What are the 5 levels of sleep?

Low oxygen levels when I sleep?

• Last night I took a sleep study, and the doctor called me back and said I have mild sleep apnea, and he was more concerned with my low oxygen levels, so he is going to do a test from my home when I sleep to check my oxygen with a cpap machine while I sleep. He asked if I have lung or heart problems, and I don't know if I do. Do you think my family practitioner will check into these areas? and what is wrong with low oxygen levels? I do have high blood pressure, usually 138/90. I am overweight also. He told me if I lose 20 to 25 lbs my sleep apnea would go away, but does that mean my low oxy levels will go away? I'm a little scared because I do find it hard to breathe at times. I can't lay down straight because my breasts seem to weigh down on my heart. Also, does insurance let you keep the cpap machine or do you have to give it back after more tests? Just curious. When they let me try it on last night on my sleep study, i felt such relief because I could breathe so much better with it on. I am also being checked for diabetes, thyroid problems. When I had the things on my neck and head last night for sleep study it like made my neck hurt bad, is this normal? Someone give me some insight.

• Answer:

  I think he means that your low oxygen levels are caused by your sleep apnea. Some people may have this condition without it being severe enough to effect their blood oxygen concentrations during sleep. Low oxygen levels can be very bad, killing off cells or at least depriving your brain and vital organs of what is required to fully function. Just glancing at what a cpap is, it looks like you may be able to rent one for the treatment of your sleep apnea if you want to. Although sleeping with anything obstructing free movement can be uncomfortable and give you sore muscles (in my experience, somehow, getting a sore neck means also getting sick and feverish, but I don't know if this translates to other people). Anyway just do what you can, that's how it is with medicine.