To assess whether your patient is at risk for sleep apnea, there are several screening tools available. The STOP-BANG Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) are easy to administer and commonly used.

STOP-BANG Questionnaire

The STOP-BANG Questionnaire consists of eight self-administered questions with yes/no answers. The STOP portion of the questionnaire consists of four questions assessing Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apneas, and high blood Pressure. The BANG portion of the questionnaire adds clinically observed information, including BMI, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender. Positive answers on three out of the eight questions for STOP-BANG indicate significant risk for sleep apnea.

Low Risk : Yes to 0 – 2 questions
Intermediate Risk : Yes to 3 – 4 questions
High Risk : Yes to 5 – 8 questions

Patients may complete the STOP-BANG Questionnaire online or at your office.

Sources: Chung F et al. Anesthesiology 2008 May;108: 812-821, Chung F et al. Br J Anaesth 2012 May;108: 768-775, Chung F et al. J Clin Sleep Med 2014 Sept;15;10(9):951-8, Chung F et al. Chest 2016 Mar;149(3):631-8.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale assesses the severity of daytime sleepiness in common daily situations based on eight self-administered questions with answers ranging from zero to three, with zero indicating ‘no chance of dozing’ and three indicating ‘high chance of dozing’. A score of 11 or higher indicates excessive daytime sleepiness.

Patients have the option to complete the ESS questions by phone or online during registration.

Sources: Johns MW. Sleep 1991 Dec;14(6):540-5, Johns MW. Sleep 1992 Aug;15(4):376-81, Johns MW. Chest 1993 Jan;103(1):30-6.