Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interruption in breathing during sleep which can lead to restless sleep.

Type of Sleep Apnea

• Central Sleep Apnea
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Complex Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central sleep apnea occurs when brain stops sending signals to muscles that control breathing. It may be due to secondary to some underlying health conditions, and or certain medications. It is rarest condition of all types of sleep apnea.

Complex Sleep Apnea

This happens when there is an obstruction or blockage of the airway as well as brain stops sending signals to the chest muscles. This may be due to underlying health conditions, alcohol use, smoking, use of certain medications.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by the partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. This blockage occurs when the muscles and soft tissues around the airway relax, causing the airway to collapse. These pauses in breathing can lead to decreased oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels, making it difficult to sleep and potentially harmful to overall health. It is the most common type of sleep apnea.

Causes

OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep due to the relaxation of the muscles and tissues surrounding the throat. This collapse leads to interruptions in breathing, resulting in frequent awakenings throughout the night.

Prevalance of Sleep Apnea

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, approximately 24% of men and 9% of women experience the breathing symptoms of OSA, with or without daytime sleepiness. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of adults with OSA go undiagnosed. OSA can affect individuals of any age, but its prevalence tends to rise with middle and older age. The risk of having sleep apnea increases with an increase in weight, age.