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What are the risk factors for central sleep apnea?

Some factors contribute to the increase of central sleep apnea. The facts we want to discuss here are crucial, and it requires total concentration. If you know the risk factors for central sleep apnea, you’ll be able to do the needful and at least have background knowledge about what you’re battling. And that is if you have it. On the other hand, knowing the risk factors of CSA will also help every individual to know some facts about central sleep apnea (CSA). 

Therefore, in this article, we will explain the meaning of sleep apnea, what CSA is all about, and the risk factors contributing to the increase of central sleep apnea. Hence, it is required of you to pay attention and so away from any form of distractions. 

What is sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea (SA) is a scary sleep disorder affecting breathing. One is said to be battling sleep apnea when breathing stops and repeatedly starts during sleep. Also, if one snores loudly and feels tired after spending a standard range of night sleep, one may be battling sleep apnea. This case is critical because it can lead to severe life-threatening issues. We have heard about people having heart failure, diabetes (type 2, to be precise), Parkinson’s diseases, and lots more due to sleep apnea. Why are we saying this? We are trying to show you how dangerous sleep apnea can be. It requires attention. 

Also, sleep apnea has its typical symptoms. So, once you see those symptoms, you shouldn’t wait for people to tell you to do the needful. Please talk to your doctor. However, we need to explain some of its symptoms. The most common one is loud snoring. Please don’t join the league of people who assume all is well, even with loud snoring at night. Snoring loudly during sleep is a severe matter one needs to attend to. It may be that the muscles in the throat are affected. 

Furthermore, other symptoms of SA include morning headache, irritability, awakening with a dry mouth, insomnia, hypersomnia, gasping for air during sleep, and lots more. Hence, once you see the symptoms listed above, please take the necessary steps. Remember, the first step you need to take is to consult your doctor. 

What is central sleep apnea (CSA)?

CSA is a type of sleep apnea. It happens when one’s brain doesn’t send necessary signals to the muscles that control breathing. Initially, a signal should come from the brain to the muscles that control breathing. And once that is tampered with, central sleep apnea will occur. We have heard about people having CSA, and some of them, if not all, complained about having the same symptoms of sleep apnea we listed above. 

Risk factors for CSA

The risk factors for this type of sleep apnea include:

  1. Being older: At a certain age, the brain might fail to send the proper signal to the muscles that control breathing. So, people aged 60 and above are most likely to have CSA. Remember, we only said “most likely.” We have seen people at 70, and they are staying healthy without having any health issues. So, we are only talking about the possible risk factors for CSA. Summarily, middle-aged and older people have a higher risk of having central sleep apnea. 
  2. Being male: Also, males are prone to have CSA. It is more common in men than in women. This hypothesis is accurate, and research proves that the number of males battling with CSA cannot be compared to that of women. Women can have CSA if they are unable to control their weight. Oh! Do you want to know why men are more prone to CSA than women? The question “why and how” is what people are still searching for. But as we speak, it is generally proven based on records that men are more prone to have CSA than women. 
  3. Heart disorder: When the heart is not in good condition, the body system is affected, and several health cases can occur. Among those cases that may likely set in is central sleep apnea. People that have congestive heart failure are prone to have CSA. Not only that, but other heart diseases can also pave the way for central sleep apnea. Like we said earlier, when the heart is facing some challenges, the muscles that control breathing are somehow affected. So, one’s breathing may stop and start repeatedly. 
  4. Using narcotic pain medications: Some narcotic pain medications can increase the risk of having CSA. You need to pay rapt attention here. Opioid medications can increase the risk of central sleep apnea. We are talking about Opioid medications like methadone. Of course, people might not know this. If you’re used to methadone, you may likely be affected and have CSA. Therefore, it is expedient for everyone to avoid narcotic pain medications. 
  5. Stroke: Stroke is something to write about here. A stroke will make you restless, affecting several body parts. The brain can fail in playing out its 100% role. A stroke can cause the brain to lose its capacity to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. Therefore, having a stroke can increase one’s risk of having central sleep apnea. 

If you have CSA, what do you need to do?

There’s nothing much to say here. We’ll only advise you to consult your doctor if you’ve seen CSA symptoms. Please don’t engage in self-medication. You need to talk to your doctor, tell him how you’re feeling. He (doctor) will guide you through. 

On a final note

Dear reader, in this write-up, we explained the meaning of sleep apnea and discussed what CSA entails. Then, we dig deep into the risk factors of central sleep apnea. Finally, we perceived that this write-up should go viral. This vital information is what people should know. Therefore, kindly share the link to this page with friends and family. Also, we would like to inform you that we are open to receiving questions regarding this topic. Please drop your question(s) in the comment box.