STOP-BANG Calculator

The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Answer the questions below to assess your risk level.

Your STOP-BANG Score

0

Low Risk

Low Risk (0-2) Intermediate Risk (3-4) High Risk (5-8)

Interpretation

Based on your score, you have a low risk of obstructive sleep apnea. However, if you experience symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider.

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Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common yet potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute, occurring dozens—or even hundreds—of times each night. As a result, your body and brain may not get enough oxygen, disrupting your sleep quality and leading to serious health complications over time.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea, each caused by different underlying mechanisms:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It happens when the muscles at the back of your throat relax excessively during sleep, temporarily blocking your airway.
In simple terms: your body tries to breathe, but the airflow is obstructed.

Typical signs include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Feeling excessively tired during the day

2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
In other words, your body stops breathing entirely—there’s no physical blockage, but rather a communication issue between the brain and the respiratory system.

3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this form combines features of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It’s typically identified in people who continue to experience apnea events even after OSA treatment (like using a CPAP machine).

How to Screen for Sleep Apnea

Since not everyone with sleep apnea snores or realizes they stop breathing, screening tools are essential for early detection.

The STOP-BANG Questionnaire

The STOP-BANG test is one of the most widely used sleep apnea screening tools globally. It helps identify individuals at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on eight simple yes/no questions.

Each “Yes” answer equals 1 point.

LetterMeaningYes (1)No (0)
SSnoring loudly10
TFeeling tired during the day10
OObserved apneas during sleep10
PHigh blood pressure10
BBMI > 35 kg/m²10
AAge > 50 years10
NNeck circumference ≥ 17 in (men) / 16 in (women)10
GGender male10

STOP-BANG Score Interpretation:

  • 0–2 points: Low risk of OSA
  • 3–4 points: Intermediate risk
  • 5–8 points: High risk of OSA

Other Sleep Apnea Screening Tools

Besides STOP-BANG, several other validated questionnaires can help identify potential sleep apnea:

  • Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS): Measures daytime sleepiness by asking how likely you are to fall asleep in common situations.
  • Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale: Adapted for children and teenagers.
  • Berlin Questionnaire: Uses a three-category approach to assess snoring, daytime sleepiness, and the presence of obesity or hypertension.

You can try our online tools:

Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Certain characteristics and lifestyle factors increase the likelihood of developing OSA:

  • Being male
  • Overweight or obese (BMI > 35)
  • Large neck circumference
  • High blood pressure
  • Age over 50 years
  • Use of alcohol, sedatives, or narcotic drugs
  • Smoking
  • Medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Even mild forms of sleep apnea can lead to serious health risks if left untreated, including stroke, heart attack, and chronic fatigue.

Why Early Detection Matters

Sleep apnea doesn’t just cause snoring—it strains your cardiovascular system and impairs cognitive function. Over time, untreated OSA can contribute to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Depression and memory issues

Early screening using tools like STOP-BANG or Epworth Sleepiness Scale can help identify at-risk individuals, leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Sleep apnea is a widespread but underdiagnosed condition that affects both sleep quality and overall health. Using simple screening tools like the STOP-BANG questionnaire helps detect risk early and encourages individuals to seek medical advice before complications arise.

To learn more or assess your risk, try our free STOP-BANG Calculator and explore related sleep tools available on CalculatorCave.