Central Sleep Apnea Treatment
Central sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing because the brain does not consistently signal the muscles that control breathing. At Sleep Health MD, our sleep specialists in Santa Cruz, Freedom, Sunnyvale, and Monterey use advanced sleep testing to identify central sleep apnea and match you with treatment that stabilizes your breathing overnight.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing stops and starts during sleep because the brain’s respiratory control system is temporarily not sending the signal to breathe. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway physically collapses, the airway in central sleep apnea stays open. The effort to breathe simply pauses. Some patients have a mix of both, known as complex or treatment-emergent sleep apnea, which can appear after starting CPAP therapy.
Common Causes of Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is often linked to another medical condition or medication. Common contributing factors include:
- Heart failure and atrial fibrillation
- Stroke or other conditions affecting the brainstem
- Long-term use of opioid pain medications
- Sleeping at high altitude
- Kidney disease
- Starting positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
In some patients, no underlying cause is found. This is called primary or idiopathic central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea
Many people with central sleep apnea snore less than people with obstructive sleep apnea, so the condition can go unnoticed. Symptoms may include:
- Observed pauses in breathing or abnormal breathing patterns during sleep
- Waking up suddenly short of breath
- Frequent nighttime awakenings and insomnia
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Morning headaches and trouble concentrating
How We Diagnose Central Sleep Apnea
An attended, in-lab polysomnogram is the most reliable way to diagnose central sleep apnea. During a sleep study at Sleep Health MD, our technicians monitor airflow, chest and abdominal effort, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, and brain activity. The absence of breathing effort during a pause is what distinguishes a central event from an obstructive one. Your provider will also review your heart health, medications, and medical history to look for underlying causes.
Treatment Options for Central Sleep Apnea
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. Options may include:
- Treating the underlying condition, such as optimizing heart failure management
- Adjusting or tapering medications that suppress breathing, in coordination with your prescribing physician
- CPAP or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy
- Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), which adjusts pressure breath by breath to stabilize breathing
- Supplemental oxygen during sleep in select cases
Our CPAP specialists provide device education, mask fitting, and compliance follow-up, which is especially important for patients using more advanced devices. If you have trouble adjusting to therapy, learn about our approach to CPAP intolerance. You can also review device setup videos on our instructional forms and videos page.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Untreated central sleep apnea fragments sleep and lowers oxygen levels repeatedly throughout the night, which can place added strain on the heart. Getting an accurate diagnosis helps protect your long-term health and improves daytime energy. Explore other sleep conditions we treat or learn why patients choose Sleep Health MD.
Central Sleep Apnea FAQs
What is the difference between central and obstructive sleep apnea?
In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway collapses even though the body keeps trying to breathe. In central sleep apnea, the airway stays open but the brain temporarily stops sending the signal to breathe.
Can CPAP cause central sleep apnea?
Some patients develop central breathing events after starting CPAP, called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. It often improves over time, but your provider may adjust settings or recommend a different device.
Is central sleep apnea dangerous?
Central sleep apnea can lower oxygen levels and disrupt sleep throughout the night, and it is often associated with heart conditions. It should be evaluated and treated by a sleep specialist.
Do I need an in-lab sleep study for central sleep apnea?
In most cases, yes. An attended in-lab study measures breathing effort, which is needed to accurately distinguish central events from obstructive ones.
What is adaptive servo-ventilation?
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) is a type of positive airway pressure device that monitors your breathing and adjusts support breath by breath to keep breathing steady. It is not appropriate for every patient, so your provider will determine whether it is right for you.
Can medications cause central sleep apnea?
Yes. Opioid pain medications are a common cause. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own; your sleep specialist can coordinate with your prescribing physician.
How do I get evaluated for central sleep apnea?
Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with a Sleep Health MD sleep specialist.
Get Answers About Central Sleep Apnea
If you or your bed partner has noticed pauses in your breathing, or you wake up feeling unrested, schedule an evaluation with Sleep Health MD. Call (844) 387-5337 or request an appointment online.