The severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is measured by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which is the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. Apneas are complete stops in breathing, while hypopneas are partial stops in breathing.

The AHI is used to classify OSA as mild (AHI of 5-15), moderate (AHI of 15-30), or severe (AHI of 30 or more). The higher the AHI, the more severe the OSA.²

So, what might it feel like for someone suffering mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea?

Mild: You may notice yourself feeling sleepy during activities that don't need a lot of focus, such as watching the TV or reading.

Moderate: You might inexplicably become sleepy during activities that require some attention, such as a meeting or presentation.

Severe: You may experience sleepiness during times where your active attention is required, such as talking or driving.

A score of under 5 is considered in the normal range. This means you experience less than 5 apneas per hour. Any score above 5 may be indicative of sleep apnea.¹
Anytime you have a question on your own AHI score, you should contact your healthcare professional.

Sleep apnea disrupts your breathing and can cause you to frequently wake up during sleep, preventing you from getting the rest you need.

This can cause you to experience daytime fatigue, irritability and drowsiness. You may also struggle to concentrate or fall asleep during daily activities such as work, watching TV or driving.¹