What are the symptoms of central sleep apnea and how is it different from obstructive sleep apnea?

Central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) both cause you to stop breathing while you sleep, but they happen for different reasons.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

• Cause: The brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
• Symptoms: People with CSA may experience pauses in breathing, frequent awakenings during the night, and excessive daytime sleepiness. These symptoms happen because the brain is not telling the body to breathe regularly while asleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

• Cause: The airway is blocked, often by the tongue or other soft tissues in the throat.
• Symptoms: OSA symptoms also include pauses in breathing and waking up often, but they are due to a physical blockage in the airway.

In both conditions, the person might feel very tired during the day because their sleep is interrupted. However, the key difference is that CSA is a problem with the brain's signals, while OSA is a problem with a blocked airway. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker quiz to better understand what might be causing your sleep issues, then talk to a doctor who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.