# STOP-BANG

Obstructive sleep apnea risk



70–80% of people with clinical sleep apnea are undiagnosed — 90–95% among women. Snoring is a strong (not definitive) indicator, and apnea can happen regardless of body size (fluid shift, positional, neural, environmental causes). Answer honestly.



## The questions

1. Snoring: Do you snore loudly (louder than talking, or heard through a closed door)?

2. Tired: Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the daytime?

3. Observed: Has anyone observed you stop breathing, choking or gasping during sleep?

4. Pressure: Do you have, or are you being treated for, high blood pressure?

5. BMI: Is your BMI more than 35 kg/m²?

6. Age: Are you older than 50?

7. Neck: Is your neck circumference larger than 40 cm (≈16 in)?

8. Gender: Are you male?



## How scores are read

- **Low risk** — Few apnea markers. If you still wake unrefreshed or snore, keep tracking morning feel and re-screen in a few months. Next step: No action needed. Optional: run a wearable with SpO₂ for a few weeks and watch for overnight dips.

- **Intermediate risk** — You carry several markers of obstructive sleep apnea. Remember most cases go undiagnosed, and it doesn't always wake you. Next step: Show this score to your doctor and ask about a home sleep test or sleep study. Meanwhile track SpO₂ minimums and snoring.

- **High risk** — High probability of clinically significant apnea. Untreated apnea is tied to long-term mortality, cognition, mood, recovery and metabolic health. Next step: Take this score to a doctor and request a sleep study (polysomnography or home test). Treatments now target the type of apnea — ask for a precise diagnosis rather than a generic CPAP prescription.

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Educational summary of published research, not medical advice. Screening scores are not diagnoses. If a score is elevated or you feel unwell, talk to a clinician.

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