Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can disrupt rest and may be alarming for anyone who notices them. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA happens when the airway becomes blocked, often because the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep. People who are overweight, have a wider neck, or are male may be at higher risk for OSA.
CSA is different because the problem is not caused by a blocked airway. Instead, it occurs when the brain does not consistently send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. In this article, we’ll focus on central sleep apnea in children and the treatment options that may help.
