Sleep apnea is a common condition where your normal breathing is interrupted during sleep. If this continues untreated it can lead to other health problems. This includes trouble concentrating, memory problems, heart disease, impotency and headaches. There are three main kinds of sleep apnea. Central, obstructive and mixed which is a combination of the above two. If you experience central sleep apnea symptoms, talk to your doctor about the various treatment options available.
Abnormal Breathing While Sleeping
According to the Mayo Clinic with central sleep apnea your throat remains open, allowing you to breathe normally. For reasons not well understood, your brain fails to signal your respiratory muscles to breathe. This means that one of the most common symptoms is an interruption in breathing while you are sleeping. You may experience brief periods where your breathing stops altogether. When this occurs, your brain sends signals to wake you up so you will start breathing again. You may snore, gasp or choke before you awake.
Daytime Fatigue
Since central sleep apnea interrupts your normal sleep pattern, you may not get a restful night's sleep. This may leave you tired during the day and feeling unable to focus and concentrate. If no one else witnesses your sleep apnea episodes, you may not be able to explain your fatigue. In some cases excessive daytime fatigue may be the only clue that you have this condition. Along with the fatigue, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends to be on the lookout for mood swings, depression and a dry throat.
Shortness of Breath and Headaches
Central sleep apnea may also lead to shortness of breath. This can occur whenever you are lying down or after you are awakened during sleep. In contrast your shortness of breath is relieved when sitting upright. The National Institutes of Health state that getting headaches can be another warning sign of central sleep apnea.
General Symptoms
Since this condition can be caused by other medical conditions, symptoms of underlying medical problems may become more severe. You may experience trouble swallowing, numbness or tingling sensations in various areas of the body and changes to your voice. Given that an abrupt cessation of breathing can affect your blood pressure, any symptoms you have from a heart condition may get worse.
