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Re: sleep study

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Posted by Sandman on June 21, 2010 at 20:05:21:

In Reply to: sleep study posted by insomniac6622 on June 20, 2010 at 06:50:14:

Update of severity. What is mild? Just so we don't forget.

To understand the severity of OSA we shouldn't use the RDI (Respiratory Disturbance Index, per hour). The best indicator of severity is how do you feel the next day. You could have a RDI of 20 and be young with lungs in great shape, and you may just have a little sleepiness in the afternoon. If you are older, lungs weak from battling OSA, smoking, etc. a RDI of 6 could cause headaches and extreme daytime sleepiness... Which person has more severe sleep apnea.

Another factor is how long you go without breathing. I've seen people who would stop breathing for 3 minutes at a time. If you add one minute between apneas their maximum RDI would be 15 and they are close to apnea death.

So don't use the RDI as the only factor with severity.

Think of it like this, with a RDI of 15 it is like someone coming into your room, every 4 minutes, while you are sleeping and nudging you enough to cause an arousal and ocassionally an awakening (more than 15 seconds awake). Would you have a mild problem the next day?

There are other factors that need to be added to severity like heart damage, brain damage, high blood pressure......

Sorry, Sandman needed to rant on the severity scale again.

Best wishes,
Sandman

Disclaimer, I am not an MD and my opinions should not be taken as medical advice. If you feel that you need assistance with medications and/or diagnosis, you should seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

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PLEASE ONLY CLICK THE SUBMIT FOLLOW UP BUTTON ONCE!!. Thanks, Sandman

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