How do I know if have central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea?

This question was asked in Deep River, North Carolina on 06/11/2014.
I find myself suddenly dozing off during the day and I do not feel well-rested after sleeping at night. If the cause is sleep apnea, how will I know whether I have central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea?

Doctors Answers (2)

Richard L. Jacobson, D.M.D., M.S.
Answered on: 6/12/2014

Most sleep apnea is obstructive. A polysomnogram test and a CBCT scan both help identify obstructive sleep apnea.

Gary K. Zammit, Ph.D.
Answered on: 6/11/2014

Only a sleep test (polysomnography) can determine if you have sleep apnea, and whether the subtype if obstructive or central. However, obstructive sleep apnea is far more common, so statistically you are much more likely to have this subtype.