Blood oxygen levels can fluctuate based on several different factors like chronic disease, high altitudes, or illness. Some of the more common risk factors or causes of low blood oxygen levels include: Altitude changes, especially high altitude. Sleep apnea.

Is it normal for your oxygen levels to fluctuate?

It's normal for oxygen saturation levels to fluctuate with activity. If your oxygen saturation level runs low on an ongoing basis, whether at rest, during activity or while you sleep, talk to your health care provider about using supplemental oxygen.

What causes your oxygen level to go up and down?

Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) Strong pain medicines and other drugs that hold back breathing. Heart problems. Anemia (a low number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen)