Types of Sleep Apnea: Central Sleep Apnea
In this rarer form of the disorder, the airway remains open, but the diaphragm and chest muscles temporarily fail. The dropping blood oxygen levels signal the brain, which prompts the person to awaken and gasp in a breath. Because the airway is typically open, this apnea sufferer does not snore loudly but does have daytime sleepiness.
Central
sleep apnea is more common among people over 60, and is often seen in nursing homes and among the ill.
Types of Sleep Apnea: Mixed Sleep Apnea
Some people experience long periods of obstructive sleep apnea interspersed with brief periods of central sleep apnea. This is called mixed sleep apnea.
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