Normal Oxygen Level during Sleep- Determining the Need for Supplemental Oxygen

When we sleep, our body undergoes various physiological processes, one of which is fluctuations in our oxygen level. Understanding the meaning and significance of normal oxygen level during sleep is essential for maintaining good health and addressing potential respiratory concerns.

In this blog post, we explore the various aspects of oxygen level during sleep, including the ranges, factors influencing them, and the significance of maintaining a balanced respiratory environment when you are sleeping.

Understanding the Meaning of Oxygen Level

Blood oxygen level, also referred to as oxygen saturation, indicate the proportion of red blood cells transporting oxygen in the bloodstream. This metric measures the efficiency of the lungs in absorbing and conveying oxygen to the blood.

Health professionals commonly use a pulse oximeter, usually fixed to your fingertip, to measure blood oxygen level. Continuous monitoring, particularly during sleep, is feasible with pulse oximeters. It is because, while blood tests offer a more precise measurement of blood oxygen level, they involve a blood draw, are not suitable for home use, and provide a one-time assessment only. Therefore, pulse oximeters and other sleep tracking devices are considered more practical for monitoring of blood oxygen level at home while sleeping.

It is important to note that blood oxygen level can undergo slight variations during sleep. Factors such as change in sleeping position may result in minor fluctuations in oxygen saturation level. For instance, when you are lying on the back compared to lying on the stomach, your blood oxygen level may show a slight decrease but remain within the normal range.

Normal and Critical Oxygen Level When Sleeping

Blood oxygen level can vary among individuals, while the normal range is considered to be between 95% and 100%, whether awake or asleep. A level below 92% may raise concerns, while a reading below 88% needs immediate medical attention.

While these estimates provide a useful reference, doctors consider various factors when inferring blood oxygen level. Factors such as previous readings, altitude, and pre-existing health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or pneumonia, also contribute to a thorough assessment. Additionally, pulse oximeters give estimations, with potential variations from actual level, thereby increasing the importance of professional medical evaluation to establish if oxygen level are dangerously low.

• Doctors often look at the trends in blood oxygen level over time, recognizing that even a seemingly acceptable level, like 95%, maybe concerning if it shows a decline from a previous level of 98%. 
• Altitude can also impact readings, as higher elevations may naturally result in lower blood oxygen level compared to when at sea level. 
• Similarly, individuals with lung-related issues might experience lower oxygen level, further complicating the evaluation.

Causes of Low Oxygen Level during Sleep

The process of oxygen intake, circulation, and use in the body can be disrupted at various stages, causing a decrease in blood oxygen level during sleep. Several medical conditions, including sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoventilation, and certain medications, can also lead to lowered oxygen level. If the reduction in oxygen level is not due to sleep apnea or hypoventilation, it implies a possibility of sleep-related hypoxemia. 

Sleep-related hypoxemia is a sleep disorder characterized by nighttime drops in blood oxygen not attributable to other sleep-related breathing conditions. Often, this disorder is associated with an underlying medical condition, including: 

• Lung disease- Chronic respiratory conditions can compromise the respiratory system, impacting the efficient exchange of oxygen.
• High blood pressure– Hypertension may contribute to disturbances in oxygen level during sleep.
• Neurological and muscular conditions– Disorders affecting nerves and muscles can disrupt the respiratory process, leading to reduced oxygen level.
• Respiratory flare-ups– Flare-ups of a respiratory condition, such as COPD, can result in nighttime drops in blood oxygen.
• Medication-induced effects– Certain medications may also influence respiratory function, contributing to reduced oxygen level during sleep.

Seeking Help for Low Oxygen Level

For accurate assessments and guidance, consulting with a doctor is important, especially when the condition is accompanied by symptoms of inadequate oxygen, such as 

• rapid heartbeat
• chest discomfort
• bluish tint on lips, face, or nails
• difficulty in breathing
• Worsening cough, etc.

Despite having reduced oxygen level during sleep, some individuals may not have noticeable symptoms, or they might only feel a general sense of fatigue or get good quality sleep.

Abrupt and considerable decline in blood oxygen level are considered a medical emergency, and repeated instances of inadequate oxygen supply to vital organs raise the risk of severe medical complications, such as stroke and heart failure. However, seeking prompt medical attention for low oxygen level enables healthcare professionals to administer supplemental oxygen when necessary, determine the root cause, and take appropriate treatment measures.

Improving Oxygen Level during Sleep

If you are concerned about your blood oxygen level while sleeping, you should reach out to your healthcare provider, as only a professional can evaluate changes in blood oxygen level and suggest suitable interventions.

When treating low blood oxygen becomes a necessity, the specific treatment depends on the underlying cause. For instance, individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea might receive a prescription for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device. On the other hand, those dealing with sleep-related hypoxemia might be recommended supplemental oxygen for nighttime use, such as oxygen concentrators.