Types of Sleep Apnea

Types of Sleep Apnea

Author: Lynn Fugaro

Sleep apnea  is a disorder characterized by a reduction or cessation of breathing and air flow during sleep. It is common among adults but very rare in children. An apnea is a period of time during which breathing stops or is significantly reduced. Simply put, an apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for ten seconds or more. Apneas usually occur during sleep. When an apnea occurs, sleep is disrupted. Sometimes this means the person wakes up completely, but sometimes this can mean the person comes out of a deep level of sleep. Apneas are usually measured during sleep over a two-hour period.

Three Types of

The three types of sleep apneas are central (CSA), obstructive (OSA), and mixed (a combination of the two).

During sleep, the brain instructs the muscles of breathing to take a breath. Central occurs when the brain does not send the signal to the muscle to take a breath, and there is no muscular effort to take a breath. Obstructive occurs when the brain sends the signal to the muscles and the muscles make an effort to take a breath but are unsuccessful because the airway becomes obstructed and prevents the flow of air. The third type of sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea, occurs when there is both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

CSA and its Causes

CSA occurs when the brain does not send the signal to the muscles of breathing. This type of apnea usually occurs in infants or adults with heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or congenital diseases,

but CSA can also be caused by some medications and high altitudes.

CSA, when occurring in premature infants, is defined as apnea lasting more than 20 seconds, usually with a change in heart rate, a reduction in blood oxygen, or hypotonia (a general relaxation of the body’s muscles). CSA is not the same thing as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

OSA

People with obstructive have an airway that is more narrow than normal, usually at the base of the tongue and palate. When lying flat, the palate is above the air passage. When the pharyngeal muscles relax, the palate can fall backwards obstructing the airway. Patients with OSA often do not report waking up during the night.

 OSA can cause the following medical problems  (just to name a few):

· High blood pressure

· Heart problems

· Weight gain

· Constant tiredness

· Diabetes

· Slow metabolism

· Memory/concentration problems

· Depression

· Anxiety

· Sore throat

· Dry mouth

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/types-of-sleep-apnea-286674.html

About the Author:
To learn more about the types of and what treatments are available, please  contact  Chicago-area  cosmetic dentist Dr. Ira Shapira  for more information regarding how  treatment of sleep apnea  can change the way you sleep and the way you live.