Breathing During Sleep in Normal Middle-Aged Subjects

[Timur]

Here's a very recent (2015) study of normal middle aged subjects from the general population who underwent sleep studies. This data is more applicable because it is using the most current AASM definitions and the most up to date and sensitive equipment. Earlier studies, especially those done in the early 1990s used far less sensitive equipment to measure airflow.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404207/

"The median apnoea-hypopnoea index was 6·9 events per h (IQR 2·7–14·1) in women and 14·9 per h (7·2–27·1) in men. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe sleep-disordered breathing (≥15 events per h) was 23·4% (95% CI 20·9–26·0) in women and 49·7% (46·6–52·8) in men."

Here is a study done on women in 2013 using the most recent definitions for hypopneas.


http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/41/3/610

"We investigated 400 females from a population-based random sample of 10,000 females aged 20–70 yrs. They answered a questionnaire and performed overnight polysomnography.  OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5) was found in 50% (95% CI 45–55%) of females aged 20–70 yrs."

[Mogy]

Hi Shin Ryoku and Timur,
Thanks for posting these studies.
So, from the latest study that Timur posted:
[size=large]"An apnoea-hypopnoea index of five or more events per h (ie, mild-to-severe sleep-disordered breathing) was recorded in 858 (83·8%; 95% CI 81·4–86·0) men and 667 (60·8%; 57·8–63·7) women, whereas an apnoea-hypopnoea index of 15 or more events per h (moderate-to-severe sleep-disordered breathing) was noted in 509 (49·7%; 46·6–52·8) men and 257 (23·4%; 20·9–26·0) women."


83% of men from the general population have an AHI of 5 or greater.

I can see why you are on PAP for life if you start and use this criteria to be 'cured'.

The vast majority of middle aged males have sleep apnea. Almost half have moderate to severe sleep apnea.

This is a bit of an eye opener for me.