Sleep Apnea Types

Types

There are three types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of the disorder while central sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea are significantly rarer.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the tissues of the pharynx obstruct breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea results from a combination of physical causes including a constricted airway, obesity, bone structure, tonsil shape, tongue shape, and excel tissue in the airway. The nasal passages might also be blocked. No matter the specific reason, the cause for OSA is similar and involves an obstructed airflow passageway.

Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth, obesity, depression, irritability, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, hypertension, weight gain, or weight loss.

People who are at risk for OSA are men above the age of 50, women who have gone through menopause, and individuals who are overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause substantial damage, especially to the heart, by causing hypertension and heart palpitations. Jaw shape and the size of the windpipe are also factors that affect sleep apnea.

Lifestyle adjustments such as weight loss, diet, and exercise can help treat OSA.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is much rarer than OSA. This type of sleep apnea causes the brain to malfunction and interfere with regular breathing. In most situations, central sleep apnea develops as a result of a head injury or stroke.

With this type of sleep apnea, the brain periodically stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. A person who experiences central sleep apnea will show many symptoms that are similar to OSA including restless sleep, daytime fatigue, and headaches. If a sleep apnea patient has an underlying neurological problem, he or she will show additional symptoms including trouble swallowing, changes in voice, weakness, tingling, and numbness. People with central sleep apnea do not always snore.

For this type of sleep apnea, a patient may need to take medications that help facilitate breathing. Patients with central sleep apnea should avoid using sedatives.

Central sleep apnea can develop from regular opiate use.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

People with mixed sleep apnea experience both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. This disorder is rare and occurs as a result of sustaining damage. When obstructive sleep apnea is enduring, central sleep apnea may develop as a result.