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Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Description

Central sleep apnea syndrome is typically characterized by a slowing down or stopping of breathing while asleep, caused by oxygen desaturation. Patients will complain of insomnia though excessive sleepiness can also occur. Sufferers may experience severe obstructive apnea episodes which consist of times when breathing ceases completely. Snoring may occur, but the most common complications due to this syndrome are hypertension of the heart, cardiac irregularities and heart failure.

Diagnosis

This disorder is diagnosed in patients complaining of excessive sleepiness or insomnia. They will experience periods of shallow or limited breathing, frequent body movements and grunting or choking sounds while asleep. Other sleep disorders may also be present.

Treatment

Central sleep apnea is treated with the drugs acerazlamide and theophyllinr to stimulate the body’s own need to breathe. Patients are also encouraged to practice proper sleep hygiene which includes avoiding of alcohol and caffeine, getting daily exercise and maintaining a normal time to sleep and wake-up. In severe cases, a continuous positive airways pressure machine may be used.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.