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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea

I just had an overnight test for sleep apnea and was pretty good until my REM stage, when the line was total zig zags and my overall oxygen went to 85%. Why would my apnea only be during REM and is it significant? My pulmo originally wanted me to try another test with the oxygen mask but now has changed his mind. I m a bit confused.
Mon, 15 Dec 2014
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
Sleep apnea is categorized by the fall of oxygen levels during sleep. As the REM sleep is a deep sleep with reduced muscle tone, the tongue falls behind and blocks your passage for air. This is the reason your oxygen falls during REM sleep. However your oxygen going down to 85% is significant but also important is the amount of apneas that u get every hour. If it is more than 10, then u certainly need a study with the CPAP to see the response.
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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is categorized by the fall of oxygen levels during sleep. As the REM sleep is a deep sleep with reduced muscle tone, the tongue falls behind and blocks your passage for air. This is the reason your oxygen falls during REM sleep. However your oxygen going down to 85% is significant but also important is the amount of apneas that u get every hour. If it is more than 10, then u certainly need a study with the CPAP to see the response.