Central sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing.

Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea may occur as a result of other conditions, such asheart failureand stroke.

Sleeping at a high altitude also may cause central sleep apnea.

However, snoring may not be as prominent with central sleep apnea as it is with obstructive sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea pops up if your brain fails to transmit signals to your breathing muscles.

The cause varies with the key in of central sleep apnea you have.

Heart disorders.People with atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure are at greater risk of central sleep apnea.

High altitude.Sleeping at an altitude higher than you’re accustomed to may increase your risk of sleep apnea.

High-altitude sleep apnea is no longer a problem when you return to a lower altitude.

Opioid use.Opioid medications may increase the risk of central sleep apnea.

CPAP.Some people with obstructive sleep apnea develop central sleep apnea while using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

This condition is known as complex sleep apnea because it is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apneas.

For some people, complex sleep apnea goes away with continued use of a CPAP gear.

Other people may be treated with a different kind of positive airway pressure therapy.

Central sleep apnea is a serious medical condition.

Some complications include:

Fatigue.The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible.

People with central sleep apnea often experience severe fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and irritability.

A sleep specialist can help you decide on your need for further evaluation.

You may have a full-night or split-night sleep study.

In a split-night sleep study, you’re monitored during the first half of the night.

Polysomnography can help your doctor diagnose central sleep apnea.

Doctors may also order imaging of your head or heart to look for contributing conditions.

For example, therapy for heart failure may improve central sleep apnea.

CPAP is usually the first treatment given for central sleep apnea.

CPAP may prevent the airway closure that can trigger central sleep apnea.

As with obstructive sleep apnea, it’s important that you use the rig only as directed.

If your mask is uncomfortable or the pressure feels too strong, talk with your doctor.

Several types of masks are available.

Doctors can also adjust the air pressure.

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV).If CPAP hasn’t effectively treated your condition, you may be given ASV.

Like CPAP, ASV also delivers pressurized air.

ASV isn’t recommended for people with symptomatic heart failure.

Unlike ASV, the amount of pressure during inspiration is fixed rather than variable.

Supplemental oxygen.Using supplemental oxygen while you sleep may help if you have central sleep apnea.

Various devices are available to deliver oxygen to your lungs.

These medications may be prescribed to help your breathing as you sleep if you might’t tolerate positive airway pressure.

These medications may also be used to prevent central sleep apnea in high altitude.

You’re likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor.

However, you may then be referred to a sleep specialist.

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.

Your doctor may ask:

Updated: 2017-08-02

Publication Date: 2007-06-15