Using Oxygen While You Sleep

Using Oxygen While You Sleep

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Everyone breathes differently when they are asleep. When you’re sleeping, your body slows down, your breathing becomes shallower, and you take in less air in each breath. This can be dangerous for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other lung conditions. Many people with breathing problems prop themselves up with pillows while they sleep to avoid having trouble breathing but propping yourself up with pillows won’t help this problem.

If your blood oxygen level is above 94% while you’re awake, you might not need oxygen therapy during the day. If your blood oxygen level is below 94% during the day, you may need oxygen therapy for a while during the day, as well as all night long while you sleep. You can check your oxygen saturation level (SpO2) by using a pulse oximeter.

It’s easy for your doctor to tell if you need oxygen therapy while you sleep. If he or she suspects that your blood oxygen level is dropping below the normal zone during the night, they may have you monitored overnight to get a reading. Should you need supplemental oxygen, your doctor would prescribe the oxygen. The prescription will inform you about the flow rate in liters per minute, type of flow (pulse or continuous), and the time of the day when oxygen is required.

How to tell if you’re not getting enough oxygen at night:

There are a few signs to watch out for to see if you’re not getting enough oxygen while you’re sleeping. If you are experiencing any of these signs by themselves or in combination, don’t ignore them. Not getting enough oxygen while you sleep for any length of time is dangerous.

You get plenty of sleep at night, the eight hours or so that you need each night (give or take a few hours, depending on the individual), but you still feel exhausted in the morning or throughout the day. Having a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream puts a strain on your heart and your brain, and the rest of your body has to work harder to make up for the lack of oxygen.

Aside from feeling more tired during the day, you will notice you can’t think as clearly. Simple tasks can seem extremely hard and complicated to someone whose brain isn’t receiving adequate oxygen. You can also experience regular headaches and become very irritable and moody for any small reason. You would also experience memory loss and the ability to concentrate that could be mistaken for the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Oxygen While You Sleep- Is it Sleep Apnea?

Is it Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is different because it is caused by either the throat muscles closing during sleep (known as, Obstructive Sleep Apnea) or from a rarer condition of your lungs not taking a breath periodically (known as, Central Sleep Apnea). A lack of oxygen in the blood due to COPD is from the lack of properly functioning air sacs (known as alveoli) in the lungs. In this condition, some of these air sacs shut down during our sleep, making it even harder to absorb enough oxygen into the bloodstream.

Using Oxygen with Sleep Apnea

If you have already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by your doctor, you probably also have a CPAP machine to use at night during sleep. A CPAP machine’s core function is to prevent the collapse of your airway while sleeping using pressurized air. However, CPAP machine’s air contains the normal air with 21% oxygen.

An immediate result of OSA is a persistent lack of oxygen during sleep. If your doctor has determined that your oxygen levels drop too low or too often while you sleep, even while using a CPAP machine, they might also prescribe supplemental oxygen to be used in conjunction with your CPAP machine to keep your oxygen levels normal. This is achieved by “bleeding-in” oxygen into your CPAP system to increase the oxygen level. Through a bleed-in adapter, you can get benefits of both – your CPAP machine and oxygen concentrator.

How to get more oxygen naturally:

  1. Open the windows – during the night to let the fresh air in and have better air circulation. During winters open your windows even for a few minutes can do wonders.
  2. Exercise – increases your body’s activity and demands more oxygen. This enables the lungs to supply more oxygen throughout the body.
  3. Plants – release oxygen. Areca Palms, Snake Plants, Money Plants, Gerbera Daisies, and Chinese Evergreens are some low-maintenance indoor plants that produce oxygen and absorb toxic air pollutants.

Breathe Easy Stories: Britt Tackling Sleep Apnea

Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), talk to your doctor or primary care provider.

Related Information

Updated: January 10, 2023
Published: September 30, 2013

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

77 thoughts on “Using Oxygen While You Sleep

  1. As I’ve gotten older, I have noticed that it is harder to breathe at night. I am wondering if this would constitute the need of getting an oxygen concentrator. Like you said, not getting enough oxygen at night can cause you to not be able to think as clearly. I will have to talk to my doctor about getting an oxygen concentrator.

    • Thank you for your comment, Annika. If you are experience any breathing difficulties it is important to discuss them with your doctor as soon as you are able.

      • I’m so tired of reading that if your oxygen level falls below 94 or it’s still in the 90s that it’s so dangerous!! No it’s not!! I have had copd for years and 88% to 92% is normal if you have copd. Even in the 80s I feel fine but mine has went to 75 at night so I’m on night oxygen. I’ve only had it 3 nights so I can’t tell much just yet. I’d love to know if I wear night oxygen if it will help my oxygen level come up of the day.

        • I have been using night oxygen I have trouble coming off it in the morning at night my 02 blood level is 100% when I go back to my normal daily level is 86 -90 does anyone have any suggestions to help me ?

          • It’s essential to discuss your oxygen therapy with your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific needs and adjust your oxygen therapy accordingly. They might recommend oxygen saturation monitoring during daily activities to ensure you are receiving the right amount of oxygen.
            Stay active, stay hydrated, and track your daytime oxygen levels.

    • Thank you for your comment, Desandra. Using oxygen therapy will not change the rate or depth of your natural breathing. You should be able to breathe and sleep normally if you are using the correct devices and settings for your individual therapy.

  2. Thank you so much for your blog. Speaking to my new Dr today about my getting tired regularly every day even after having 4-6 hours sleep she suggested that perhaps I need a machine to help. This is probably what she was referring to. As I suffer with COPD, even walking long distances makes it difficult for me to inhale oxygen and worse still is the humidity in a room I find it difficult to breathe. Thank you once again for you very informative blog.

  3. i just started to use oxygen at night and this is the 4th night and i can’t sleep most of the night is this common…

    • Thank you for your comment, Susan. What would you say is preventing you from sleep? Is it physical discomfort? If so, what specifically is hindering you or making you uncomfortable? Is it the length of cannula, the air pressure, dryness, sound of the machine, etc.? Try to be as specific as possible. We also recommend speaking to your physician regarding your inquiry; any changes in your physical condition or daily routine should be discussed immediately with your doctor.

    • Like the comment above from Susan, I also developed insomnia while using oxygen. It is not the noise, position ,feeling uncomfortable at all. Can oxygen keep you awake at night? I am using 2 L

      • Thank you for your comment, Colleen. This question is best discussed with your doctor as how your body reacts to oxygen therapy will differ from others mainly due to your individual medical condition and medical history. You’re also welcome to download our comprehensive Oxygen Therapy Guide here: Oxygen Therapy Guide in which you can learn about how increased oxygen will help the various functions of your body.

    • I have been on oxygen for 4 nights now and I wake up even more tired then I was before and I am sleeping more. I thought things were going to get better to have any answers for me??

      • Without knowing your past and present medical history, location, elevation, current medications, allergies, etc. we can not offer any medical advice. Have you already inquired with your physician regarding your excess exhaustion?

    • I have been having the same problem. Using the oxygen has really helped me not be tired during the day but now I’m having trouble sleeping day or night and it’s really getting annoying

    • Thank you for your question, Pamela. Generally speaking, when a patient requires oxygen for sleep they will also need to use it during other forms of sleep including napping. That being said, we urge you to speak to your individual physician directly as they will be able to best advise you how and when to receive your oxygen related therapy based on your individual condition and needs.

  4. Dialysis / cancer survivor patient , recently diagnosed with A-fib , and now I can no longer get a good nights sleep….unless i use the Oxygen during Dialysis that day..then I seem to have a few hours of sleep…but the next day/night ..nothing …their pushing for c-pap….but I know Oxygen helps and would rather try that first ..hopw can i go about trying it out ..wilst on medicare….TY sincerely Charles

    • Thank you for your question, Charles. This would be a question to ask your doctor as your doctor will be able to offer you the professional medical advice based on your individual medical history and needs. Sleep is a very important part of the bodies recovery system, be sure to bring up each of your concerns and especially any changes to your daily routine with your doctor.

    • I have received NO instructions regarding the use of my oxygen therapy as to when or how long to use it. The prescription was given when I was released from the hospital following a flare-up and I couldn’t pass the “walk” test.
      No instructions were given to me at that time. I saw my pulmonologist a week later and, even though I had the oxygen tank with me and was using it at the time, he gave me NO information or instructions. Should I seek another Dr.?

    • If you are really wanting a good night’s sleep then you should go for the CPAP machine. It is amazing what it can do for you. If you still need the oxygen with the CPAP machine it can be hooked right up to the CPAP. If you have the chance to get a CPAP don’t pass it up

  5. I was wondering how much oxygen is too much? I have been seeing something to the effect of dropping below 90 is bad. How about going above 98 for example? How much is too much? Thanks Jerry

    • Thank you for your comment, Jerry. The maximum amount of oxygen available to consume would be 100%; that additional 2% increase is extremely difficult, if not currently impossible to achieve with a concentrator as there will always be other trace elements in the air we breathe. If you are concerned you are not getting enough oxygen, we suggest speaking to your doctor.

      • Do you just always say speak to your doctor? You know it’s terribly expensive to do that. It’s why people are asking for general advise on a forum so they don’t have to ask their over-priced physician.

        • We are not legally allowed to provide any medical advice. Additionally, without knowing past medical history, allergies, location, current medications, etc. it is not safe for us to make any assumptions or suggestions. This is why we suggest speaking with your personal doctor.

          • We cannot give any medical advice; please consult with your physician or health care provider. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide the treatment.

          • If you cannot give advice then why have the forum. When I look up topics online there is information, treatment and advice. So I don’t understand why you can’t offer the same.

  6. My Dad, has Bronciesxit has recently been put on a breathing machine while he sleeps, wondering can he travel with this machine or go on a holiday? What would we need to do to help him travel on plane and on holidays?

  7. I am someone with very complicated sleep issues. I am desperate and use an oxygen concentrator at levels below 2 L per minute every night. It helps a little. But it’s an important help. Now I am being scared by learning about oxygen radicals from using oxygen every day. Can I be giving myself cancer by using oxygen?

    • Thank you for your comment, Luisa. Oxygen concentrators work by taking in the ambient air around you, removing some elements, and concentrating the oxygen for delivery. The concentrator itself is not creating or adding any new oxygen that isn’t already in the air around you and everyone else; making it as cancer-free as your location’s surrounding air. If you have further concerns, we always suggest speaking to your doctor.

  8. I’m 22 and I am having trouble breathing properly at night I feel like there is a weight on my stomach that comes and goes. I wondering what your thoughts are

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Adriana. We suggest consulting your doctor regarding any changes to your breathing patterns.

    • Oxygen in general usually helps you feel more alert. If you, however, are struggling with being sleepy I would suggest that you consult with your doctor to make sure your needs are covered.

    • There are many reasons for one to have lung surgery. I would speak to your doctor regarding what the right treatment is for you.

    • Every person and every case is different. If you feel that you do better without oxygen I would recommend having a conversation with your doctor to see if your needs have changed.

  9. My concentrator quit working while I was asleep, and the alarm failed. I don’t know number of hours without oxygen, but when I awoke I had a bad taste and smell in my mouth, and stats were 64 on oxygen. I have been unable to get my oxygen back to normal, and it is almost 2 weeks since it happened. Now am on oxygen 25/7, and did use only at night set on 2. Will I I prove?

  10. Every person and their situation is different. This is something that we recommend you talk to your doctor about as we are not a medical office and do not know your specific situation.

  11. I am curious about if getting more oxygen while I sleep will improve my normal early morning functions. I’m typically at at work one hour after I wake up and I’m actively thinking at work almost constantly. I often work various hours and through circadian low at times. Even though I don’t have sleep apnea I wonder how I can function at an even higher level and would more air / o2 help me at 4am to perform at an even higher level. Obviously I rest I don’t have issues w sleep, I’m not overweight, and don’t have any blood disorders, and have consulted my doctor and got brushed off. But I am considering buying an oxygen machine or auto cpap to test my theory. Any suggestions??

    • This is something that you would have to talk to your doctor about. Both oxygen concentrators, as well as CPAP machines, require a prescription in order to purchase one.

  12. I have COPD and have been told by my Dr. to use a concentrator at night. I usually have it set for 2% sometimes 2.5%. I have bought a monitor that attaches to my wrist and then connects to my finger. I down load it to my cell phone every day. Its seems that I average 95% 02 each night some nights 98% is this to high?

    • Hi Jerry, a good oxygen saturation level is considered 95% or above so you are within good range. You can go to 100% and still be in great shape.

  13. Thank you for your page have learn a lot i personally think you give great advice when you give your thoughs then Recommend a doctor

  14. I need to ask this I had the over night oxygen test done came back saying my oxygen dropped to 82 for like a min or two heart rate went up to 142 then came back down in the 60’s was told I did not qualify for at home oxygen what should I do .

    • When is a oxygen concentrator considered bulky? I have limited space but i do not want to detract from the effiency of the unit. What are the better brand names to consider. Finally if I have a choice between a cpap or a oxygen concentrator since I have copd, would one normally be better than the other. I have a 85-87 reading. Do most copd suffers have 2 units, one at home, & one to travel with.

      • Oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines serve different purposes. Oxygen concentrators are used by COPD patients to meet their oxygen needs and CPAP machines are used by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. A doctor determines what unit is needed and at what setting it should work. Patients who require supplemental oxygen during the daytime and want to be mobile, opt for a portable oxygen concentrator. Many of our patients use both a portable unit during the daytime and a stationary unit for nocturnal usage. Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-45814.

  15. I use oxygen only at night. Sometimes, I get invited to an overnight stay at a hotel at the last minute. In order to get oxygen, you have to order 2 weeks in advance. Do I risk it and go without oxygen for one night?

    • That is a question your doctor is qualified to answer. But the option of using an oxygen concentrator may help eliminate the need for oxygen delivery and allow you to do the travel and stays without worrying about tanks. Give us a call at 888-360-9628 where we may be able to help you get an oxygen concentrator for you.

  16. I have 95-97 oxygen during waking hours ..but after an oximetry test my doctor said i need night time oxygen..I have been marathon runner my entire adult life. I DON’T want tone weathered to a machine all night

    • Dear Lynn,

      Please contact us at 1-877-644-4581 and we can discuss options to make the transition to nighttime oxygen as easy as possible.

      Sincerely,
      The AMSR Team

  17. I have asthma and I had three sleep studies in the past. Only the first one I was completly sleep thru while the last two I couldnt sleep more than three hours (the technichian set he mask presure at 5 and refused to turn it down to where I wouldnt immidiatly choke on the forced air). I know that my breathing becomes shallow at night but now that I am a bit older, my asthma inhalers are not helping at hight when I wake up with shortness of breath and a hint of a tight chest issue. I have been wondering if sleeping with an oxygen (even through a nose tube) would be an alternitive to a CPap machine. FYI I tryed a CPap machine but I could NOT deal with it for the reason I fould that the air pressure was far too strong and I could not lower it and since I am one who is unable to sleep on my back at night due to chrocnic back pain and Restless leg Syndrome.

    • Sorry to hear about your difficulties with sleeping, it would be best to discuss some of your options over the phone. If you could give us a call at 877-644-4581, we can talk about what would be the best solution for you.

  18. I am brand new to using nite time oxygen. I was told to set my machine at 2. What exactly does that mean? What happens if I set it higher? I haven’t set it any different I’m just wondering what it means. Thank You!

    • Good questions, Linda! A setting of machine at ‘2’ depends on whether the machine is a continuous flow or a pulse flow. On a continuous flow oxygen concentrator, it would mean 2 liters of oxygen per minute. Whereas, on a pulse flow oxygen concentrator, it would mean around 420ml of oxygen per minute in regular intervals. The reason the oxygen volume is so different is that the pulse flow device delivers oxygen only when you inhale.
      We never suggest changing your oxygen setting without consulting with your health care provider. Oxygen is a prescribed drug and it should be administered as advised to reach the normal blood saturation level.

  19. Found that after having a sleep study I need oxygen at night so I have the large machine. I feel better. Don’t have sleep apnea which is great news. But, the problem came into being when I went to donate blood. I was only 4 pints away from getting my 10 gallon pin. I told them that I use oxygen at night and they said that NO, I CANNOT give blood. I was so disappointed, as according to the FDA I can give blood. But, this donor center can do what they want to screen donors. Wish that now I never would have told them about the oxygen use.

  20. I am diagnosed with sleep apnea. It was also stated that I be on oxygen along with it, as apparently my stats go below 88 when I’m sleeping. I have gone without it several times, such as when on trips. My dr said cruising was fine because I’m at sea level. However, I’ve noticed in the last month or two that I’m wheezing when I get up in the morning. My brother is on oxygen 24/7 and is struggling. When he found out I was on oxygen at night, he gave me a oximeter to see what my absorption was. I thought it was interesting that before bed, it was 94-96. This morning I put it on, thinking it should be higher after a night on oxygen, but it was lower… 89-91. Why would that be the case? Do you think my concentrater is failing?

  21. I have a very rare and slow growing cancer Mets in my lungs. After many years, my breathing is finally getting more difficult. So much so that I qualified for oxygen. I have not been carrying it around during the day as I just don’t need it unless I do something strenuous. Until recently, it was getting worse and I was out of breath most of the day.

    Someone told me that I should be at least using it at night while I sleep. After only 3 nights, I think I can see a big improvement in how I feel during the day. Does this make any sense?

  22. I have stage 4 emphysema/copd, I was put on oxygen 1.5 L when I was discharged from the hospital 2 years ago, Then I used it all the time but now I stay around 90 if I dont do anything still on 1.5. But someone told me I should not be on oxygen for this long without seeing a pulmonologist ? My general practice Dr. has really never mentioned this or anything about the Oxygen because most times when I see him I am on my oxygen and usually get a 94 or 95 when I am at his office. The soonest I can see a pulmonologist is Nov 16th here in Vermont. My question is should I keep it on during the day when I am at rest and feel ok, I do put it on when I take a shower or try to cook etc… The other thing is when I first get up in morning and turn lights on and make coffee I drop below 84 even with oxygen on, why?? Thanks

    • We cannot give any medical advice. Before making any changes to your oxygen liter flow, please consult with your physician or health care provider. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide treatment.

  23. The traditional oxygen mask is very uncomfortable for side sleepers because the tubes go behind the ears. Can you recommend another style that might be more comfortable for sleeping and also where I could find it?

    • Hello Cheryl, we carry one-sided nasal cannulas that resemble Bluetooth devices over the ear. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

    • The time it takes to notice improvements and feel better when using oxygen therapy while sleeping can vary from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the underlying health condition that necessitates oxygen therapy, the severity of your symptoms, and how well your body responds to the increased oxygen levels.
      You can check your blood oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter with and without oxygen therapy.

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