Central Sleep Apnea

Definition

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, caused by the brain's failure to signal the muscles to breathe. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a physical blockage of the airway, central sleep apnea results from a neurological issue in the brain's control of respiration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to signal the muscles to breathe, unlike obstructive sleep apnea which is caused by a physical blockage of the airway.
2. Individuals with central sleep apnea may experience pauses in breathing that last 10 seconds or longer, leading to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels.
3. Cheyne-Stokes respiration, a pattern of alternating deep and shallow breathing, is often associated with central sleep apnea.
4. Central sleep apnea is more common in individuals with heart failure, stroke, or neurological conditions that affect the brain's control of breathing.
5. Treatment for central sleep apnea may include the use of positive airway pressure devices, supplemental oxygen, or medications that stimulate breathing.

Review Questions

• Explain the key difference between central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.
  • The key difference between central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea is the underlying cause of the breathing interruptions. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain's failure to signal the muscles to breathe, whereas obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a physical blockage or obstruction of the airway. In central sleep apnea, the brain does not properly regulate the respiratory muscles, leading to pauses in breathing, while in obstructive sleep apnea, the airway becomes blocked, preventing air from flowing in and out of the lungs.
• Describe the relationship between central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
  • Cheyne-Stokes respiration, a pattern of alternating deep and shallow breathing, is often associated with central sleep apnea. This breathing pattern is characterized by periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of shallow or absent breathing. The Cheyne-Stokes respiration pattern is commonly observed in individuals with central sleep apnea, as the brain's failure to properly regulate breathing can lead to this cyclical breathing disturbance. The presence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration can be a diagnostic indicator of central sleep apnea and may also contribute to the disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels experienced by individuals with this sleep disorder.
• Analyze the potential consequences of untreated central sleep apnea and explain why prompt medical intervention is important.
  • Untreated central sleep apnea can have serious health consequences. The repeated pauses in breathing during sleep can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, daytime fatigue, and an increased risk of complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, the reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia) that occur during central sleep apnea episodes can further strain the cardiovascular system and contribute to the development of other medical conditions. Prompt medical intervention is crucial, as treatment options like positive airway pressure devices, supplemental oxygen, or medications that stimulate breathing can help manage the symptoms of central sleep apnea and mitigate the long-term health risks associated with this sleep disorder.

Related terms

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder caused by the physical obstruction of the airway, leading to repeated pauses in breathing during sleep.

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration: A pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of deep and shallow breathing, often associated with central sleep apnea.

Hypoxia: A condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply, which can occur during central sleep apnea episodes.