Respiratory disturbance index

The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) is a way to measure the amount of times you stop breathing or have shallow breathing during the night while you are sleeping.

When you sleep, your body needs to keep your breathing steady and consistent so that it can get the oxygen it needs. But sometimes, your breathing can become disrupted or shallow, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen to your body and brain.

The RDI is calculated by counting the number of times you have breathing disturbances, such as snoring, pauses in breathing, or gasping for air, during the night. This is usually detected by sensors placed on your body while you are sleeping.

The higher your RDI, the more frequently your breathing is being disrupted during sleep. A high RDI can be a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, which can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

By monitoring your RDI, doctors can determine how severe your breathing disturbances are and provide treatment options, such as a CPAP machine that can provide more oxygen while you sleep.

Overall, the RDI is an important measurement tool that helps doctors understand how well you are breathing during sleep and helps them determine the best course of treatment for you.