Final answer:
Sleep apnea, which includes obstructive, central, and mixed types, is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep and is commonly treated with CPAP machines or lifestyle changes. Central sleep apnea may additionally require supplemental oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are three main types: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of the two. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. In contrast, in central sleep apnea, the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to pauses in breathing. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes and the use of a CPAP device, while central sleep apnea might also require supplemental oxygen.
During a sleep study or Polysomnography, various physiological parameters are monitored to diagnose sleep apnea. The patient's breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and oxygen levels are observed to differentiate between obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea usually revolves around keeping the airway open during sleep, which can be achieved using a CPAP machine. This device provides a constant stream of air through a mask to ensure uninterrupted breathing. On the other hand, central sleep apnea treatment may focus more on addressing the underlying causes and could include supplemental oxygen.