Central sleep apnea is not the most common form of sleep apnea that we all know of. This form of sleep apnea is caused by the brain. It basically does not send the right signals to tell the body to breathe while you are sleeping. The prognosis is good if the condition is treated.
Common Symptoms
There are several common symptoms of this type of apnea that are prevalent and if you notice or suspect any of the following, please contact your physician to schedule the proper tests to determine the diagnosis.
1. Insomnia. Insomnia is the difficulty in staying asleep. You may continuously wake up throughout the night and technically, it is not insomnia, but most patients tend to blame it on insomnia.
2. Difficulty concentrating.
3. Snoring.
4. Shortness of breath that is relieved whenever you sit up.
5. Immediate or abrupt awakening that is accompanied by shortness of breath.
6. Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep or episodes of abnormal breathing patterns while you are sleeping.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is better to be safe and contact your physician to at least rule out the possibility of this type of apnea.
Risk Factors
All this happens whenever your brain fails to send the proper signals to your breathing muscles. There are actually several different risk factors that can increase your chances of developing this type of apnea.
1. Heart disorders. This type ofing issue is usually present in 30-40% of congestive heart failure cases.
2. Males. Males are actually more likely to develop this type ofing issue than females.
3. Stroke. A stroke affects the brains ability to regulate breathing.
4. Brain tumor. Same affects as a stroke, it affects the brains ability to regulate breathing.
5. High altitudes. Higher altitudes than what you are accustomed to can induce this type ofing issue.
Usually altitudes above 15,000 feet cause this is almost every person that experiences it. Your body will go back to normal once you are at a lower altitude.
6. Opioids. These are drugs such as morphine, oxycodone, codeine and they increase your risk of developing central sleeping issue.
Complications- Complications that are associated with central sleeping issue are: daytime fatigue and cardiovascular problems. Central sleeping issue is associated with repeated awakening throughout your sleep cycle. These repeated awakening make it virtually impossible to get a good night’s sleep; therefore, daytime fatigue is usually the result and a complication of central sleeping issue.
Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that is caused by the body’s inability to breathe during a central sleeping issue episode, increases blood pressure and puts a strain on the cardiovascular system. If you already have heart related problems, this can only make matters worse.
There is a good prognosis for the patient who has been diagnosed with central sleeping issue if they obtain treatment. The physician may prescribe a treatment program that will address your individual needs. It is imperative that you follow your physician’s orders and receive the proper treatment that you and your body needs in order to live a healthy life.
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