Sleep Apnea Testing

Understanding Your Sleep Study Results

Sleep study results can look technical. Here's a plain-language guide to what the numbers mean — your physician always reviews yours with you in detail.

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What is AHI?

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is the main number on most sleep study reports. It reflects the average number of times per hour that your breathing pauses (apnea) or becomes shallow (hypopnea) during sleep. A higher AHI generally indicates more frequent disruptions.

Severity categories

In adults, obstructive sleep apnea is commonly grouped into general severity ranges — mild, moderate, and severe — based on AHI and considered alongside your symptoms and health. These categories are a starting point for discussion, not a diagnosis on their own.

  • Mild — fewer disruptions per hour
  • Moderate — a higher frequency of disruptions
  • Severe — frequent disruptions throughout the night

What happens next

Your physician interprets your results in the context of your symptoms and overall health, then discusses a personalized plan — which may include treatment options and follow-up care.

Keep Reading

Related Sleep Topics

Home Sleep Apnea Testing

The full Georgia home sleep testing overview. →

Treatment Options

CPAP and beyond, physician-guided. →

Follow-Up Sleep Care

Ongoing care and long-term results. →

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

AHI thresholds and what they mean for you are best interpreted by your physician alongside your symptoms and health history. Your provider will explain your specific numbers.
These are general severity ranges based on how frequently breathing is disrupted per hour of sleep. They're a starting point your physician uses when discussing options.
Your physician reviews the findings with you and discusses a personalized plan, which may include treatment and ongoing follow-up.

Physician-led sleep care across Georgia.

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