Severity of Apnea

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Severity of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when you regularly stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. It can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number of times per hour you stop breathing (apnea) or breathe very slowly (hypopnea). This is called the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

  • Mild apnea. Mild apnea is 5 to 15 episodes of apnea or slowed breathing per hour with 86% or more oxygen saturation in the blood. Symptoms may include drowsiness or falling asleep during activities that do not require much attention, such as watching television or reading. These symptoms may cause only minor problems with work or social functioning.
  • Moderate apnea. Moderate apnea is 15 to 30 episodes of apnea or slowed breathing per hour with 80% to 85% oxygen saturation. Symptoms may include drowsiness or falling asleep during activities that require some attention, such as attending a concert or a meeting. These symptoms may cause moderate problems with work or social functioning.
  • Severe apnea. Severe apnea is more than 30 episodes of apnea or slowed breathing per hour with no more than 79% oxygen saturation. Symptoms may include drowsiness or falling asleep during activities that require active attention, such as eating, talking, driving, or walking. These symptoms may cause severe problems with work or social functioning.

Sleep apnea may be classified differently in children because they are still developing and they normally breathe at a faster rate than adults do.