Central sleep apnea syndrome
MONDO:0004731A broad classification of disorders which includes 6 subtypes (primary central sleep apnea, central sleep apnea due to Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern, central sleep apnea due to medical condition not Cheyne-Stokes, central sleep apnea due to high-altitude periodic breathing, central sleep apnea due to drug or substance and primary sleep apnea of infancy) that are each characterized by interruptions in breathing while asleep. It is caused by improper signaling from the brainstem to respiratory muscles and is triggered by either hypoventilation or hyperventilation. In adults, this disorder may arise following a stroke, congestive heart failure, trauma, infection or the use of narcotic medications. It is more common in older males and may present as a co-morbid condition to obesity. Clinical signs include snoring, insomnia or hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Recurrent episodes of hypoxia/hypoxemia have long-term detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.
Also known as: central sleep apnea syndrome, central sleep apnea, primary, primary central sleep apnea, secondary central sleep apnea, Apneas, central, Apneas, central sleep, Breathings, central sleep-disordered, alveolar hypoventilation, central
51 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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Altitude sleep study: drug may ease breathing in women
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a drug called acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing in women traveling to high altitude (3600 m). 303 healthy adults participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The main goal was to see if the drug reduced drops in oxygen level…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Zurich • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
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New sleep supplement tested in 60 adults – results pending
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a dietary supplement called Speed Sleep in 60 adults aged 18-65 who have trouble sleeping. Participants took either the supplement or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. Sleep quality and quantity were measured using Fitbit trackers and questionnaires.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Bio Nature Health • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Sleep therapy shows promise for veterans battling PTSD and insomnia
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a behavioral sleep treatment in 36 veterans who have PTSD, insomnia, and sleep apnea. The goal was to see if improving sleep also improves quality of life and daily functioning. Participants attended therapy sessions and reported their sleep and well-being throu…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Herbal sleep aid shows promise in midlife insomnia trial
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a daily mix of plant protein and two herbs (ashwagandha and rhodiola) could improve sleep in 100 adults aged 35-70 with sleep troubles. Participants took either the supplement or a placebo for 30 days and reported their sleep quality daily. The goal was …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Universidad Pablo de Olavide • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Could a common pill replace CPAP for opioid users?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether the drug acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing in 39 adults with chronic pain who use opioids. Participants took either the drug or a placebo for one week each. The goal was to see if the pill could reduce sleep apnea events as an alternat…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of California, San Diego • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Could a tiny dose of muscle relaxant make lung scopes safer?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study looked at whether giving a low dose of a muscle relaxant (rocuronium) during bronchoscopy—a procedure where a tube is inserted into the lungs—could reduce complications like throat spasms and coughing. 153 adults having elective bronchoscopy were split into two groups:…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Harbin Medical University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:09 UTC
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Sleep aid boosts immunity in small trial
Symptom relief CompletedThis early study tested a product called Chenghuang Circadian Rhythm Regulator in 15 adults with ongoing sleep problems. The goal was to see if it could improve sleep quality and immune markers. Results are not yet reported, but the study was small and had no comparison group.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Shanghai Cell Therapy Group Co.,Ltd • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:05 UTC
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Headband that reads your brain waves may ease insomnia in menopausal women
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a headband called Muse-S, which senses brain activity, could help midlife women with sleep problems like insomnia. Thirty-one women going through menopause wore the device at home. The goal was to see if it was practical and if it improved sleep quality …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:14 UTC
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Gentle pressure, deep sleep: acupressure shows promise for elderly insomnia
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether acupressure—a gentle finger-pressure technique on specific body points—could improve sleep in elderly people living in care homes. 75 residents took part, with half receiving 12 acupressure sessions over four weeks. The results showed that those who rece…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Duzce University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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New online course helps seniors kick the benzo habit
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested an online program called ALDER that teaches older adults skills to boost positive emotions and reduce anxiety. 33 people aged 65 and older who used benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety or sleep medications) at least twice a week took part. Over 5 weeks, they learned an…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Can better sleep habits beat daytime drowsiness? new study tests two approaches
Symptom relief CompletedThis study looked at 558 adults with mild to moderate sleep apnea who also don't get enough sleep. Researchers compared two programs: one focused on improving use of a PAP machine, and another on sleep education. The goal was to see which works better for reducing daytime sleepin…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Wayne State University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:01 UTC
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Better sleep could ease severe mental illness symptoms, study finds
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a sleep and circadian treatment (TranS-C) for people with severe mental illness (SMI) in community mental health centers. The treatment was adapted to better fit these settings. Researchers looked at whether it improved sleep, daily functioning, and symptoms in …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Better sleep, better mental health: new training approach tested in community clinics
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested two versions of a sleep treatment for people with severe mental illness in community mental health centers. One version was the standard treatment, and the other was adapted to better fit patients' needs. The goal was to see if training clinic staff to deliver t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Your smartwatch could be your sleep detective
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether a wearable device (Xiaomi Mi Band 8) can accurately detect sleep-related breathing disorders. About 300 adults wore the band during a standard overnight sleep test. Researchers compared the band's sleep-stage data with the hospital test to see if wear…
Sponsor: Universidade da Coruña • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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French study tracks sleep quality in central apnea patients using smart ventilator
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 520 French adults with central or mixed sleep apnea to see how a treatment called adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) improved their sleep quality. Participants used a breathing device that adjusts pressure in real time. The goal was to measure changes in sleep q…
Sponsor: Société Française de Recherche et de Médecine du Sommeil • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Smart system aims to crack brain disorder diagnosis
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a computer system designed to help doctors more accurately diagnose and manage complex brain disorders like dementia, epilepsy, and sleep problems. Researchers collected health data from 635 people visiting specialty clinics, including healthy volunteers, to see…
Sponsor: Neurological Institute of Athens • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:04 UTC
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Tiny study explores better lead placement for sleep apnea device
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis small study tested whether placing a nerve stimulation lead in a different spot during a sleep apnea device implant could improve breathing. 29 adults with moderate to severe central sleep apnea took part. The goal was to see immediate changes in breathing and airway functio…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Respicardia, Inc. • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC
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Sleep therapy adherence under the microscope: do obese patients keep using their machines?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at how consistently 300 obese adults (BMI over 30) used positive airway pressure therapy for sleep-disordered breathing. Researchers tracked whether patients used the device at least 4 hours per night for 70% of nights within the first 90 days and agai…
Sponsor: Anne Kathrine Staehr-Rye • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:13 UTC
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Sleep apnea may raise risk of repeat blood clots in lungs
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 40 adults who had a blood clot in their lungs (pulmonary embolism). Researchers compared those who also had sleep-disordered breathing (like sleep apnea) with those who did not. The goal was to see if sleep problems affect short-term recovery and the chance o…
Sponsor: Alexandria University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:13 UTC