STOP-Bang Questionnaire — Sleep and Recovery Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The STOP-Bang Questionnaire is a brief screening tool used to assess the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It evaluates snoring, daytime tiredness, observed apneas, high blood pressure, BMI, age, neck circumference, and gender to estimate OSA risk.

Each 'Yes' response scores 1 point; totals range from 0 to 8. Scores 0–2 indicate low risk, 3–4 intermediate risk, and 5–8 high risk for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Higher scores suggest a greater need for diagnostic testing and specialist referral.

If your score is 5 or higher, consult your primary care provider or a sleep specialist for further evaluation. They may recommend home sleep apnea testing or in-lab polysomnography and discuss treatment options such as CPAP, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes.

STOP-Bang is a validated, sensitive screening tool for identifying individuals at risk of moderate-to-severe OSA, especially useful for ruling out low-risk patients. However, it is not diagnostic—confirmation requires formal sleep testing. Sensitivity and specificity vary by population.

Yes. Weight loss, exercise, reducing alcohol and sedative use before bed, smoking cessation, and treating nasal congestion can reduce OSA severity and related symptoms. Changes that reduce BMI or neck circumference may lower your risk over time.

Retake the STOP-Bang if you experience new or worsening symptoms (loud snoring, witnessed apneas, increased daytime sleepiness), or after significant changes in weight, blood pressure, or overall health. Periodic screening is reasonable for ongoing sleep health monitoring.

STOP-Bang is broadly applicable for adults but may be less accurate in certain populations (e.g., children, some pregnant women, or people with unique craniofacial anatomy). Use clinical judgment and consult a healthcare provider for specialized assessment.