I’m trying to interpret my sleep study results. It looks like I have an AHI for 23. I understand this suggests I could have sleep apnea, but what would a normal reading be?
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An AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) of 23 generally indicates moderate sleep apnea. This means that, on average, your breathing is interrupted about 23 times per hour during sleep. These disruptions can lead to fragmented sleep, reduced oxygen levels, and may contribute to symptoms like daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and other health risks over time.
For context, a normal AHI is usually under 5 events per hour. Mild sleep apnea ranges from 5 to 15, moderate from 15 to 30, and severe is over 30.
It’s really important to discuss your results with your doctor or a sleep specialist, who can help interpret them in the context of your overall health and symptoms. They can also recommend appropriate treatment options—whether that’s CPAP therapy, an oral appliance, positional therapy, or lifestyle changes like weight management and sleep hygiene improvements.
Remember, understanding your sleep study is a big step forward, and there are many effective treatments that can improve your sleep quality and overall health. Keep asking questions and advocating for yourself—you’re doing great! 