diagnosis:
People with central sleep apnea should visit a sleep specialist if they notice 
the above signs. After interviewing you, he will decide on the need to 
evaluate your condition further. If he suspects CSA, you will be asked to 
undergo a polysomnography test which involves monitoring the patient 
overnight. During the process, some wires and equipment are connected to 
your heart, lungs, and brain to study their activity. Furthermore, things like 
breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and leg movements are also noted.
Treatments:
The treatment options include:
Addressing associated problems: Central sleep apnea results from other 
disorders or ailments in many people. So, going to the root cause and treating 
the underlying causes might help cure the condition. For example, offering 
therapy for heart failure can affect sleep apnea.
Supplemental oxygen: One of the recommended treatments for central sleep 
apnea patients is supplemental oxygen. Air can be delivered to your lungs 
using several devices.
Reduction of opioid meds: Taking certain medications leads to other health 
complications. This is also the case with opioid meds. If your CSA results from 
these meds, your doctor will ask you to reduce the dosage.
CPAP machine: Using the CPAP device involves wearing a mask around your mouth 
and nose when asleep. This mask is attached to a pump, ensuring continuous 
pressurised air delivery to keep the airway open.
Adaptive servo-ventilation: If the CPAP is not proving effective in your case, you 
might be suggested adaptive servo-therapy. In this treatment also, pressurised air is 
delivered to your lungs. But, the pressure is changed breath-by-breath during 
inhalation to smoothen the breathing pattern.
BiPAP: The bi-level positive airway pressure machine also alternates the pressure. So, 
the pressure is different when you breathe in, and when you breathe out, it is 
changed again. But, what makes it different is that, unlike ASV, with BiPAP, the 
pressure during inhalation is fixed.
So, these are a few treatment options for people suffering from central sleep apnea.
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