Did you know that the most important part of a sleep study for those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) because it indicates the severity of the condition.

Apnea or an apneic event is when a person stops breathing for 10 or more seconds. Hypopnea is a constricted breath that lasts at least 10 seconds. The number of apneas and hypopneas that occur within one hour of sleep will determine the index number. Mild obstructive sleep apnea is an index number of 5 – 15 events per hour. Moderate OSA is from 15 – 30. Anything over 30 is classified as severe.