Running out of breath when climbing stairs or hiking with friends is standard. The rate at which your body requires oxygen isn’t being met. As a result, you feel short of breath. But in most cases, your body revives when the strenuous activity ends.
But what happens when you feel like you’re suffocating while lying in bed? Is it a symptom of covid, or is it something worse?
Low oxygen levels during sleep may not result in serious injuries right away but is often seen with obstructive sleep apnea. But there’s a much greater chance that you’ll end up with permanent damage if it continues.
Summary
Oxygen levels between 81% and 87% are not normal while sleeping. Normal and healthy oxygen levels remain between 95% and 100% but can fall marginally during sleep. However, hypoxemia occurs if they fall below 90%.
In this article, we’ll also cover the following:
- The symptoms you may experience.
- How to increase your oxygen levels
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More or less, the gas levels in the atmosphere remain constant. So, where does the disconnect happen? And who is most at risk? Most importantly, is there an easy fix? And how do you know if you lack oxygen?
We’ll go in-depth about each of these questions and more. But before that, let’s try to understand the problem at hand.
Table of Contents
- What are normal oxygen levels during sleep?
- Oxygen levels of 81% – 87% while sleeping. Is it ok?
- Does it drop at night?
- It’s at 98% and I’m short of breath.
What are normal oxygen levels during sleep?
After years of research with multiple test subjects, scientists conclude what is expected. And while all scientific values may differ from one person to another, the variation is never drastic enough to discard a scientific study.
When it comes to understanding your body, there’s no person better than one with a degree in medical sciences to rely on.
Building on that trust, a study by the National Institute of Health concluded that the blood oxygen level for an average healthy adult is about 94.7% under normal circumstances. In contrast, the average level for the same person during sleep is about 90.4%. Each of these figures may be subject to a variation of 1.5%.
If you’ve got a pulmonary disease, your oxyhemoglobin saturation will likely be far lower. Similarly, the levels tend to be lower if you’re obese or older.
Oxygen levels of 81% – 87% while sleeping. Is it ok?
If you’ve ever woken up in the night gasping for air, you may have already experienced low oxygen levels. However, it’s not a concerning issue if it was a one-time occurrence. The problem begins if your usual level falls drastically during sleep.
So what is considered a normal oxyhemoglobin saturation as you enter the world of dreams?
Generally, anything lower than 90% is a cause for concern. But if h levels drop lower than 88%, it’s time you alert the authorities. That said, a level of 81 to 87 falls under the ‘get a doctor’s appointment’ category.
If you regularly observe a level below 88%, you may be suffering from a medical condition called hypoxia. Contacting a professional immediately is best because such a low level should alarm you. Make sure you’re doing something about your low blood oxygen levels and that you get an oxygen concentrator if you need it.
Does it drop at night?
Slowly sliding into slumber is not only a treat for your body but also for your mind. During a night of restful sleep, your body aims at repairing itself from all the worries and stress of the waking world. It is why you find yourself breathing a lot more calmly.
It’s routine for your body to drop the air intake by a few levels as you rest. The logic is pretty simple. Since your body isn’t involved in any activity that requires a constant supply, some of your alveoli retire to a slumber, as a result of your lungs not working as hard, your blood oxygen level drops.
Typically, your oxygen will reduce to no lower than level 88 when you sleep if your usual intake is about 94 percent. We’ve got quite a severe problem with anything more than a few digits down.
Using the Apple Watch to measure
Apple Watch Series 7 Smart Watch
With everyone investing in a smartwatch or a Fitbit, you don’t want to be the only person with a watch that does nothing more than tell time. But instead of spending your money to appease the crowd, we’d like it if we convinced you.
Much like other smartwatches, it tracks your steps, your heart rate, and the calories you burn. But where it stands out is the built-in pulse oximeter. The feature allows a near-accurate measurement of your oxyhemoglobin levels.
With the help of the oximeter, you can track your oxyhemoglobin levels while you sleep. Alternatively, you’d be asked by your doctor to spend overnight at the hospital for polysomnography.
But this way, you save the cost of a night’s stay at the hospital and a dozen medical tests. Once you’ve traced your oxyhemoglobin levels, you can easily access the data and even print out an ECG.
| Name | Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Case Thickness | 10.7mm |
| Colors available | 13 |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
| Item Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Screen Size | 45 Millimeters |
| Special Feature | Activity Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, Sleep Monitor, Blood Oxygen, ECG |
Pros
- It’s a luxury product.
- It’s water-resistant.
- It can connect to your smartphone and track your fitness.
- It’s great for tracking your steps.
Cons
- It’s not the cheapest option if you want to monitor.
- It might take some time to get used to having to charge it every 1½ days.
- Its athletic look may not be for everyone.
It’s at 98% and I’m short of breath.
With low oxygen levels, it’s natural to feel out of breath. However, shortness of breath isn’t always caused by low saturation. You could stand in a field of daisies with fresh air surrounding you, and you may still feel like you’re gasping for air. There’s a direct correlation between the two factors. However, evidence suggests correlation doesn’t equal causation.
Under high oxygen saturation, shortness of breath could indicate medical disorders like anxiety, asthma, or even allergies. If your environment triggers a mental or physical response, your body will likely react with increased adrenaline levels.
As a result, you feel suffocated even with high oxygen saturation. In addition to the function of adrenaline, specific allergens attack your respiratory system. It significantly reduces its ability to either take up air or deliver dissolved oxygen to the relevant cells.
Be sure you address your oxygen saturation level before it leads to pulmonary hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Your blood vessels will thank you!
Oxygen desaturation is a real concern, especially if you’re experiencing oxygen levels of 81 to 87 or lower while sleeping. Make sure the red blood cells bind properly with oxygen to give your body what it needs. Follow the advice of places like the American Lung Association to avoid consequences like pulmonary fibrosis.
