Sleep apnea is a common but serious health condition that affects millions of people. It often disrupts quality sleep and impacts overall health.
At Summit Healthcare, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), our team performs sleep studies and diagnoses patients with various types of sleep apnea. This guide explains the different forms and can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea comes in three main forms: Obstructive, central, and mixed.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This is the most common sleep apnea type. It involves a physical blockage of the airway during sleep. This blockage is often caused by relaxed throat muscles or excess tissue that temporarily collapses into the airway.
People with OSA may snore loudly, gasp, or choke while sleeping. This condition interrupts oxygen flow. As a result, it often leaves individuals feeling tired and unrefreshed in the morning.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea results from a communication issue between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. The brain momentarily fails to signal these muscles, pausing breathing.
CSA is often tied to other conditions, such as heart failure or neurological diseases. This type of sleep apnea usually requires a different treatment approach than OSA.
Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Complex sleep apnea is also called mixed or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. It combines tenets of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Sometimes, people with complex sleep apnea start with OSA and develop CSA as a reaction to using a CPAP machine (a device that helps people breathe better while they sleep). People with complex sleep apnea may require a mix of therapies and close monitoring.
Why Diagnosis Matters
Determining which type of sleep apnea you have is essential for effective treatment. A sleep study is often recommended to accurately diagnose the kind of sleep apnea and evaluate your breathing patterns throughout the night.
With the results of a sleep study, your healthcare provider can develop a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Take the Next Step with Summit Healthcare
If sleep apnea symptoms affect your daily life, take the first step toward restful sleep by scheduling a consultation with Summit Healthcare.
We offer comprehensive sleep studies and personalized treatment options to help you achieve better sleep. Call us at 928-537-6303 to make your appointment.
