Treatments for central sleep apnea may include a PAP machine, oxygen therapy, phrenic nerve stimulator, or medication. Treating health conditions that contribute to your sleep apnea is also important.
Central sleep apnea is a breathing disorder where an individual’s breathing occasionally pauses as they sleep.
Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is caused by disturbances in the body’s signaling system. It may be related to a medical condition like congestive heart failure or higher altitude. Its exact cause can also be unknown.
Central sleep apnea can cause insufficient rest and lead to a variety of related health conditions. Treating central sleep apnea can help prevent the development of long-term health complications.
This article examines treatment options for central sleep apnea, including PAP machines, oxygen therapy, phrenic nerve stimulators, and medication.
The treatment goal for central sleep apnea is to reduce complications from insufficient sleep and lower the risk of related chronic conditions by minimizing the number of sleep disturbances you experience.
Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the
PAP machines can help keep your airways open while you sleep, which stabilizes the amount of air coming in and out of your body. Some BPAP machines even have a backup respiratory rate to help ensure that you breathe.
A CPAP is
For example, your doctor may recommend a BPAP machine if an individual is unable to tolerate a CPAP or has elevated carbon dioxide levels in their blood while sleeping.
One of the biggest downsides to using a PAP machine is that it can make it uncomfortable or difficult to fall asleep. The constant airflow may also irritate your skin, nose, or mouth.
Read more about PAP machines.
Your doctor may recommend oxygen if you register low oxygen levels during your sleep study. Depending on your carbon dioxide (CO2) levels during your sleep study, your doctor may suggest combining oxygen with your PAP machine.
The use of oxygen has been shown to
If PAP therapy is not effective or you’re unable to tolerate PAP therapy, you may be a candidate for a phrenic nerve stimulator.
As the name suggests, a phrenic nerve stimulator is a surgically implanted device that stimulates the phrenic nerve. When this stimulation occurs, the diaphragm contracts, causing your body to breathe.
In order for a phrenic nerve stimulator to work, you must have an intact phrenic nerve and diaphragm. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits of implanting a phrenic nerve stimulator. If a nerve injury occurs during the placement of the stimulator, it can prevent its effectiveness.
Phrenic nerve stimulators have been shown to:
- reduce central sleep apnea severity
- improve sleep quality
- improve quality of life even in people with heart failure
If you can’t tolerate other treatment options, medication may be helpful in treating your central sleep apnea.
Medications like acetazolamide, theophylline, and caffeine can be used to stimulate breathing. However, these are often only offered as a last resort.
While taking medications can be more comfortable than wearing a CPAP machine, they can have serious side effects. For example, they can affect your heart rhythm, so it’s important to be closely monitored as you start them.
Your doctor can help determine the appropriate dosage and let you know about any concerning symptoms to be aware of.
Central sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing while you sleep. It can significantly disrupt your sleep and may lead to complications from insufficient sleep.
For this reason, it’s important to treat sleep apnea to prevent other conditions from developing.
Central sleep apnea may be treated with a PAP machine, oxygen, phrenic nerve stimulator, or medications. You may also need to address any underlying medical conditions, such as a heart condition.
You can work with a doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you based on your individual needs and preferences.