Why Do I Have Hypopneas?

The causes of hypopnea are similar to those of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea is caused by the relaxation of your throat muscles while you're asleep. Central sleep apnea/hypopnea is caused by your brain failing to send the right signals to the muscles that allow you to breathe.

Are hypopneas as bad as apneas?

Beyond the difference in breathing, sleep apnea and hypopnea disorders are very similar. They share the same types, symptoms, and risk factors. While apneas are generally considered more severe than hypopneas, there is evidence that both carry similar risk factors¹⁰ for cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities.

How serious are hypopneas?

Untreated hypopnea may lead to other health problems, including high blood pressure, strokes, and accidents from being drowsy. If an AHI shows you have moderate hypopnea, this means you have 15-30 events of shallow or slow breathing an hour. Severe hypopnea means this happens more than 30 times per hour.