Sleep Disorder Defined:
Sleep disorders involve problems such as difficulty falling asleep or falling asleep too easily. It may involve falling asleep at inappropriate times, waking up too early, or any abnormal sleep behavior pattern. It includes sleep apnea which is a condition commonly characterized by episodes where a person stops breathing for periods of time. Patients often do not realize their own sleep patterns.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea- (OSA)
Breathing restrictions caused by an obstruction in the airway. Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be common in people who are overweight, it can also occur in people of normal weight who have physical characteristics such as a large tongue or other airway features that restrict airflow. In addition, central sleep apnea (CSA) may be present in a person of normal weight.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is caused by a problem with the portion of the brain (the brainstem) that controls breathing. The brain simply stops firing the signal to breathe. The airway is not obstructed as in OSA.

Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA)
Mixed sleep apnea occurs with the onset of a central apnea and is followed by an obstructive apnea or hypopnea.

Hypopnea
Hypopnea is a partial obstruction in the airway of 50% or greater, causing significant restriction of the upper airway.