What is Sleep Apnea | Central Sleep Apnea – Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects more than 10 million people in the United States alone. This condition actually causes a person to stop breathing, or to breath very shallow, many times each night. There are basically two types of sleep apnea; Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.

Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea. It is typically caused by your brain failing to tell your muscles that it is time to breathe. In most circumstances, this condition is related to some other serious illness, or condition. Any illness or condition that affects the lower brain stem can cause central sleep apnea. While this condition may occur in conjunction with obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes it occurs alone. Several conditions may be associated with this disease, increasing the likelihood of getting it.

What conditions are associated with central sleep apnea?

Any damage to the brain stem, whether caused by a stroke or injury, can cause this condition. Additionally, many forms of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s or Parkinson’s, appear to be somehow related. Other conditions may include congestive heart failure or primary hyperventilation syndrome.

What are the symptoms central sleep apnea?

As with any form of apnea, symptoms may include feeling tired during the day, having headaches first thing in the morning, being moody and having a difficult time concentrating. Any, or all, of these symptoms may be present. Each individual may experience different symptoms or combination of symptions.