Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)

Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is a serious condition, commonly known to affect patients who suffer from heart failure.  Heart Failure is the heart’s inability to pump blood and oxygen around the body is often cause by stiffened, damage heart chambers.

Central Sleep Apnoea is listed in the DMS-5.

According to SNORE Australia approximately 4% of the population or 30 – 80% of those with heart failure has Central Sleep Apnoea.

Causes of Central Sleep Apnoea

While the exact cause of CSA isn’t completely known or understood, there are various contributing factors.

• The brain may have impaired respiratory control centres
• The hearts capacity to pump oxygenated blood around the body may be impaired
• Hormones and protein levels may have changed in the patient
• Sleeping in a face up position
• Concentration levels in blood chemical and gas change in the body.

Two Types of Sleep Apnoea

Though these two conditions are different and it’s important that we know the differences.  They can both be present in a patient at the same time.

Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea  – Excessive and repetitive episodes of obstructed breathing characterise Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Central Sleep Apnoea  

Repetitive episodes of shallow breathing or temporary loss of the ability to breathe naturally are characteristics of Central Sleep Apnoea. The brain’s messages aren’t received by the thoracic muscle and the abdominal muscles and cease moving air to and from the lungs.   Breathing resumes again when the blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels change.  This often causes the patient to wake up from sleep.  Tiredness during the daytime can occur due to lack of sleep in the patient.

Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnoea.

• Heart Failure Symptoms
• Fatigued and tired during the day
• Waking up tired but not through lack of sleep
• Episodes where breathing appears gradually slow to almost a halt
• Suddenly falling asleep during the day  or napping frequently

Those who have been diagnosed with heart failure may  wat to check with their gp for a needed overnight sleep study

DIAGNOSIS – An overnight full diagnostic sleep study is done to closely monitors brain waves, respiratory drive, breathing, and oxygen levels to see if breathing ceases, and to diagnose the severity of the problem.  Treatment is individualised for the patient depending on the cause.

Source: SNORE Australia

Have a look at aifc’s blog –  15 New Disorders in The DSM-5

WHERE TO FIND HELP

• See your doctor
• Search for a counsellor near you theaca.net.au
• Lifeline A 24 hour counselling services for those in crisis 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline  Counselling service 1800 551 800

Men’s Helpline – 24/7 Counselling 1300 789 978