Its underlying cause is different from that of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Cause: Central sleep apnea (CSA)  is a breathing disorder during sleep which occurs when the brain fails to activate the respiratory muscles. The brain fails to tell the body to breathe. There is no obstruction of the airway.

The exact cause of central sleep apnea is not known.  In some disorders there is damage to neural pathways involved in respiratory control. CSA can  be seen in :

• Neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or after a stroke
• Congestive heart failure in patients who have Cheyne- Stokes type of breathing pattern
• Usage of narcotic or opioid pain medications. Fortunately, this resolves with discontinuation of therapy

Symptoms : If central sleep apnea occurs repeatedly during the night, it leads to fragmented sleep and less deep sleep. This may result in excessive daytime sleepiness.

Diagnosis : Central sleep apnea can be diagnosed with a sleep study called a polysomnogram.

Treatment

Bilevel therapy (also called BiPAP or VPAP) by providing a flow of air delivered through a face mask while sleeping. The air is pressurized by a small machine and delivered through plastic hosing to the mask. Oxygen may also be used.