In as basic terms as possible sleep apnea is “the cessation of breathing during sleep.” Those who study sleep apnea break it down into three categories- central, obstructive and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (abbreviated to OSA) is the most widespread form while central sleep apnea is not terribly common. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the other two types but its treatment is much the same as OSA.