Sleep Apnea

[tatsie]

Hi,
I have just been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and I was wondering about the test results. If anyone can help me I would be very grateful. Dr. said that in 6 hours I stopped breathing 462 times for more than 20 seconds and that my blood oxygen levels were between a high of 90% and a low of 74% for 91% of the 6 six hours. How severe is this? She didn't elaborate, just said that I would have to do a CPAP sleep study within the next 7 days.
Can anyone tell me if this is a normal reading for sleep apnea?
Thank you very much.

[bethtara]

Hi. I diagnose and treat Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) at a Hospital in the Midlands.

If you stop breathing 462 times in 6 hours, that works out as 77 times per hour. This does mean that you have severe OSA. Anybody who stops breathing 30 times or more per hour is described as having severe OSA. I would absolutely expect your oxygen levels to be as you described.

We see similar results and worse results than this all the time.

You do need treatment of course. It can be tricky to get used to, but it is so worth it, as it will make you feel better, stop you snoring and will protect your heart from the strain that OSA causes, meaning you will live longer!