Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted while asleep. Sleep apnea is classified as either obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or central sleep apnea (CSA).
Central sleep apnea is a form of sleep apnea that is less common and less studied than obstructive sleep apnea. Whereas obstructive sleep apnea results from a blockage of the upper airway, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to stimulate a regular breathing pattern.1