Understanding
Your Results
This guide will help you understand what your sleep study results mean and what they indicate about your sleep health.
What Your AHI Score Means
Your AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) is the main number that determines if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.
Normal
Your breathing during sleep appears normal. You had fewer than 5 breathing events per hour.
No treatment typically needed. Focus on maintaining good sleep habits and a healthy lifestyle.
Mild Sleep Apnea
You experienced 5-15 breathing interruptions per hour during sleep.
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, positional therapy, dental devices, or CPAP therapy depending on symptoms.
Moderate Sleep Apnea
You experienced 15-30 breathing interruptions per hour during sleep.
CPAP therapy is typically recommended. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment approach for your situation.
Severe Sleep Apnea
You experienced more than 30 breathing interruptions per hour during sleep.
CPAP therapy is strongly recommended. Prompt treatment is important to reduce health risks.
Note: Your doctor will discuss your specific results and recommend the best treatment approach for your situation.
Key Terms in Your Report
Understanding the medical terminology in your sleep study results.
AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index)
The number of times per hour that your breathing stops (apnea) or becomes very shallow (hypopnea) during sleep. This is the main number used to determine if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.
Apnea
A complete pause in breathing lasting at least 10 seconds. During an apnea, no air flows to your lungs.
Hypopnea
A partial blockage of your airway that reduces airflow by at least 30% for 10 seconds or more, often causing a drop in oxygen levels.
ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index)
The number of times per hour that your blood oxygen level drops by 3% or more. This helps measure how sleep apnea affects your oxygen levels.
SpO2 (Oxygen Saturation)
The percentage of oxygen in your blood. Normal is typically 95-100%. During sleep apnea events, this number can drop significantly.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
A condition where the muscles in your throat relax during sleep, causing your airway to narrow or close completely.
Why Treatment Matters
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences. Treatment can reduce or eliminate these risks.
Heart Disease
Untreated sleep apnea increases risk of heart attack and irregular heartbeats.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea causes sudden drops in oxygen levels that strain the cardiovascular system.
Stroke
The risk of stroke is higher in people with untreated moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.
Daytime Fatigue
Poor sleep quality leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.
Driving Accidents
People with untreated sleep apnea are at higher risk of motor vehicle accidents.
The Good News
Sleep apnea is highly treatable. With proper treatment, most patients experience significant improvement in sleep quality, daytime energy, and overall health. Many patients report feeling better within just a few days of starting CPAP therapy.
What Happens Next?
Discuss Results With Your Doctor
Your doctor will review your results with you and explain what they mean for your specific situation.
Explore Treatment Options
If treatment is recommended, your doctor will discuss options including CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, and other approaches.
Get Set Up With Treatment
If CPAP is recommended, you'll be connected with a DME provider who will help you get started with equipment and education.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up helps ensure treatment is working effectively and make any needed adjustments.
Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea?
Learn about CPAP therapy and how it can help you get better sleep.