Central sleep apnea is a rare disorder affecting sleep that is not commonly reported or identified by those that have it. The common type of the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea, which is developed through a blockage along a person’s airway. Obstructive apnea disables the affected person from getting enough air, which leads to uneven breathing and poor sleep.

Central sleep apnea is the rarest form of apnea today. While a case of obstructive sleep apnea might be the result of a blockage, this form of the disorder can come from nerve or brain damage.

Cases of central sleep apnea are most commonly found in a patient that has suffered due to an injury or problem with the nervous system. Parts of the body such as the brain stem and spinal cord are both extremely important in the transmission of messages that dictate when the body needs to breathe. Different symptoms of central sleep apnea are caused when these signals either do not arrive on time or at all. As a result, the body doesn’t even know that is needs to take a breath.

In a case of central sleep apnea there is no attempt at all from the body to try and take a breath. Because of this, there is no labored breathing causing or disrupting sleep. The body however is able to notice when the blood oxygen levels drop below a normal point. This happens whenever there is a significant period of missed breathing. To make up for it, there is a considerable amount of time where the affected person will begin breathing more rapidly.

The reactions that the body has as an event of apnea lead to uneven breathing. This unnatural change can very easily aggravate a person’s sleep. Such a disruption can cause awakenings all throughout the night that are able to disrupt portions of the sleep cycle.

While central sleep apnea may be a rare disorder, it is still very important to remember that the quality of sleep is affected by any amount of change. To maintain a healthy amount of sleep it requires a consistent commitment to a strict schedule. It is very important to be aware of the effect that any possible sleeping disorders could have on your rest.

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