What is the STOP-BANG questionnaire?

In case you snore loudly, really feel drained in the course of the day, or have been advised you cease inhaling your sleep, you would possibly surprise if obstructive sleep apnea might be the rationale. One easy instrument usually used to examine your threat is named the STOP‑BANG questionnaire.

The STOP‑BANG questionnaire is a quick set of sure‑or‑no questions that helps determine individuals who could also be in danger for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It doesn’t diagnose sleep apnea, however it may well assist decide whether or not you must discuss with a well being care skilled about additional testing.

What does STOP‑BANG stand for?

Every letter in STOP‑BANG represents a threat issue for sleep apnea:

• Snoring
• Tiredness in the course of the day
• Observed pauses in respiration throughout sleep
• Pressure (handled for hypertension)
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2
• Age older than 50
• Neck circumference (shirt collar 16 in/40cm or bigger)
• Gender (male?)

Every “sure” reply scores one level. The entire rating ranges from 0 to eight.

What does your rating imply?

A rating of three or increased suggests an elevated threat for obstructive sleep apnea. Folks with increased scores usually tend to be referred for extra testing, akin to an in a single day sleep study or a home sleep apnea test.

The questionnaire is designed to be fast and simple. Some questions are based mostly on signs you discover your self, whereas others depend on fundamental well being info, akin to age or physique measurements.

Why is STOP‑BANG used?

Well being care professionals usually use the STOP‑BANG questionnaire as a primary step in figuring out individuals who might have sleep apnea. Analysis reveals that it’s good at detecting average to extreme sleep apnea, particularly in medical settings.

Nonetheless, the instrument is supposed for screening solely. A excessive rating doesn’t imply you positively have sleep apnea, and a low rating doesn’t rule it out fully. A proper sleep analysis continues to be wanted for a prognosis.

What do you have to do subsequent?

In case your STOP‑BANG rating suggests you might be in danger for sleep apnea, the subsequent step is to talk with your doctor. They’ll evaluation your signs and determine whether or not sleep testing is acceptable. In case your sleep issues aren’t enhancing, it could be time to see a sleep medication doctor at an AASM‑accredited sleep center.

Sleep apnea is a typical and treatable situation. Figuring out your threat early will help you’re taking steps towards higher sleep and higher well being.

Medical evaluation by Katherine Moawad, DO

Associated content material:

This questionnaire is supplied for academic functions solely. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is owned by Dr. Frances Chung and UHN. To license the questionnaire for every other use, together with medical use, go to the official questionnaire web site, www.stopbang.ca for extra info and an interactive model of the questionnaire.