CPAP Sleep Apnea

Detection and Management of Central Sleep Apnea 0

Central Cpap Sleep Apnea is a condition wherein there are sudden halts in breathing that is noticed to be repeated throughout the duration of sleep. If someone is sleeping beside you like a spouse or a family member, they will be the one to notice if you are experiencing this kind of condition. They will be troubled with the way you breathe while sleeping. That is why if somebody gets your attention and tells you that you sleep this way then you better learn more about it and take action of what you can do to resolve it.

The main cause of this sleeping problem is in your brain specifically the brain stem. The central organ of the body which is the brain does not send proper signals to your respiratory muscles. People who are highly at risk for having central sleep apnea are those who have heart problems, stroke and brain tumor which are linked to impairment in the ability of the brain to send signals. Males are more inclined to develop this kind of problem than females and those who are taking opioids are highly at risk.

You may need sleep apnea support when you experience symptoms like abnormal breathing patterns during sleep and when you suddenly wake up at night due to this interruption. You may have a problem to go back to sleep again and the shortness of breath is only relieved when you try to sit up on your bed. Due to the lack of sleep at night, you will tend to make up for it during the day and it can affect your work and the activities that you do during the day.

When you experience this kind of problem while sleeping, you must consult your physician immediately, a series of questions will be asked and you will undergo different tests to properly diagnose central sleep apnea. Through your consultation with a doctor, you will be able also to ask some of your concerns and let your partner or someone who have noticed the symptoms go with you. This will also help the doctor provide you with the right medications and treatment to prevent any complications.

Cpap Sleep Apnea machines for sleep apnea are used as one of the treatment for this sleeping problem. CPAP means continuous positive airway pressure wherein you will wear a mask that is attached to the machine that will supply pressurized air and thus controls your breathing while sleeping. You will be properly instructed as to how to use it. It may be uncomfortable while sleeping but you will be accustomed to it in time. However, if it interrupts your sleep, you can talk it over with your physician and adjustments can be made like placing a pillow to provide you comfort.

This sleeping problem can threaten your life if you will not seek medical attention immediately as soon as you notice the symptoms. It is better that you will ask the advice of the physician so that your sleeping pattern will not be disrupted and management can be done immediately.

Sleep apnea support is done to the patients diagnosed with this kind of sleeping problem. Treatment is done instantly as soon as the problem is detected using different methods like the use of CPAP machines. To learn more about how this machine works, visit http://cpapsleepapnea.org/.

Sleep Apnea-Obstructive, Central and Mixed 0

Sleep Apnea is part of the spectrum of what is called “Sleep Disordered Breathing” or “SDB.” The condition Sleep Apnea is commonly broken into three main categories. The three main categories of Sleep Apnea are as follows:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA)

The three main categories, or types, of Sleep Apnea will be discussed in more detail below. Sleep Apnea is commonly and effectively treated with CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive treatment on the subject of Sleep Apnea. For more information please reference the citations at the end of the article or speak with your doctor.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the soft tissue of the upper airway collapses during the night and slows air intake, eventually eliminating air intake altogether. When oxygen intake is reduced or eliminated and blood oxygen levels fall significantly, the brain sends an emergency signal to wake up and resume a normal breathing pattern. This process can happen as many as a few hundred times a night for some people with severe OSA. The use of a CPAP machine either drastically reduces these “apneic” events or eliminates them altogether. This results in the restoration of a normal breathing pattern and the CPAP user is able to achieve deep, REM(3) sleep, allowing the body to do routine maintenance and restore many healthful functions in the body.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central Sleep Apnea is similar to OSA in its final effect on the sufferer, however, the mechanism of oxygen reduction is different. The principal mechanism of oxygen reduction in CSA is due to a failure of the brain to send a proper breathing “signal” to the muscles that control the breathing process. This type of Sleep Apnea is more rare than OSA and according to the Mayo Clinic accounts “for less than 5 percent of sleep apneas.”(4) Even though CSA is different in function than OSA, the outcome for the sufferer is the same–reduced oxygen intake through out the night, failure to reach deep sleep cycles and general fatigue throughout the day. Fortunately, in most cases, CSA can be treated with the same equipment that is used for those that suffer with OSA. Most CPAP, BiPAP and APAP machines have sophisticated circuitry which allows for the detection of different types of apneas, allowing the machine to adjust to the needs of the user throughout the night.

Mixed Sleep Apnea (or Complex Apnea)
According to the National Institutes of Health, Mixed Sleep Apnea is defined as a combination of both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea. The technical explanation for Mixed Sleep Apnea according to the NIH is as follows: “intervals of ten seconds or longer during which there was a complete cessation of airflow accompanied by an absence of respiratory effort in the early part of the apneic episode and a resumption of respiratory effort in the latter part.” Basically, this means that a CSA-related apneic event occurs, followed by an OSA-related apneic event. Interestingly, according to the study by the NIH, the sequence of events is always from CSA to OSA and never in reverse. In other words, the brain fails to send a signal to breath, resulting in an apneic event, followed by a collapse of the airway that further impedes oxygen flow. This makes sense, as it would not seem vary likely that an airway collapse related to an OSA-type event would cause the brain to misfire a breathing signal, however, a misfire by the brain would include the muscles involved in breathing and may lead to a loss of good muscle tone in the upper airway.

(1)http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea
(2)http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html
(3)http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-101
(4)http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/central-sleep-apnea/DS00995

Obtrusive and Central Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines, Discussed 0

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by a pause in breathing. This pause in breathing is involuntary – and the person is not even aware that at one moment in time, he forgot to breathe.

This breathing abnormality is caused by two things – and such a cause determines the kind of sleep apnea that the person is suffering from.

Obtrusive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This type of apnea is the most common. As the name suggests, this occurs when there is an “obstruction” on the airway.

When you sleep, the muscles in your upper airway relax. You know that when muscles relax, they tend to collapse. Indeed, this is a natural occurrence. But there are dilator muscles that work to keep them from collapsing, so that the air passage remains clear. When the dilator muscles don’t do their work effectively, that’s when you have difficulty breathing, and sleep apnea occurs.

OSA is treated with the use of CPAP machines. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure. As such, CPAP machines provide a certain level of pressure – and keep it in that level – to prevent the muscles from blocking the airway.

The air pressure required by most patients ranges from 6 to 14 cm H20. Typical CPAP machines can deliver pressures at 4 to 20 cm H20. Of course, the pressure to be used in CPAP machines has to be determined by a specialist. This is established after a series of tests have been conducted. This is the reason why there has to be CPAP trials for new patients – to determine the “appropriateness” of the pressure introduced to them. Incorrect pressure could lead do more damage – than good – to the sleep apnea sufferer.

CPAP machines also come with masks to act as an interface between the person’s airway and the source of the airflow pressure. Masks could either be nasal or full-face. CPAP full-face masks – in Toronto or elsewhere – cover the whole face, while nasal masks cover only the nose.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

This type of sleep apnea is caused by an aberration in the central nervous system (CNS). Simply put, the brain fails to properly signal your airways to breathe. The CSA is the less common type, and the more dangerous one. In contrast to OSA patients, those suffering from CSA wake up as a result of reduced levels of oxygen in the brain.

Of course, if you don’t breathe, you will have less supply of oxygen, and more of carbon dioxide. The lack in oxygen will signal your lungs to suck in air, and for you to be able to do this, you have to wake up.

The field of sleep apnea is a well-researched one. The internet, for example, has loads of information about this disorder and CPAP machines. There are also a number of alternative treatments methods available, ranging from using dental devices to undergoing a surgery.

So if you suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, don’t panic. It’s not the end of the world.
Consult your doctor. And if it’s really sleep apnea that you have, there are many treatment procedures to choose from.

CPAP Clinic – healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

Central Sleep Apnea – Say Goodnight Insomnia Is A Possibility 0

Central Sleep Apnea

Living with insomnia is hardly residence at all. Those who experience from the real estate deal over the long haul ought to find everything properties do can be impacted. There are ways to say goodnight insomnia, if people are keen to hunt for the own cure. Learning how to say goodnight insomnia is much easier for some than it is for others. The right road to take to accomplish this will depend greatly on the individual cause.

If this is found, however, almost anyone can say goodnight insomnia quickly or at least efficiently. There are several ways to say goodnight insomnia over the short- and long-term. For those who are feeling the effects insomnia can have, it might be best to entertain short-term solutions while the long-term is addressed, as well. Short-term ways to say goodnight insomnia include: · Prescription medications. These can help almost anyone say goodnight insomnia. The problem here is that they are not advised for use over the long run.

They treat the symptoms of insomnia; they do not cure it. While they make it easy to say goodnight insomnia, they can also come with side effects and they might lead to addiction. With this in mind, it is vital for those who go this route to follow orders from medical professionals and report any concerns that might arise. · Over the counter sleep aids. These, like prescription medications, can help many say goodnight insomnia. They can, however, come with side effects, too. They are not to be seen as a long-term fix for insomnia.

While they can help people say goodnight insomnia, they should not be seen as a lasting solution. · Herbs, drinks and so on. There are other options to help people say goodnight insomnia. They include such things as chamomile tea, warm milk, hot baths and more. When these work to help a person say goodnight insomnia, they are simply wonderful options. Most do not offer side effects and few are considered addictive by their nature.

One of these options can even help a person feel a little cleaner, too! Long-term solutions for insomnia can be a little trickier to find. When the condition persists over time, however, it is vital to seek them out. People often find the best way to say goodnight insomnia over the long haul might include: · Reducing stress. This is one of the top reasons for insomnia. If stress is tackled, or at least dealt with in a healthy manner, sufferers can say goodnight insomnia. · Addressing pain. Other medical conditions can give rise to insomnia.

When they are the cause, treating them often makes it possible to say goodnight insomnia. · Letting time work its miracles. When a change of work shift or sleeping habit requirements is to blame, time might be the only long-term solution. The body generally will adjust and help people say goodnight insomnia. Dealing with insomnia is never easy.

The immediate effects of this condition can be severe. From irritability to lack of functioning, the symptoms can be life changing. Learning to say goodnight insomnia is the only real solution. Do your body a favour. Have a good sleep tonight! Download your Central Sleep Apnea eBook now!

Understanding Central Sleep Apnea – The Brain Disconnection 0

For certain biological activity to take place in the body, the brain must relay a message to that body part, or organ for that activity to be performed.  In the case of central sleep apnea, the brain sends inappropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing, resulting in the repeated stopping and starting of breathing while the person is asleep.

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of cessation of respiration while sleeping.  The brain does not send the proper messages to the muscles of breathing.  Central sleep apnea is not as common as other sleep apneas as is counted as less than five percent of all the sleep apneas combined.
 
Symptoms:

Observed episodes of stopped breathing or abnormal breathing patterns during sleep
Suddenly awake with shortness of breath, relief brought on by sitting upright
Insomnia- inability to go to sleep and staying asleep
Hypersomnia – sleepy during the day
Reduced concentration
Snoring

Snoring can be attributed to:

Enlarged tonsils – primarily in children
Excessive throat tissue
Loss of tone in the throat muscles
Increased weight
Use of alcohol
Certain medications

Use of alcohol and some medications cause relaxation of the muscles surrounding the throat, which can obstruction of the airway.  Maintaining airway is of major importance and is always the first focus in any event.  Without proper airway patency, life hangs in the balance and death could be the result if not attended to immediately.

Causes of central sleep apnea:

Periodic cessation of breathing during sleep
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Brain stem damage
High altitudes of 15,000 feet or more
Medications: Opiates such as morphine, oxycodone, or codeine

Risks:

Gender – Males more likely to develop this disorder than females.
Heart disorders – Such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure
Stroke or brain tumor – Reduces the brain’s ability to control breathing
Sleeping at high altitudes
Taking opioid medications

Complications:

Cardiovascular (heart) problems
Cerebrovascular(brain) problems
Daytime fatigue

Testing for this sleep disorder includes:

Nocturnal polysomnography – Monitors heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels.
oximetry – monitors and records your blood oxygen level
cardiorespiratory testing – Measures airflow and breathing patterns.
Arterial blood gas testing (ABG) – Measures blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels

Treatment:

Treat other underlying medical problems
Reduction of opioid medications.
Supplemental oxygen
Medications to stimulate respiration, such as acetazolamide 
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP).
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)

Snoring may or may not be present with central sleep apnea as it is with obstructive sleep apnea. If you are always feeling overly tired during the day and irritable for no apparent reason,you should consult your physician as soon as possible.  Any type of sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that requires medical intervention.

Heart Failure and Central Sleep Apnea 0

Central sleep apnea is characterized by the temporary absence of a signal to breathe from the brains respiratory center. When this happens, there is no effort to breathe made by the individual.

Any type of sleep disordered breathing is a serious health problem that impacts the heart and whole cardiovascular system. There is evidence to show that, in persons with heart failure, there is a high incidence of sleep disordered breathing. Most frequently that disorder being obstructive or central sleep apnea.

When a patient with heart failure has central sleep apnea (CSA) they typically also exhibit a form of breathing called Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). CSR is associated with severe dysfunction of the left ventricle of the heart and patients with CSR are in a high risk category for cardiac transplantation.

Patients with CSA and Cheynes-Stokes Respirations have a very poor prognosis. There is data available that shows that survival rates decrease by 50% in patients with heart failure and CSA.

Various methods have been used to treat CSA – oxygen therapy, CPAP, BiLevel ventilation and, most recently, Adaptive Ventilatory Support (ASV).

There have been some long term advantages found by treating patients with central sleep apnea and CSR with ASV. There have been fewer respiratory disturbances when a patient is asleep and also improved sleep quality.

The conventional PAP therapies like CPAP and BIPAP have shown mixed results in dealing with patients with central sleep apnea and CSR. A unit like the Resmed VPAP Adapt SV is the first PAP device cleared by the FDA to treat central sleep apnea and CSR in the home environment.

ASV therapy has demonstrated the ability to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life in heart failure patients.

Just What is Central Sleep Apnea? 0

Many people today are familiar with the condition of sleep apnea; the word “apnea” simply refers to a temporary stoppage of breathing and so sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing for a few moments during sleep. What most people don’t know, however, is that there are two main types – obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

While obstructive sleep apnea is somewhat self-explanatory – it results from an obstruction in the throat or sinuses such as excessive tissue around the soft palate (the area on the roof of the mouth near the back) or a sinus infection and so on, central sleep apnea refers to an actual defect in the way the brain signals the body to breathe while sleeping. Even though this type of sleep apnea is less common it is still very dangerous and can even be deadly.

Common Causes of Central Sleep Apnea

Obviously the cause of central sleep apnea will be different for each patient or sufferer but common causes include radiation treatment to the area of the spine, surgery of the spine or areas surrounding it, and encephalitis. Encephalitis is a swelling or inflammation of the brain and can be very dangerous and even deadly on its own, however, it also interferes with the body’s signals to the respiratory system that keep a body breathing.

This is the difficulty and danger with central sleep apnea; many people don’t realize that the body needs to tell itself to breathe at all times in order for the lungs to work properly. Brain damage or damage to the spine that carries these signals telling the body how to work can result in no signal to breathe.

Treating Central Sleep Apnea

As of right now there is no cure for central sleep apnea; scientists still have much work to do when it comes to mapping out the brain and treating disorders of it and the spine. However there are some things that a patient or sufferer can do.

For one, the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine may be helpful. These machines push oxygen into the lungs on a continuous and regular basis. There are also some medications one might take such as acerazlamide and theophyllinr, which stimulate the body’s need to breathe.

In any circumstance a patient with central sleep apnea needs to be in constant contact with their doctor and follow their recommendations carefully.