Final answer:
Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain's respiratory centers to signal the muscles to breathe, often due to damage from certain medical conditions or the use of specific medications. Diagnosis and treatment typically involve a sleep study and may include the use of a CPAP machine or supplemental oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
In central sleep apnea, the respiratory centers of the brain fail to regulate breathing adequately during sleep. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is not caused by a physical blockage of the airway, but by a failure of the brain to signal the muscles to breathe due to instability in the respiratory control center. The interruption in breathing can be a result of damage to the brain's pons or medulla oblongata from conditions such as stroke or congestive heart failure. Certain medications, like morphine, can also affect the brain's respiratory centers and contribute to central sleep apnea.
Diagnosis often occurs during a sleep study, monitoring various vital signs and brain activity. Treatment includes the use of a CPAP machine and, in some cases, supplemental oxygen, as well as addressing any underlying medical conditions or modifying risk factors such as alcohol use.