How many apnea events must there be for a diagnosis of sleep apnea?

The correct answer is that no specific number is required for a diagnosis of sleep apnea. While the traditional criteria often cite the occurrence of at least five apnea events per hour as a threshold for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this is not universally applicable to all cases or types of sleep apnea.

Different clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of the overall clinical picture, which includes the severity of symptoms, associated comorbidities, and the impact on daytime functioning or quality of life. Additionally, some forms of sleep apnea can be diagnosed based on clinical history and symptoms without rigorous adherence to a specific event count.

Thus, while many practitioners may reference the "5 events per hour" guideline as a common marker, it is essential to recognize that a definitive diagnosis can also depend on the patient's unique circumstances and symptomatology, thereby allowing for a broader understanding of sleep apnea diagnosis beyond just the numerical event counts.