While it is normal for oxygen levels to drop while you sleep, if the drop is too low it can increase the risk for disrupted sleep and even cause serious health problems. It is important to recognize the symptoms of low oxygen. If you suffer from low oxygen levels, oxygen concentrators can offer supplemental oxygen to help ensure a peaceful and healthy rest.
Symptoms of Low Oxygen While Sleeping
Normal oxygen levels while sleeping are generally between 90% to 100%. If oxygen saturation levels fall below 88%, then you may be at risk. Symptoms of low oxygen include:
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Gasping for air when you wake
- Elevated blood pressure
- Blue tint to your lips, nail beds or earlobes
- Loud snoring
- Daytime fatigue
Why Do Patients Experience Low Oxygen at Night?
One of the main reasons for people to experience low oxygen levels at night is due to a sleeping disorder or respiratory health disorders. Most patients suffering from asthma, COPD, or Sleep Apnea suffer from lower blood oxygen levels during sleep.
While COPD and Asthma cause breathing disorders during the day too, obstructive sleep apnea can cause severe restrictions in the normal airflow reducing the oxygen levels in the blood during sleep.
Which Patients Need Oxygen at Night?
Certain health conditions can cause oxygen deprivation. If you have been diagnosed with COPD, lung disease or pneumonia, your breathing capacity can be compromised at night. Other conditions, such as sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, anima, congenital heart disease, and emphysema, may also reduce oxygen to the brain while you sleep.
How to Increase Oxygen Levels While Sleeping
There are a few lifestyle changes that may improve your breathing at night and help maintain healthy oxygen levels while you sleep. These include:
- Regular exercise to stimulate your respiratory system and improves your lung capacity.
- Adjust your sleep position; sleeping on your side can alleviate the weight on your lungs and improve respiration.
- Avoid alcohol near bedtime. Alcohol overrelaxes your muscles and causes your airway to narrow which may interrupt deep sleep. Try to avoid drinking alcohol for four hours before you go to bed.
- Home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators can provide supplemental oxygen to help regulate oxygen levels for a healthier and more peaceful sleep. Note: These devices require a prescription and your doctor will also recommend the best flow settings to suit your needs.
Can I Use a CPAP Machine with an Oxygen Concentrator?
It is a possibility that adults using CPAP might need supplemental oxygen along with their CPAP therapy. Supplementary oxygen is typically needed for older people who have been diagnosed with some pulmonary disease like COPD or lung cancer.
For the convenience of the patients, all CPAP machines can be connected to an oxygen concentrator. The connection point is generally located between the input valve on the concentrator and the mask. It is important to note that only continuous oxygen can be used in this way.
You can find more details here about connecting your CPAP machine to your portable or home oxygen concentrator.
Can I Connect a BiPAP Machine to an Oxygen Concentrator?
For patients using BiPAP therapy, the same connection method is applicable to all BiPAP machines and an oxygen concentrator.
Adding O2 to your CPAP therapy is a very simple method irrespective of the equipment you are using.
What are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy at Night?
Once you begin sleeping with an oxygen concentrator at night you may see improvements in your overall well-being. The oxygen concentrator regulates oxygen levels and keeps them from falling to disruptive levels, thus enabling a deeper sleep. With more rest, you will have a better mood during the day and increased stamina.
And with any existing health conditions, regular use of an oxygen concentrator at night can help reduce the risk of arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension and even premature death.
Where Can I Buy the Best CPAP Machines and Oxygen Concentrators?
If you are looking to buy the best CPAP machines, you can always visit The CPAP Shop for the best range of CPAP machines for your sleep apnea therapy requirements.
If you need help selecting an oxygen concentrator, our knowledgeable customer care team is here to answer any questions. Give us a call at 888-941-1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com. Let us help you find an oxygen concentrator that best fits your needs.
