Which index is noted for being more sensitive in assessing respiratory disturbances during sleep?

The Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) is recognized for its sensitivity in assessing respiratory disturbances during sleep. This index not only accounts for apnea and hypopnea events similar to the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) but also includes instances of arousals related to respiratory issues that may not meet the strict definitions of apneas or hypopneas.

This comprehensive approach allows the RDI to provide a more nuanced picture of sleep-related breathing disorders, capturing disturbances that could significantly affect sleep quality and overall health. The inclusion of these additional disturbances makes the RDI more sensitive in identifying disruptions in respiration that might be overlooked if only AHI measurements were considered.

While other options such as PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) and BMI (Body Mass Index) are useful in different contexts, they do not specifically measure respiratory disturbances during sleep. PEFR relates to airflow obstruction in conditions like asthma, and BMI is a general measurement of body fat based on height and weight, neither of which address sleep disturbances directly. Thus, the RDI stands out as the more sensitive index for evaluating respiratory events during sleep.