Sudden spike in events

I have PTSD and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and I've noticed that on the nights when I have much more anxiety than others, my AHI spikes up. When I'm able to fall asleep easier and not as anxious, I sit around 0.0-0.07. Last night it was 2.8. Could it be connected to my anxiety?

UBVG8096, You can change your username by clicking on the pulldown next to the search ICON. The names assigned by the software are awkward at best. Welcome! I would guess that anxiety can cause other physical issues like a higher AHI but the 2.8 you mentioned is considered "normal" for any person regadless if they are on CPAP therapy or not. That isn't much of a spike. Anything under 5 is considered normal so I wouldn't let 2.8 cause more anxiety. I can't help with the anxiety issue but I am sure if you discuss this with your doctor, he/she can point you towards some help with that situation. Good luck!

Hello UnderstangingBlueVioletGorilla8096. I agree with wiredgeorge that 2.8 is considered within normal limits. It is not uncommon for some patients to have an AHI that varies with disturbed sleep. The machine algorithms detect breathing, but they cannot detect actual wake from sleep. When you wake up and fall back to sleep, it is not uncommon to have a short respiratory event related to sleep onset. If you are having restless sleep and arousing and falling back into sleep, the machine might be detecting these events. Hope this helps!