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STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea Risk Calculator
Clinically-Validated OSA Screening • Get Results in 60 Seconds
STOP-BANG Assessment
Answer all 8 questions below to calculate your sleep apnea risk score
Completion Progress
0/8 questions
📋 About This Test (Click to expand)
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a validated medical screening tool used by doctors to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is NOT a diagnosis - only a sleep study can diagnose OSA.
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Snoring: Do you snore loudly?
Louder than talking or heard through closed doors
2
Tired: Do you often feel tired during the day?
Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed
3
Observed: Has anyone seen you stop breathing?
Witnessed breathing pauses or gasping for air
4
Pressure: Do you have high blood pressure?
Currently have or being treated for hypertension
5
BMI: Is your BMI more than 35?
Calculate your Body Mass Index below
Interactive BMI Calculator - enter your height and weight
6
Age: Are you over 50 years old?
Sleep apnea risk increases with age
7
Neck: Is your neck larger than 16 inches?
Measure around Adam's apple area
Larger neck circumference increases airway compression
8
Gender: Are you male?
Males have 2-3x higher risk due to hormonal differences
😪 Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Optional)
Rate your chance of dozing in these situations: 0=Never, 1=Slight, 2=Moderate, 3=High
Complete the questionnaire and click Calculate to see your sleep apnea risk assessment
📊 Your Risk Assessment
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🎯 Recommended Action Steps
🏥 Helpful Resources
📋 Home Sleep Test Kits
Get diagnosed from home with FDA-approved tests. Results in 3-5 days.
🏥 OSA Severity Calculator
Calculate the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea condition.
💤 Sleep Quality Assessment
Evaluate your overall sleep quality and identify improvement areas.
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🌙 Complete Guide to STOP-BANG & Sleep Apnea
Everything you need to know about obstructive sleep apnea screening, diagnosis, and treatment
📖 In This Guide: Learn about the STOP-BANG questionnaire, understand obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), discover why it's dangerous when untreated, explore diagnosis methods, review treatment options, and learn 15 fascinating facts about sleep apnea.
50-70M
U.S. adults with sleep disorders
80%
Cases remain undiagnosed
7x
Higher accident risk
😴 What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These breathing pauses, called apneas, occur when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing your airway to narrow or close completely.
Here's what happens during an apnea episode:
- Airway collapses: Throat muscles relax, tongue falls back, soft tissues block airflow
- Oxygen drops: Blood oxygen levels decrease (sometimes dangerously low)
- Brain wakes you: Your brain detects low oxygen and briefly wakes you to reopen the airway
- You gasp/snort: Breathing resumes with a loud snort or gasp
- Cycle repeats: This happens 5-100+ times per hour in severe cases
⚠️ The Hidden Danger: Most people with OSA don't remember these awakenings—they last only seconds. You might think you slept through the night, but your body experienced hundreds of micro-arousals, preventing deep, restorative sleep.
🔍 Understanding the STOP-BANG Questionnaire
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a validated medical screening tool developed by anaesthesiologists to identify surgical patients at high risk for OSA. It's now widely used in primary care, sleep clinics, and public health screening because it's:
- Quick: Takes 60 seconds to complete
- Accurate: 84-96% sensitivity for detecting moderate-severe OSA
- Simple: Only requires 8 yes/no questions
- Free: Public domain tool (no copyright restrictions)
- Evidence-based: Validated in multiple clinical studies
Breaking Down Each STOP-BANG Component:
S = Snoring
"Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?"
Why It Matters: Loud snoring indicates airway obstruction. When air forces through a narrowed throat, it vibrates soft tissues, creating noise. The louder the snore, the more restricted the airway.
Key Point: Snoring loud enough to be heard through walls or from another room is particularly concerning.
"Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?"
Why It Matters: Loud snoring indicates airway obstruction. When air forces through a narrowed throat, it vibrates soft tissues, creating noise. The louder the snore, the more restricted the airway.
Key Point: Snoring loud enough to be heard through walls or from another room is particularly concerning.
T = Tired
"Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime?"
Why It Matters: Fragmented sleep from repeated awakenings prevents deep sleep stages. You might spend 8 hours in bed but get only 4-5 hours of quality sleep.
Red Flags: Falling asleep during meetings, whilst driving, or during conversations despite adequate time in bed.
"Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime?"
Why It Matters: Fragmented sleep from repeated awakenings prevents deep sleep stages. You might spend 8 hours in bed but get only 4-5 hours of quality sleep.
Red Flags: Falling asleep during meetings, whilst driving, or during conversations despite adequate time in bed.
O = Observed Apneas
"Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?"
Why It Matters: This is perhaps the most specific indicator of OSA. A bed partner who witnesses breathing pauses, gasping, or choking sounds provides crucial diagnostic clues.
What They See: 10-30+ seconds of complete silence (breathing stopped), followed by a loud gasp or snort as breathing resumes.
"Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?"
Why It Matters: This is perhaps the most specific indicator of OSA. A bed partner who witnesses breathing pauses, gasping, or choking sounds provides crucial diagnostic clues.
What They See: 10-30+ seconds of complete silence (breathing stopped), followed by a loud gasp or snort as breathing resumes.
P = Pressure (Blood Pressure)
"Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?"
Why It Matters: OSA and hypertension are intimately linked. Repeated oxygen drops trigger sympathetic nervous system activation, releasing stress hormones that raise blood pressure.
Statistics: 50% of OSA patients have hypertension, and 30% of hypertension patients have OSA.
"Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?"
Why It Matters: OSA and hypertension are intimately linked. Repeated oxygen drops trigger sympathetic nervous system activation, releasing stress hormones that raise blood pressure.
Statistics: 50% of OSA patients have hypertension, and 30% of hypertension patients have OSA.
💡 BANG Components Explained:
• B (BMI > 35): Excess weight, especially around the neck, narrows airways and increases OSA risk 4-5x
• A (Age > 50): Throat muscles naturally lose tone with age, increasing collapse risk
• N (Neck > 16"): Larger neck circumference = more soft tissue = more airway compression
• G (Gender - Male): Males have 2-3x higher risk due to fat distribution, airway anatomy, and hormonal factors
• B (BMI > 35): Excess weight, especially around the neck, narrows airways and increases OSA risk 4-5x
• A (Age > 50): Throat muscles naturally lose tone with age, increasing collapse risk
• N (Neck > 16"): Larger neck circumference = more soft tissue = more airway compression
• G (Gender - Male): Males have 2-3x higher risk due to fat distribution, airway anatomy, and hormonal factors
🌟 15 Fascinating Facts About Sleep Apnea
1
18 Million Americans: Did you know that sleep apnea affects more than 18 million American adults? That's nearly 1 in 15 people! 😮
2
OSA vs CSA: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common than central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway, while CSA involves a miscommunication between the brain and breathing muscles. 🧠
3
Without Breath: The word "apnea" is Greek for "without breath." People with untreated OSA can stop breathing hundreds of times per night! 😱
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Snoring Sign: Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has apnea. The snoring in apnea tends to be loud, chronic, and interrupted by pauses and gasps. 🔊
5
Gender Risk: Sleep apnea is more common in men than women, but the risk for women increases after menopause. Hormonal changes can affect breathing and muscle tone. 🚺
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Blood Pressure: Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure by 3 times! The repeated drops in blood oxygen trigger a stress response that strains the cardiovascular system. ❤️
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Children Too: Sleep apnea doesn't just affect adults - it can occur in children too. In kids, large tonsils and adenoids are often to blame for the blockages. 👶
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STOP-BANG Tool: The Sleep Apnea Risk Calculator uses the STOP-BANG questionnaire, a validated screening tool. STOP-BANG stands for Snoring, Tired, Observed apneas, Pressure (high blood), BMI, Age, Neck size, and Gender. 📋
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Neck Size: A neck circumference greater than 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women is a risk factor for apnea. Fatty tissue in the neck can narrow the airway. 📏
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Stroke Risk: Sleep apnea is linked to a 4 times higher risk of stroke! The reduced oxygen and increased blood pressure can damage the brain's blood vessels. 🧠
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80% Undiagnosed: Roughly 80% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Many brush off their symptoms as "normal" fatigue or ageing. The risk calculator can help identify potential issues. 🕵️♀️
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Polysomnogram: The gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea is an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG). During a PSG, sensors monitor your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and leg movements. 🏥
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CPAP Treatment: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. The machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open. 😷
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Weight Loss: Losing just 10% of body weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms in overweight individuals. Talk about a good return on investment! 🏋️♀️
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Economic Impact: Untreated sleep apnea costs the U.S. economy an estimated $149.6 billion per year in lost productivity, motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and increased healthcare utilisation. 💸
📊 How Risk Scores Work
| STOP-BANG Score | Risk Level | OSA Probability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Low Risk | <15% | Monitor symptoms; retest if changes occur |
| 3-4 | Moderate Risk | 30-50% | Discuss with doctor; consider sleep study |
| 5-8 | High Risk | 70-85% | Sleep study strongly recommended |
⚠️ Health Consequences of Untreated OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea isn't just about poor sleep—it's a serious medical condition with life-threatening complications:
❤️ Cardiovascular System Risks
- Hypertension: 50% of OSA patients develop high blood pressure
- Heart disease: 2-4x increased risk of coronary artery disease
- Heart failure: OSA worsens existing heart failure; can trigger new cases
- Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation risk increased 4x
- Stroke: 2-3x higher risk, especially in severe untreated OSA
🍔 Metabolic Disorders
- Type 2 diabetes: OSA impairs glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity
- Metabolic syndrome: Cluster of conditions (obesity, high BP, high cholesterol)
- Weight gain: Poor sleep disrupts hormones (leptin, ghrelin) that regulate appetite
🧠 Neurological & Cognitive Effects
- Memory problems: Chronic sleep deprivation damages hippocampus
- Cognitive decline: Accelerated ageing of the brain, increased dementia risk
- Depression & anxiety: 50-60% comorbidity with mood disorders
- Decreased productivity: Impaired concentration, decision-making, creativity
🚗 Safety Risks
- Motor vehicle accidents: 7x higher crash risk due to drowsy driving
- Workplace injuries: Slower reaction times, impaired judgement
- Reduced quality of life: Relationship problems, decreased libido, social withdrawal
🚨 Life Expectancy Impact: Studies show untreated severe OSA can reduce life expectancy by 8-10 years. The good news? Treatment reverses most risks and adds years back to your life.
🏥 How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
A STOP-BANG score indicates risk, not diagnosis. Only a sleep study can definitively diagnose OSA and measure its severity.
Two Types of Sleep Studies:
🏨 In-Lab Polysomnography (PSG) - The Gold Standard
- Where: Sleep lab/clinic with overnight stay
- Duration: Full night (7-8 hours)
- Monitoring: Brain waves (EEG), eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels
- Cost: £1,000-3,000 (often covered by insurance)
- Best for: Complex cases, suspected central sleep apnea, movement disorders
🏠 Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) - Convenient Alternative
- Where: Your own bed
- Duration: 1-3 nights
- Monitoring: Breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, snoring
- Cost: £150-500 (increasingly covered by insurance)
- Results: Analysed by sleep physician, results in 3-7 days
- Limitations: May underestimate severity
💊 Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
✅ Good News - Treatment Works!
CPAP therapy is highly effective, improving symptoms in 80-90% of patients. Benefits include better sleep quality, increased energy, reduced blood pressure, lower cardiovascular risk, and improved cognitive function.
CPAP therapy is highly effective, improving symptoms in 80-90% of patients. Benefits include better sleep quality, increased energy, reduced blood pressure, lower cardiovascular risk, and improved cognitive function.
Treatment Options (Click to Expand):
😷 CPAP Therapy - First-Line Treatment
How it works: Delivers gentle air pressure through a mask, keeping your airway open all night.
- Effectiveness: 80-90% effective when used consistently
- Benefits appear within: Days to weeks—better sleep, more energy, lower BP
- Types of masks: Nasal, full-face, nasal pillows
- Modern features: Auto-adjusting pressure, heated humidifiers, whisper-quiet operation
🦷 Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom mouthpiece that repositions jaw/tongue
- Best for: Mild-moderate OSA, CPAP intolerant patients
- Effectiveness: 50-70% success rate (lower than CPAP)
- Pros: Portable, quiet, no electricity needed
- Cost: £1,500-3,000 for custom-fitted device
🏋️ Weight Loss - Most Effective Non-Device Intervention
- Impact: 10% weight loss can reduce AHI by 25-30%
- Complete remission: Possible in 20% of patients who lose significant weight
- Mechanism: Reduces fat deposits around throat and improves muscle tone
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have sleep apnea without snoring?
Yes. About 20% of people with OSA don't snore loudly or consistently. Women are more likely to have "silent" OSA. Other symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Is sleep apnea dangerous or just annoying?
Very dangerous. Untreated moderate-severe OSA increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. It's associated with a 3x higher mortality rate over 10-15 years.
Will I need CPAP forever?
Not necessarily. OSA is sometimes curable through significant weight loss, anatomical correction surgery, or lifestyle changes. However, many patients require lifelong CPAP. Modern machines are compact, quiet, and travel-friendly.
How quickly will I feel better with treatment?
Timeline varies:
- Days 1-7: Better sleep quality, less daytime drowsiness
- Weeks 2-4: Improved mood, concentration, energy levels
- Months 1-3: Blood pressure reduction, cardiovascular improvements
- Months 3-12: Cognitive function restoration, weight loss becomes easier
🔗 Related Sleep Calculators
💡 Pro Tip: Use multiple sleep calculators together for a comprehensive sleep health assessment. Track your results over time to monitor improvements.