What condition is indicated by high apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values?

High apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values are indicative of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the airway during sleep. The AHI is calculated based on the number of apneas (total cessation of breathing) and hypopneas (partial cessation of breathing) that occur per hour of sleep. A higher AHI reflects a greater severity of sleep apnea, often leading to significant disruptions in sleep quality, oxygen deprivation during sleep, and various health complications.

Sleep apnea is typically categorized into different types, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common form. Individuals with high AHI values often experience symptoms such as loud snoring, periods of stopped breathing observed by a partner, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating, all resulting from poor sleep quality.

In contrast, other disorders listed in the options do not typically associate with high AHI values. Insomnia primarily involves difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, while restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy present with distinct symptoms and mechanisms that do not lead to elevated AHI measurements. Thus, high AHI values specifically point towards sleep apnea as the underlying condition.