Mixed central and obstructive sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, is a medical condition characterized by a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea refers to a sleep disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. This results in pauses in breathing during sleep. On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, despite the effort to breathe. This may be due to factors such as collapsed throat muscles or excessive fatty tissue in the airway.
In mixed central and obstructive sleep apnea, individuals experience episodes of both central and obstructive apneas during their sleep. This condition is considered complex, as it presents a combination of symptoms from both types of sleep apnea. The exact cause of mixed sleep apnea is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a dysfunction in the brain's respiratory control system as well as structural obstructions in the airway.
Common symptoms of mixed central and obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, restless sleep, and gasping or choking during sleep. Treatment options for this condition may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral devices, or surgery in severe cases. Proper diagnosis and management of mixed central and obstructive sleep apnea are crucial to improve sleep quality, reduce health risks, and enhance overall well-being.
