Many people wake up feeling tired and groggy in the morning — even after getting 7-8 hours of sleep. One contributing factor could be that your blood oxygen during sleep is inadequate. Oxygen is essential for providing energy to your cells and organs. Lack of adequate oxygen at night can lead to disrupted sleep, reduced sleep quality and other issues.
Warning Signs of Inadequate Oxygen During Sleep
Your blood oxygen during sleep should never drop below 92%. These are signs you should be looking out for which may indicate that you’re not getting enough oxygen while you’re asleep.
- Waking up with a headache: Lack of oxygen can trigger headaches, especially in the morning.
- Waking up frequently during the night: Low oxygen levels can wake you up, disrupting your sleep cycle. You may not even remember waking up.
- Snoring or sleep apnea: Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea makes it more difficult to get oxygen as your breathing is impaired during sleep.
- Restless sleep: Moving around frequently or waking up in different positions can indicate your body is struggling to get proper oxygen and find the right sleeping pose to open your airways.
- Morning fatigue: While waking up tired can be due to many factors, lack of oxygen during sleep is one possible cause. Your tissues and organs rely on oxygen overnight to function properly and energize you for the day ahead.
- Poor concentration and focus: Oxygen is essential for your brain and cognitive functions. Lack of oxygen during sleep can negatively impact your thinking, focus and productivity during the day.
Tips for Improving Oxygen Flow During Sleep
- Sleep on your side or elevated: Side sleeping or propping your head and chest up with an extra pillow helps open airways.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can moisten airways and loosen congestion to enhance oxygen flow.
- Practice relaxation techniques before bed: Taking some deep breaths before sleep helps slow your breathing and heart rate for better oxygen saturation during sleep.
Visit a Sleep Clinic
If you suspect that you are not getting enough oxygen during sleep, it is essential to speak with a medical professional. They may recommend a sleep study, which can monitor your breathing and oxygen levels during sleep.
Depending on the results, they may recommend treatment options such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, lifestyle changes or medication. CPAP therapy can significantly improve your sleep quality and daytime wellness.
Breathe Easy at Bedtime
Whitney Sleep provides expert care for people struggling with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. We conduct at-home and in-clinic sleep studies which monitor your blood oxygen during sleep, brain waves and other key indicators of sleep health so we can get you on the right path to better rest.
Get a breath of fresh sleep. Schedule an appointment today for a consultation or sleep study.