Sleep apneais a medical condition in which a person’s breathing stops and restarts many times while they sleep.
Overview of Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea is also referred to as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
This can trigger drops in the bloods oxygen levels, as well as arousals or awakenings from sleep.
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This additional air keeps the airway from collapsing, or obstructing, and also resolves snoring.
These events are more commonly seen in non-REM sleep and may improve slightly in stage 3 or slow-wave sleep.
How common is complex sleep apnea?This is a difficult question to answer.
The true incidence and degree of persistence are not well defined because the condition can resolve as treatment continues.
Therefore, it may be over-identified as part of a titration study in a sleep center.
Fortunately, it only persists with therapy in about 1.5% of people.
Complex Sleep Apnea Causes
The exact causes of complex sleep apnea are not fully understood.
There may be a number of contributors to the condition, and not all are due to CPAP therapy.
Some individuals may be predisposed toward the condition due to instability in their control of breathing.
It may occur more commonly among those with difficulty maintaining sleep, such as with insomnia.
It seems to be triggered by low carbon dioxide levels in others.
It also seems to occur more in men.
Surgery and the use of anoral appliancelike a night guard have both been reported to trigger central sleep apnea.
Some of these people may requirealternative treatmentsto handle the disorder.
Complex sleep apnea may be noted to persist on routine download of PAP compliance data.
This may lead to daytime sleepiness and other long-term health effects.
It is important to recognize that there may be night-to-night variability.
Can Complex Sleep Apnea Be Cured?
Resolution of complex sleep apnea may depend on addressing the underlying causes.
If awakenings are occurring due to mask leaks, a proper fitting may help.
The most prudent treatment is often the most effective: time.
It is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and breath-holding (known as central sleep apnea).
These people may require alternative treatments.
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