The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a validated 8-question screening tool used by healthcare providers to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Each yes answer scores 1 point. Scores of 5 or higher indicate high risk for moderate-to-severe OSA and warrant a formal sleep study.
STOP-BANG Questionnaire
Answer yes or no to each question based on your typical experience.
S — Do you Snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?
T — Do you often feel Tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime?
O — Has anyone Observed you stop breathing during sleep?
P — Do you have (or are you being treated for) high blood Pressure?
B — Is your BMI greater than 35?
A — Are you older than 50 years?
N — Is your Neck circumference greater than 40 cm (16 inches)?
G — Are you male?
How to Use the Sleep Apnea Risk Score Tool
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is one of the most widely validated tools for predicting obstructive sleep apnea risk. It takes less than two minutes to complete and is the same screening tool used in preoperative assessments and sleep clinics.
How to Complete the Questionnaire
Answer each of the 8 yes/no questions honestly based on your experience. STOP-BANG stands for Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (blood pressure), BMI, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender. Each yes answer scores 1 point.
Interpreting Your Score
0-2 points: Low risk. The probability of moderate-to-severe OSA is low, though other sleep disorders are possible if symptoms persist. 3-4 points: Intermediate risk. Discuss your symptoms with your provider. 5-8 points: High risk. You should request a sleep study to formally evaluate OSA. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with serious cardiovascular and metabolic consequences.
What Happens After a High Score
A high STOP-BANG score leads to either an in-lab polysomnography study or a home sleep apnea test (HSAT). If OSA is confirmed, treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and lifestyle modifications (weight loss, sleep positioning). Most people with OSA experience life-changing improvements with appropriate treatment.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, or any health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sleep apnea risk tool free?
Yes, completely free. No signup, no personal data stored.
What is the STOP-BANG questionnaire?
STOP-BANG is a validated 8-question screening tool developed to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It has high sensitivity for moderate-to-severe OSA and is widely used in clinical settings prior to surgery and sleep studies.
What do the STOP-BANG risk levels mean?
A score of 0-2 indicates low risk for OSA. A score of 3-4 indicates intermediate risk. A score of 5-8 indicates high risk. Higher scores are associated with greater likelihood of moderate-to-severe OSA.
Can this tool diagnose sleep apnea?
No. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Diagnosis requires a formal sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep apnea test) interpreted by a qualified provider.
What should I do if my score is high?
A high STOP-BANG score means you should discuss sleep apnea evaluation with your healthcare provider. They may refer you for a sleep study. Untreated OSA is associated with cardiovascular disease, daytime fatigue, and cognitive impairment.
What is AHI and how does it relate to STOP-BANG?
AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) measures the number of breathing interruptions per hour of sleep and is used to diagnose and classify OSA severity. STOP-BANG predicts the probability of a high AHI — it does not calculate AHI directly, which requires a sleep study.