Sleep Disorders
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Sleep Disorders

Definition of Desaturation

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Created: February 12, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:
Definition: A greater than 3% drop in oxygen levels that may occur during an apnea event while asleep.
Examples: There were more than 30 desaturations per hour in my sleep study.
Explore Sleep Disorders
About.com Special Features
Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
Sleep Disorders
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Sleep Disorders
  4. Glossary
  5. Sleep Glossary A - E
  6. Desaturation - Definition of Desaturation

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.