Sleep Apnea Blog

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Mixed Sleep Apnea- are the three different types of sleep apneas. All three types are dangerous medical conditions causing sleep deprivation and oxygen deprivation.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common. This type of sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction which stops the flow of air to the nose and mouth.  This obstruction can be caused when a tissue in the upper throat collapse and causes air to become blocked and breath is temporarily stopped.  Eventually lack of oxygen causes the lungs to suck in air. The individual suffering with OSA usually does not realize this occurs.  More often a sleeping partner notices there is a problem.

Central Sleep Apnea is a neurological disorder, unlike Obstructive Sleep Apnea which is a physical disorder.  With CSA the brain sends confusing signals to the respiratory system causing the breathing process to stop. The individual suffering from CSA will gasp for air to resume the breathing process. There are actually five types of CAS.   Idiopathic central sleep apnea; Cheyne-Stokes respiration; Medical condition induced apnea; High-altitude periodic breathing; and Drug or substance induced apnea.

As the name implies, Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.

All three types of sleep apnea have the same symptoms.  Load snoring accompanied by gasping and snorting sounds; abrupt awakenings with a shortness of breath; insomnia; excessive daytime sleepiness; and problems with concentration and memory.  Left undiagnosed and/or untreated sleep apnea can lead to the following medical conditions: cardiovascular problems; daytime fatigue; and complications with medications and surgery.

There are certain factors that can put individuals at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea. These factors include:

• Excess weight, areas of fat around the upper airway can cause a breathing obstruction.
• Neck circumference. Neck size may indicate increased risk of OSA. A neck circumference of more than 17 inches for men and more than 15 inches for women are a considered to be at increased risk for OSA.
• High blood pressure. OSA is fairly common in individuals that suffer from this disorder.
• Narrowed airway. A naturally narrow throat or enlarged tonsils or adenoids may block an individual’s airway.
• Chronic nasal congestion. OSA occurs in individuals that have consistent nasal congestion – no matter the cause of the congestion.
• Diabetes – OSA common occurs in individuals who have this disease.
• Male – men are more likely to have OSA.
• Race – African Americans, Hispanic, and individuals from the Pacific Islands are more likely to have OSA.
• Age – OSA commonly occurs in elderly adults.
• Menopause – the risk of a woman to develop OSA increases after menopause.
• Family history – individuals with a family history of sleep apnea are more likely to also to develop sleep apnea.
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers – individuals using any of these substances cause the throat muscles to relax and the development of sleep apnea.
• Smoking – individuals who smoke are likely to develop OSA.

There are certain factors that can put individuals at risk for developing central sleep apnea. These factors include:

• Being male.
• Being diagnosed with congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
• Result of a stroke or brain tumor
• Living at a high altitude.
• Taking certain medications that affect breathing.