There are three main types of sleep apnea, which are the obstructive or complex sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea. Most of the people are unaware whether they are suffering from complex or central sleep apnea. This confusion is due to much resemblance of the characteristics of both of these. However there are certain factors in which both differ from one another.
Snoring is not Normally Connected to Central Sleep Apnea:
Snoring is one of the most striking characteristics of complex or obstructive sleep apnea. Whereas patients suffering from central sleep apnea very rarely snore. This is actually very easy to understand because in the case of obstruction there is a problem for the air to pass as it is “obstructed”, however, central sleep apnea is an issue in the brain and is not really directly connected with air channel problems.
One Cause is “Mechanical” while the other is “Electric/Nervous”:
Obstructive or complex sleep apnea is caused due to obstruction in air passage way. There is a blockage in nostrils and in throat as well, as a result patient experience difficulty while breathing. This difficulty describes why patients of complex sleep apnea snore so loudly. Whereas central sleep apnea is a central nervous system disorder it occurs when brain of a person is unable to transfer breathing signals to the body. As a result patient suffering from central sleep apnea feels difficulty in breathing while they are asleep.
Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea:
Symptoms of both disorders worry from one another. First we will discuss symptoms of central sleep apnea and than of complex or obstructive sleep apnea.
– Interruption in breathing.
– Exhausted and sleepy over the day no matter how late you wake up in the morning.
– Feeling out of breath when you wake up.
– Concentration problem, you’ll need extra attention when addressed something.
– Forgetfulness.
– You experience mood swings like depression, tired and irritated.
Symptoms of complex or obstruct sleep apnea:
– Loud snoring.
– Chocking and grasping when fast asleep.
– Frequent awakening in night.
– Waking up with dry mouth and sour throat.
– Head ache and restless sleep.
Conclusion on central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea
So as you see it is actually quite simple once you understand it. The main point is that one of the sleep apneas is more about physical problems while the central sleep apnea is more intangible so to speak.
