Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It is far more common than generally understood. Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both genders. It is more common in men, although it may be under diagnosed in women and young African-Americans. It is estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Read more from the Vanderbilt Sleep Center.
Take the STOP BANG Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment.
Answer the 8 questions below with Yes or NO. Total your scores to calculate your risk.
- Snoring: Do you snore loudly (loud enough to be heard through closed doors or your bed-partner elbows you for snoring at night)?
- Tiredness/fatigue: Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime (such as falling asleep during driving or talking to someone)?
- Observed apnea: Has anyone observed you stop breathing or choking/gasping during your sleep?
- Pressure: Do you have or are being treated for High Blood Pressure?
- Body Mass Index: Do you have a BMI of 35 or higher? Calculate your BMI.
- Age: Are you older than 50 years?
- Neck size: For males, is your shirt collar 17 inches or larger or for females, is your shirt collar 16 inches or larger?
- Gender: Are you male?
Assess Your Risk:
Low Risk: Yes to 0 - 2 questions
Intermediate Risk: Yes to 3 - 4 questions
High Risk: Yes to 5 - 8 questions
High Risk: Yes to 2 or more of STOP questions (1-4) and any of the following:
- male gender
- BMI > 35kg/m2
- neck circumference 17 inches in male or 16 inches in female
Take Action:
If you have an intermediate or high risk score contact your primary care provider.
Learn more about choosing a primary care provider. VU employees, learn how to find a VHAN provider. VUMC employees, learn how to find a VHAN provider.
Resources:
Modified from:
stopbang.ca/osa/screening.php
Chung F et al. Anesthesiology 2008; 108: 812-821,
Chung F et al Br J Anaesth 2012; 108: 768-775,
Chung F et al J Clin Sleep Med Sept 2014.
