What is considered mild sleep apnea?

I got a sleep study done last month and my AHI score was 8, which falls under mild sleep apnea (the range is 5 to 15). My doc said I don't need a CPAP machine. He just told me to sleep on my side instead of my back and lose a little weight.

A score of 5 to 15 breathing pauses per hour is considered mild. Along with your regular medical checkups, practicing pranayama like Ujjayi and Kapalbhati daily can strengthen your throat muscles and improve your breathing passages naturally.

Mild sleep apnea is diagnosed when your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is between 5 and 15 events per hour. It is very manageable through lifestyle adjustments. Many of our group members have successfully resolved this just by changing their pillows and avoiding heavy dinners.

My husband was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea because his score was around 12. He used to wake up with a dry mouth and mild headaches. Making sure he doesn't drink tea late at night and keeping a humidifier in the bedroom has helped him a lot.

I totally get it, getting a diagnosis like this can make you feel uneasy about sleeping. But mild sleep apnea (5-15 events per hour) is very common and usually doesn't require complex surgeries. Try some simple lifestyle changes first, and stay positive!