Central sleep apnea is a less common but serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep — not because the airway is blocked, but because the brain temporarily fails to send the correct signals to breathe.

Q: What is central sleep apnea?

It is a condition where the brain does not consistently send signals to the breathing muscles during sleep, causing pauses in breathing.

Q: How is it different from obstructive sleep apnea?

In central sleep apnea, the airway stays open, but there is no effort to breathe.

Q: Do people with central sleep apnea snore?

Snoring is less common than in obstructive sleep apnea, but it can still occur.

Q: Who is at higher risk?

People with heart failure, prior stroke, brain disorders, opioid use, or those living at high altitude are at higher risk.

Q: Can central sleep apnea cause daytime fatigue?

Yes, repeated breathing pauses disrupt sleep quality and reduce oxygen levels, leading to exhaustion and brain fog.

Q: Is it dangerous?

Yes, especially when linked to heart disease, because it can worsen cardiovascular strain and increase mortality risk.

Q: How is it diagnosed?

It is diagnosed through a sleep study (polysomnography), which shows breathing pauses without airway obstruction.

Q: How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), CPAP in selected cases, oxygen therapy, or medication adjustments.