Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea are the two types of this condition. Dr. Jonathan Fialkow, Deputy Chief of Cardiology at Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, says the most common form is the obstructive one, which is when the body is trying to inhale against a closed airway.

The central sleep apnea happens when the brain does not stimulate the lungs to breathe. "It's usually seen in people with significant neurological disorders, like stroke or Parkinson," he points out.