Low O2 Saturation while awake

[JDS74]

Recently, I have noticed that my O2 saturation drops down in the 80 to 88% range while I'm watching television.
Hyperventilation brings it back up to 95-98% fairly quickly.

I don't have any problem while exercising (walking), just while I'm relaxed and sitting.

My readings while sleeping using a CMS50-F pulse oximeter show occasional drops but they don't last as long. They don't seem to correlate with OSA's or CA's.

Anybody have any ideas about what may cause this phenomena (the wake episodes)?

[Stormynights]

Shallow breathing.

[avi123]

COPD from smoking

[BlackSpinner]

I noticed in ER that when I sat crunched down trying to eat from that low little table my O2 dropped quite dramatically.

Watch your posture. Pay attention to your breathing.

[JDS74]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll work on the posture bit and try to breathe better.
I do have Cheyne-Stokes sometimes.

James

[Kitatonic]

My husband, who also has OSA, had the same low number of 88. Full work-up including walking around with their finger monitor, yielded no explanation. Do you feel tired when this happens? His home monitor was always normal for me.

[HoseCrusher]

There is a place that I will call "neverland" that is between wake and sleep. In "neverland" the body seems to be preparing for sleep and everything just relaxes. You end up with very shallow breathing and little movement.

It is speculation on my part, but I think the conscious part of the body just shuts down and the oxygen saturation then climbs back to normal after you fall asleep. TV can prolong that drift period, as can driving.

I was startled to find out that my oxygen saturation levels drop while driving long distances. I am OK for an hour or so, but after that I tend to "space out" and if I am the least bit tired I have to make an effort to stay awake. I have the low alarm on my oximeter set at 88% and initially was startled several times by that alarm going off.

My solution was very simple. I simply drink enough water that I need a bathroom break frequently.

I have not seen this drop in saturation happen while reading books, but I have fallen asleep while reading. There is a transition but it seems to go from 90 - 92% up a little while I sleep.

To keep your oxygen saturation levels up while watching TV I will suggest you find programs that totally engage you... or perhaps you can read a book.

[makezmuzic]

CSA, I believe, can mean your brain doesn't tell you lungs to breath. In combination with shallow breathing, I wonder if that might be whats doing it. Do you ever notice that you're holding your breath? Well, not that you are doing it, but that your breathing has stopped for a second while you are awake?

[Todzo]

Recently, I have noticed that my O2 saturation drops down in the 80 to 88% range while I'm watching television.
Hyperventilation brings it back up to 95-98% fairly quickly.

I don't have any problem while exercising (walking), just while I'm relaxed and sitting.

My readings while sleeping using a CMS50-F pulse oximeter show occasional drops but they don't last as long. They don't seem to correlate with OSA's or CA's.

Anybody have any ideas about what may cause this phenomena (the wake episodes)?

I do remember that after I was diagnosed with OSA (Severe OSA with extreme hypoxia (SpO2 Nadir=55%!!)) that sitting often resulted in sleepiness. Likely my system was "used" to breathing in a hypercapnic manner - under-breathing. It went away after several months.

Climbing a lot of hills to get a bit of aerobic exercise may have helped.

Have a great weekend!

Todzo

[JDS74]

CSA, I believe, can mean your brain doesn't tell you lungs to breath. In combination with shallow breathing, I wonder if that might be whats doing it. Do you ever notice that you're holding your breath? Well, not that you are doing it, but that your breathing has stopped for a second while you are awake?

I do notice that I find myself just not breathing at times. At night my centrals are 3 to 4 per hour so I assume something similar is happening when I'm awake. The not breathing while awake seems to be on the order of 15-20 seconds when it occurs.

Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions. I find them all very helpful