Published on: 6/12/2025
How should I interpret my sleep apnea test results and what do they mean?
Sleep apnea test results show how often you stop breathing at night. The results help doctors understand if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.
Explanation
Sleep apnea tests measure how often you stop breathing or have shallow breaths while you sleep. This is called the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The AHI tells doctors how many times you have these breathing problems each hour.
Understanding Your Results
- Normal: Fewer than 5 events per hour.
- Mild Sleep Apnea: 5 to 14 events per hour.
- Moderate Sleep Apnea: 15 to 29 events per hour.
- Severe Sleep Apnea: 30 or more events per hour.
Home sleep apnea tests can be used to diagnose sleep apnea. They are accurate but might not catch all cases. Doctors use these results to decide on treatment, like using a CPAP machine or other therapies. It's important to talk to your doctor about your results to understand what they mean for your health.
(References)
- Zancanella E, do Prado LF, de Carvalho LB, Machado Júnior AJ, Crespo AN, & do Prado GF. (2022). Home sleep apnea testing: an accuracy study. Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 33837916.
- Rundo JV. (2019). Obstructive sleep apnea basics. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 31509498.
- Pang KP, Terris DJ, & Podolsky R. (2006). Severity of obstructive sleep apnea: correlation with clinical .... Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 17011416.
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