Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is one of the most underdiagnosed sleep disorders worldwide. Many people live for years with symptoms like snoring, fatigue, and morning headaches without realising they may be at risk.
One of the most widely used and clinically validated screening tools for sleep apnoea is the STOP-Bang Questionnaire.
In this guide, we explain what it is, how it works, and what your score means.
What Is the STOP-Bang Questionnaire?
The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a short, evidence-based screening tool used by healthcare professionals to identify people at risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.
It consists of eight simple yes/no questions.
The name "STOP-Bang" is an acronym representing the eight risk factors assessed.
It is widely used in:
- Primary care
- Pre-operative screening
- Sleep clinics
- Cardiovascular assessments
What Does STOP-Bang Stand For?
Each letter represents a risk factor:
Snoring
Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?
Tiredness
Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime?
Observed Apnoea
Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?
Pressure
Do you have high blood pressure or are you being treated for hypertension?
BMI
Is your Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35?
Age
Are you over 50 years old?
Neck Circumference
Is your neck circumference greater than 40 cm (15.7 inches)?
Gender
Are you male?
How Is the STOP-Bang Scored?
Each "Yes" answer scores 1 point.
Total possible score: 0 to 8
Risk Categories
A score of 3 or more suggests that further assessment may be appropriate.
Why Is the STOP-Bang Questionnaire Important?
The STOP-Bang tool is widely validated in medical research and is particularly useful because it:
- Is quick and easy to complete
- Has high sensitivity for detecting moderate to severe OSA
- Identifies patients who may require formal sleep testing
- Is commonly used before surgery to reduce anaesthetic risk
It is not a diagnostic test — but it is a strong indicator of risk.
Who Should Consider Completing STOP-Bang?
You may benefit from screening if you:
- Snore loudly
- Wake feeling unrefreshed
- Experience daytime fatigue
- Have high blood pressure
- Have type 2 diabetes
- Have cardiovascular disease
- Have been told you stop breathing during sleep
Even mild symptoms can be significant.
Limitations of STOP-Bang
While highly sensitive, STOP-Bang:
- Does not confirm diagnosis
- May overestimate risk in some individuals
- Does not measure oxygen levels or sleep interruptions
A formal sleep assessment is required to confirm obstructive sleep apnoea.
What Happens If You Score High?
If your STOP-Bang score suggests intermediate or high risk, the next step may include:
- Clinical review
- Structured sleep assessment
- Home sleep testing
- Referral for further evaluation
Early identification can reduce the long-term health risks associated with untreated sleep apnoea, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Take the Next Step
If you are concerned about your STOP-Bang score or have ongoing symptoms of sleep apnoea, a structured screening review can help clarify your risk and guide appropriate next steps.
Start Your Screening
Our professional sleep apnoea screening includes validated questionnaires and clinician review to help you understand your risk.
Start Your Screening NowReferences
- Chung F, Yegneswaran B, Liao P, et al. STOP questionnaire: a tool to screen patients for obstructive sleep apnea. Anesthesiology. 2008;108(5):812-821. https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/108/5/812/8977/STOP-Questionnaire-A-Tool-to-Screen-Patients-for
- Chung F, Abdullah HR, Liao P. STOP-Bang Questionnaire: A Practical Approach to Screen for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Chest. 2016;149(3):631-638. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)00087-4/fulltext
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Management of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Sleep Apnea — Risk Factors and Complications. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea