OSA Self evaluation

These four yes-or-no “STOP” questions can help you determine your risk for sleep apnea:
S: Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?
T: Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the day?
O: Has anyone observed you not breathing during sleep?
P: Do you have or have you been treated for high blood pressure?
You have a high risk of sleep apnea if you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions. You are strongly encouraged to discuss these results with your medical provider.

The questionnaire has an even higher predictive value when you answer four more questions:
B: Is your Body Mass Index more than 35 kg/m2?
A: Is your age more than 50 years old?
N: Is your neck circumference greater than 40 cm?
G: Is your gender male?

You have a high risk of sleep apnea if you answered “yes” to three or more of the eight STOP-BANG questions. You are strongly encouraged to discuss these results with your medical provider.

Most people with OSA usually have one or more of the following symptoms.

Excessive and inappropriate daytime sleepiness
Loud snoring occurring virtually every night
Apneas (pauses in breathing) witnessed by bed partner
Episodes of waking at night feeling short of breath or gasping for air
Insomnia
Problems with memory and/or concentration
Impotence
Changes in mood, particularly depression
Fatigue

In order to get a proper diagnosis, you must see a healthcare practitioner—either a primary care physician/clinician or a sleep specialist. He or she will obtain additional information and determine whether there are alternative explanations for your symptoms. Your doctor will decide whether further evaluation is necessary.