Introduction

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented and poor-quality sleep. While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, there is another form known as complex sleep apnea or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA). In this blog, we will explore the complex sleep apnea symptoms and gain insights from Dr. Seemab Shaikh, a renowned sleep specialist in Pune.

Understanding Complex Sleep Apnea

Complex sleep apnea is a condition that presents a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea symptoms. It occurs when a person with a history of OSA develops central sleep apnea after using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. This transition can be attributed to the way the respiratory system responds to the treatment.

The Symptoms of Complex Sleep Apnea

1. Recurrent Apneas and Hypopneas: Individuals with complex sleep apnea experience repeated episodes of paused or shallow breathing during sleep, similar to OSA. However, in complex sleep apnea, the central nervous system fails to send the appropriate signals to initiate breathing, leading to central apneas.
2. Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue: Complex sleep apnea disrupts the normal sleep pattern, preventing individuals from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages. As a result, patients may suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, constant fatigue, and a lack of energy.
3. Morning Headaches: Frequent disruptions in sleep due to apneas can cause morning headaches. These headaches are often described as dull and throbbing, and they tend to improve as the day progresses.
4. Insomnia or Fragmented Sleep: Complex sleep apnea can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in insomnia or fragmented sleep. Individuals may wake up multiple times throughout the night, gasping for breath or feeling shortness of breath.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Proper diagnosis and treatment of complex sleep apnea require the expertise of a sleep specialist like Dr. Seemab Shaikh in Pune. Dr. Seemab Shaikh employs a comprehensive approach to evaluate patients and develop personalized treatment plans. The diagnosis typically involves a combination of the following:

• Medical History Evaluation:  Dr. Seemab Shaikh will gather detailed information about your sleep patterns, medical history, and any underlying conditions that may contribute to complex sleep apnea.
• Polysomnography (Sleep Study): A sleep study is conducted to monitor your sleep and detect any abnormalities. This test records various parameters, including brain activity, heart rate, eye movements, and oxygen levels.
• Titration Study: A CPAP titration study may be performed to determine the appropriate air pressure settings for your CPAP machine. This helps ensure optimal treatment and alleviates central apneas.

Managing Complex Sleep Apnea

Once diagnosed, managing complex sleep apnea involves a combination of treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. Dr. Seemab Shaikh may recommend:

• Adjusting CPAP Settings: Optimizing CPAP therapy to address both obstructive and central apneas is crucial. Dr. Seemab Shaikh will carefully titrate the pressure settings to minimize apnea events and improve breathing during sleep.
• Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): BiPAP machines provide different pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation, making them suitable for patients with complex sleep apnea who require more assistance during breathing.
• Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): ASV machines continuously monitor breathing patterns and adjust pressure support to stabilize breathing during sleep. ASV is particularly effective for managing complex sleep apnea with predominant central apneas.
• Lifestyle Modifications:  Dr. Seemab Shaikh may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, and avoidance of alcohol and sedatives to improve overall sleep health and reduce the severity of complex sleep apnea.

Conclusion

Complex sleep apnea, characterized by a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea symptoms, requires careful diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Seemab Shaikh, a respected sleep specialist in Pune, is well-equipped to evaluate and manage complex sleep apnea, offering personalized treatment plans to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. If you or your loved ones experience symptoms of complex sleep apnea, do not hesitate to seek professional help and take a step towards a better night’s sleep and improved quality of life.

You can book an appointment with Dr.Seemab Shaikh online through his website www.drseemabshaikh.com or call him at +91 7057458160