According to AASM, what is the normal respiratory rate during sleep?

The normal respiratory rate during sleep, as defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), typically falls within the range of 10 to 20 breaths per minute. This range is considered standard for adults while they are at rest, particularly during the sleep state, where metabolic demands are decreased compared to wakefulness.

During sleep, various physiological changes occur, including a reduction in metabolic rate and alterations in the autonomic nervous system, which collectively support this slower, more consistent breathing pattern. The respiratory rate may vary slightly due to factors such as age, sex, and individual health conditions but, in general, remains within the 10 to 20 breaths per minute range for the majority of adults. Understanding this standard is crucial for interpreting sleep studies and assessing sleep-related breathing disorders effectively.

In contrast, ranges that fall outside of 10 to 20 breaths per minute, such as those that are lower (5-10) or higher (15-25 and 20-30), do not reflect the typical physiological state of a healthy adult at rest during sleep, making them less appropriate for defining a normal respiratory rate.