Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Understanding the less common but serious form of sleep apnea that originates in the brain rather than physical airway obstruction.

What is Central Sleep Apnea?

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, there’s no physical blockage of the airway.

During a central sleep apnea episode, you simply don’t make an effort to breathe for a period of time. This can be particularly dangerous as it often goes unnoticed by both the patient and their sleeping partner.

Brain-Based Disorder

CSA represents about 5-10% of all sleep apnea cases and requires specialized diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Central vs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Aspect	Central Sleep Apnea	Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Cause	Brain fails to signal breathing muscles	Physical airway obstruction
Breathing Effort	No breathing effort during episodes	Continued effort to breathe
Snoring	Usually no snoring	Loud, chronic snoring
Demographics	Often associated with heart conditions	More common in overweight individuals

Common Causes of Central Sleep Apnea

CSA is often associated with underlying medical conditions that affect the brain’s respiratory control center.

Heart Conditions

Congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiovascular diseases

Neurological Disorders

Stroke, brain tumors, or other conditions affecting the brainstem

High Altitude

Sleeping at elevations above 8,000 feet can trigger central sleep apnea

Medications

Opioid pain medications and certain sedatives can suppress breathing

Signs & Symptoms of CSA

Central sleep apnea symptoms can be subtle and are often overlooked or attributed to other conditions.

Types of Central Sleep Apnea

Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

Associated with heart failure, characterized by a gradual increase and decrease in breathing effort and airflow.

Drug-Induced CSA

Caused by opioid medications or other drugs that suppress the respiratory drive in the brain.

Primary CSA

Occurs without an identifiable underlying condition, often related to high altitude or idiopathic causes.

Specialized Treatment for CSA

Central sleep apnea requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying cause and the breathing disruptions. Our team works closely with sleep medicine specialists to provide coordinated care.