Your Sleep Study Results
Sleep study reports are full of charts, percentages, and acronyms. At Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, WV, we help you understand what the numbers mean for your health.
When you know what's happening beneath the surface, you can make informed choices about your care.
Why a Closer Look Matters
Most reports include a summary score called the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): how many breathing disruptions you have per hour of sleep.
Learn how we gather these insights through sleep apnea testing.
Apneas and Hypopneas
Apnea
Airflow stops completely for ten seconds or longer. On a monitor, steady breathing suddenly goes flat.
Hypopnea
Shallow breathing where airflow drops significantly, usually by 30–50 percent, without stopping entirely.
Many patients have far more hypopneas than full apneas. Both rob your body of oxygen and trigger micro-awakenings you may not remember.
How Sleep Position Changes Everything
Most reports break down your sleep time by position: back, side, or stomach.
Breathing events often spike on your back, as gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissue backward. On your side, events can drop substantially.
Positional patterns explain why some mornings feel worse and guide treatments that keep your airway open however you turn. Learn about home sleep testing.
Data and How You Feel
A successful plan should improve your objective data and leave you genuinely refreshed. Sometimes metrics lag behind how much better you feel; more deep sleep or a change in posture can affect the numbers.
We review every detail with you, matching your results with your daily symptoms and energy.
Comfortable Solutions
Custom-fit oral appliances gently guide your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open, quiet snoring, and restore steady breathing without bulky machines. Read about oral appliance therapy.
Common Questions
What is AHI on a sleep study?
The Apnea-Hypopnea Index is a summary score of how many breathing disruptions you experience per hour of sleep.
What's the difference between an apnea and a hypopnea?
An apnea is when airflow stops completely for ten seconds or longer. A hypopnea is shallow breathing where airflow drops significantly, usually 30 to 50 percent, without stopping.
Why does my sleep position matter?
Breathing events often spike when you sleep on your back because gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissue backward, and they can drop when you roll onto your side.
Related Topics
- Medicare Coverage
- Insurance for Sleep Apnea
- Insurance for TMJ Treatment
- Referring Providers
- Sleep Studies Explained
- Home Sleep Testing
Schedule Your Consultation
Have questions about your report? We work closely with medical specialists so your care is coordinated. Contact Better Sleep Mid-Ohio Valley in Parkersburg, WV, today.
Take the First Step to Better Sleep
If you’re ready to get the restful sleep you deserve, it’s time to speak to one of our sleep professionals. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, take our short sleep quiz that identifies the most common sleep-related issues to see which ones you’ve experienced.