STOP-BANG Questionnaire: Take the Free Sleep Apnea Risk Test Now

Person completing the STOP-BANG sleep apnea risk questionnaire at a desk

STOP-BANG Questionnaire: 8 Quick Questions to Gauge Your Sleep Apnea Risk in 2 Minutes

Answer 8 simple questions to find out if you are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Takes less than 2 minutes.

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The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a free, validated screening tool that predicts your risk of obstructive sleep apnea in under 2 minutes. Developed at the University of Toronto, it is used by hospitals worldwide. Eight simple yes-or-no questions give you a score from 0 to 8. A score of 3 or higher means you should get tested. Take the test below and learn what your score means.

Key Takeaway
  • STOP-BANG has 93.2% sensitivity for detecting moderate-to-severe OSA
  • Score 0-2: low risk. Score 3-4: intermediate risk. Score 5-8: high risk
  • The test takes less than 2 minutes and needs no equipment
  • A positive screening should be followed by a sleep study for diagnosis
The eight STOP-BANG risk factors
The eight STOP-BANG risk factors. Shows the eight STOP-BANG risk factors around a central score, above bands for low, intermediate and high risk.
Shows the eight STOP-BANG risk factors around a central score, above bands for low, intermediate and high risk.

What Is the STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea Risk Test?

STOP-BANG stands for eight risk factors: Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (blood pressure), BMI, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender. Dr. Frances Chung created it in 2008 at Toronto Western Hospital. It was originally designed for pre-surgical screening.

Since then, over 900 clinical studies have validated it. The American Society of Anesthesiologists, the European Respiratory Society, and sleep centers across 50+ countries now use STOP-BANG as their standard screening tool. It is the most widely studied sleep apnea questionnaire in clinical medicine.

93.2%
Sensitivity for moderate-severe OSA
900+
Validation studies published
8
Simple yes/no questions
2 min
Time to complete

Take the Free STOP-BANG Test Now

Answer each question honestly. Score 1 point for every "yes" answer. Add up your total at the end.

S - Snoring

Do you snore loudly? Loud enough to be heard through closed doors, or your partner complains?

Yes = 1 point

T - Tired

Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime? Do you fall asleep during activities?

Yes = 1 point

O - Observed

Has anyone observed you stop breathing or choking during sleep?

Yes = 1 point

P - Pressure

Are you being treated for high blood pressure? Or have you been diagnosed with hypertension?

Yes = 1 point

B - BMI

Is your BMI over 35? (Calculate: weight in kg divided by height in meters squared.)

Yes = 1 point

A - Age

Are you over 50 years old?

Yes = 1 point

N - Neck

Is your neck circumference greater than 40 cm (about 16 inches)?

Yes = 1 point

G - Gender

Are you male? (Men have 2-3 times higher risk of OSA than premenopausal women.)

Yes = 1 point

Understanding Your STOP-BANG Score

Score Risk Level OSA Probability Recommended Action
0-2 Low risk ~15% chance of moderate-severe OSA Monitor symptoms. Retest if symptoms change.
3-4 Intermediate risk ~50% chance of moderate-severe OSA Discuss with your GP. Consider a home sleep test.
5-8 High risk ~80% chance of moderate-severe OSA See your doctor soon. A sleep study is strongly recommended.
Important: STOP-BANG is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A score of 3 or higher means you should get a proper sleep study for a definitive diagnosis. Only a sleep study can measure your actual AHI and confirm sleep apnea.

How Accurate Is the STOP-BANG Questionnaire?

STOP-BANG is one of the most validated screening tools in sleep medicine. Here is what the research shows:

  • Sensitivity for moderate-severe OSA (AHI 15+): 93.2% (Chung et al., 2016). This means it correctly identifies 93 out of 100 people who have the condition.
  • Sensitivity for severe OSA (AHI 30+): 100% in the original validation study. It catches nearly every severe case.
  • Specificity: 43% for moderate-severe, 37% for severe OSA. This means some people who test positive will not actually have OSA (false positives). A low score is very reassuring, but a high score needs confirmation.
  • Negative predictive value: A score of 0-2 has a 90%+ probability of being truly negative for severe OSA.

Compared to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire, STOP-BANG has consistently higher sensitivity. A 2019 systematic review of 108 studies confirmed it as the most effective screening questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea (Nagappa et al., Anesthesia & Analgesia).

What Each Risk Factor Tells You

Snoring (S)

Loud snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea. About 94% of OSA patients snore. However, not all snorers have sleep apnea. Snoring alone is one factor, not a diagnosis.

Neck size and the other factors

Tiredness (T)

Excessive daytime sleepiness results from fragmented sleep. Each breathing pause triggers a micro-arousal that disrupts deep sleep stages. If you feel tired despite 7 to 8 hours in bed, this is a strong warning sign.

Observed Apnea (O)

If your partner has seen you stop breathing during sleep, this is the single most specific predictor. It strongly suggests your airway is closing repeatedly at night.

Blood Pressure (P)

About 50% of people with hypertension have undiagnosed sleep apnea. Each breathing pause triggers a surge of stress hormones that raises blood pressure. Resistant hypertension (not controlled by 3 medications) has an even higher association with OSA.

BMI Over 35 (B)

Excess weight, especially around the neck and tongue, narrows the airway. A BMI over 35 increases OSA risk by 4 to 5 times. However, thin people can also have sleep apnea due to jaw structure or nasal anatomy.

Age Over 50 (A)

Muscle tone decreases with age. The muscles that hold the airway open become weaker. Sleep apnea prevalence rises sharply after age 50.

Neck Circumference Over 40 cm (N)

A larger neck often means more tissue around the airway. This is one of the strongest anatomical predictors. Measure at the level of your Adam's apple.

Male Gender (G)

Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to have OSA than premenopausal women. After menopause, the risk equalizes. Male fat distribution patterns (more upper body) contribute to airway narrowing.

What to Do After Your STOP-BANG Score

Score 0-2: Low Risk

Your risk of significant sleep apnea is low. Continue monitoring your symptoms. If you develop new snoring, daytime sleepiness, or a partner observes breathing pauses, retake the test. Review the 10 warning signs of sleep apnea to stay informed.

Score 3-4: Intermediate Risk

Talk to your GP about a home sleep test. This is a simple overnight test you do at home. It measures your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate during sleep. Results take 1 to 2 weeks.

While waiting for your test, a nasal stent can reduce snoring and improve airflow immediately. It does not replace diagnosis, but it addresses symptoms right away.

Score 5-8: High Risk

See your doctor as soon as possible. Request a sleep study referral. With a score this high, there is an approximately 80% chance of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Early diagnosis leads to earlier treatment, which reduces cardiovascular risk and improves quality of life.

STOP-BANG vs Other Sleep Apnea Screening Tools

Questionnaire Questions Time Sensitivity (Mod-Severe) Best For
STOP-BANG 8 (yes/no) 2 min 93.2% General screening, pre-surgical
Epworth Sleepiness Scale 8 (rated 0-3) 3 min 66% Measuring daytime sleepiness
Berlin Questionnaire 11 (mixed) 5 min 76% Primary care screening
NoSAS Score 5 (weighted) 2 min 88% Population screening
Four screening tools compared
Four screening tools compared. Shows the sensitivity of four screening tools as bars: STOP-BANG, NoSAS, Berlin and Epworth.
Shows the sensitivity of four screening tools as bars: STOP-BANG, NoSAS, Berlin and Epworth.

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Not sure your snoring is harmless? Take the sleep risk screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good STOP-BANG score?

A score of 0-2 is considered low risk for sleep apnea. This means you likely do not have significant obstructive sleep apnea. Scores of 3-4 indicate intermediate risk and warrant discussion with your GP. Scores of 5-8 indicate high risk and a sleep study is strongly recommended.

How accurate is the STOP-BANG questionnaire?

STOP-BANG has 93.2% sensitivity for detecting moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15+) and nearly 100% sensitivity for severe OSA. It is the most validated screening tool in sleep medicine, confirmed by over 900 clinical studies and a 2019 systematic review of 108 studies.

Can I diagnose sleep apnea with STOP-BANG alone?

No. STOP-BANG is a screening tool that predicts your risk level, not a diagnostic test. A definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep test) that measures your actual AHI. Use STOP-BANG to decide whether you need a sleep study.

What does STOP-BANG stand for?

STOP-BANG stands for eight risk factors: Snoring (loud), Tired (daytime fatigue), Observed (witnessed breathing pauses), Pressure (high blood pressure), BMI (over 35), Age (over 50), Neck (circumference over 40 cm), and Gender (male). Each yes answer scores 1 point.

Should I see a doctor if my STOP-BANG score is 3?

Yes. A score of 3 or higher places you in the intermediate-to-high risk category. About 50% of people scoring 3-4 have moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. Discuss your score with your GP and ask about a home sleep test for a definitive answer.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious medical condition. If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a healthcare professional. Back2Sleep is a CE-certified Class I medical device intended for snoring and sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, talk to your doctor.
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