Apnea, central sleep

Sleep (CSA): Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.

It owes its name to a Greek word, apnea, meaning 'want of breath.' There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive.

> >Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respirations.

>Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person's nose or mouth although efforts to breathe continue.</LI></UL> Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea.