Here are some basics to help you understand your sleep study report1:
- Overall sleep time: One of the key metrics in a sleep study report is the total amount of time you spent asleep during the study. This can help determine if you are getting enough quality sleep each night2.
- Sleep Stages: Another important aspect of a sleep study report is the breakdown of your sleep stages. Understanding your sleep stages can help identify any disruptions in your sleep patterns. Sleep is divided into four stages3:
- N1: This is the earliest stage of sleep. This is where you will start to feel drowsiness or fall into very light sleep.
- N2: The stage you spend most of your time asleep and is important for memory, learning and mood.
- N3: The stage you are in a deep sleep and difficult to wake up. If woken up during this stage of sleep, you may often feel drowsy.
- REM (rapid eye movement) sleep: This stage is where dreams occur. Most REM sleep occurs during the second half of the night.
- Apnea/Hypopnea index (AHI): AHI measures the number of apnea (complete cessation of breathing that lasts at least 10 seconds) and hypopnea (partial obstruction of breathing that lasts at least 10 seconds) events you experience per hour. This is a key indicator of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by breathing pauses during sleep.
- None/Minimal: AHI of less than 5 events
- Mild: AHI of 5 to 14 events
- Moderate: AHI of 15 to 29 events
- Severe: AHI greater then 30 events
- Oxygen saturation levels: Your sleep study report will also include data on your oxygen saturation levels throughout the night. This can help identify any potential breathing issues that may be impacting your sleep quality4.
- Periodic Limb Movement (PLMI): This measures any leg jerks that occur each hour during sleep5.
- Sleep efficiency: This measures the percentage of time you spend asleep while in bed. A lower sleep efficiency can indicate poor sleep quality or disrupted sleep patterns6.
- Sleep latency: This measures how long it takes you to fall asleep7.
- Recommendations: Your sleep study report may also include a recommendation section dictated by the interpreting sleep physician. This may include a summary of the test results, recommendations for treatment or recommendations for further evaluation8.
Your sleep study is just a snapshot of your sleep patterns during the study period. It is always important to discuss the results with your healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for improving your sleep. By arming yourself with knowledge about the key components of a sleep study report, you can better advocate for your sleep health and make informed decisions about your treatment options.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used for diagnosis or interpretation of any medical conditions or test results. Individuals are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider to discuss their specific results and receive personalized medical advice.
1. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
2. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
3. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
4. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
5. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
6. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
7. https://www.sleepwa.com.au/interpreting-a-sleep-study/
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/polysomnography/about/pac-20394877