Definitions

Definition - What does Central Sleep Apnea mean?

Central Sleep Apnea is a medical condition where a person experiences regular breathing pauses during sleep. This results in a change from deep to light sleep, which can cause a person to experience daytime sleepiness, insomnia, chest pains, headaches, and loss of concentration. It is usually caused by a dysfunction in the brain that prevents the required signals to be sent to the muscles that regulate breathing.

SureHire explains Central Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea is most common in males, people over 40, those who are overweight, or those that have experienced heart or kidney failure, or stroke. The condition is diagnosed using a sleep study called a polysomnogram. Some treatment options are implementing a weight loss program if applicable, abstaining from alcohol, or adding the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which involves the administering of pressurized air through a mask over the nose or mouth. The condition impacts a person's health as well as their personal and professional life. Employers need to be aware of the challenges faced by employees that suffer from this disorder as they are at risk of causing accidents while driving or operating equipment. Sufferers are also at high risk of experiencing heart failure, stroke, or diabetes.