What are the types of Sleep Apnoea?

Last updated on March 7th, 2024 at 02:39 pm

Sleep Apnoea is a disorder that affects your breathing during sleep.

The term “Apnoea” is derived from the Greek word “Apnoia,” which means “want of breath” or “absence of breath.” In medical terminology, “Apnoea” refers to the temporary cessation or pause in breathing.

Millions worldwide suffer from the disorder, experiencing common symptoms including chronic snoring, choking and extreme daytime fatigue. l Lifestyle choices and anatomic features can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. 

There are three forms of Sleep Apnoea, Obstructive, Central and Complex; this article will discuss the similarities and differences.

The three types of Sleep Apnoea

All types of Sleep Apnoea cause similar symptoms; these include:

• Morning headaches
• Breathing pauses
• Memory loss
• Waking up gasping for air
• Mood changes
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Trouble concentrating
• Insomnia

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common form of Sleep Apnoea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing airway blockage. As a result, airflow is significantly reduced or completely blocked, leading to a pause in breathing. The brain senses the subsequent drop in oxygen level and signals the body to wake up briefly to reopen the airway.

OSA disrupts the sleep cycle, preventing you from reaching and staying in a deep and restorative sleep phase.

Positional Sleep Apnoea

Some people only suffer from Sleep Apnoea while sleeping on their back, called Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (POSA). Their breathing returns to normal when sleeping on their side, and no apnoeas occur.

Central Sleep Apnoea

In this type of Sleep Apnoea, the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical obstruction in the airway. Instead, the central nervous system’s control over breathing becomes disrupted during sleep, leading to periods of no breathing.

Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is less common than OSA and is often associated with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, stroke, and neurological disorders. CSA is more common in older adults as they are more likely to suffer from other medical conditions.

Complex Sleep Apnoea

Complex Sleep Apnoea combines elements of both Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Central Sleep Apnoea. Complex Sleep Apnoea initially presents itself as OSA that transitions to CSA when using treatment.

It occurs in some individuals who use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) therapy and continue to experience Apnoea’s. The use of CPAP can uncover underlying CSA that was not initially apparent.

It’s not fully understood why Complex Sleep Apnoea develops in some individuals, but it’s believed that using CPAP or other positive airway pressure devices to treat OSA might alter the breathing control mechanisms in the brain, leading to CSA.

Treatment for Sleep Apnoea

Depending on the type and severity of Sleep Apnoea, treatment varies. Here are some options:

• CPAP Therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy consists of a machine, tube, and mask that deliver a pressurised airflow. The air keeps the airway free of obstructions during sleep. CPAP is the most common treatment method and is considered the gold standard.
• Positional Therapy: For those with POSA, devices can keep you sleeping on your side. Positional therapy comes in different forms, including a belt or forehead device. These wearable devices use sensors to detect the person’s sleeping position. When the device detects that the person is sleeping on their back, it can provide gentle vibrations or positional feedback to encourage them to change their sleeping position.
• Mandibular Advancement Devices: Mandibular devices, also known as MADs, are oral devices moulded to the user’s mouth. MADs gently pull your lower jaw and tongue forward, creating more space at the back of the throat to reduce and prevent snoring and breathing pauses.
• Lifestyle changes: Depending on the severity of your Sleep Apnoea, your doctor or sleep clinician may recommend lifestyle adjustments. Lifestyle choices which can resolve your condition include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and losing weight.

How do I know I have Sleep Apnoea?

Taking a sleep test will give you clarity on what to do next. A Sleep Apnoea test provides accuracy comparable to Polysomnography (PSG), which is used in specialised sleep laboratories. The simple test measures blood oxygen levels, heart rate, body position, movements, snoring intensity and peripheral arterial tone. 

Our In-Home Sleep Test requires one night of sleep; one of our sleep technicians analyses your data. If Sleep Apnoea is confirmed, your results will state the recommended treatment options. Your results will be sent to you within two working days after completing the test. 

What happens if I don’t treat my Sleep Apnoea?

Leaving any type of Sleep Apnoea untreated can be detrimental to your health. When left untreated, other health implications are at a heightened risk of developing, as sudden drops in blood oxygen levels increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Conditions that can develop from untreated Sleep Apnoea include:

• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Metabolic syndrome
• Atrial fibrillation 
• Heart disease
• Liver disease

Gaining control of your sleep disorder is essential; contact us for help or advice.