After reading yet another article about how sleep apnea shortens lifespan, I started to wonder if I need to do more about mine.
I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea a few years ago. I haven't done anything other than dental treatments to widen my maxilla and airway and slowly move my mandible forwards, and toning exercises for my tongue and airway.
I've attached a typical night's SpO2 reading. My average SpO2 level was 97%. I had 7 drops of 4% or higher, and the lowest SpO2 level recorded was 90%.
I'm slim, physically active, don't have any daytime sleepiness, have a healthy heart rate and blood pressure, and my wife says she hasn't noticed any apnea-like issues, although I do occasionally snore. My FitBit says I spend around 15% of the night in deep sleep, and 57% in light sleep.
I do wonder if the lifespan shortening stats take into account other factors associated with being overweight, and whether there would still be issues in the absence of desaturations. Any ideas?
In any case, I know an SpO2 score isn't the be all and end all, but I'd really appreciate some advice. I really don't want to use a CPAP, and would much rather slowly resolve the underlying issues.
Thanks,
Jamie