What is the STOP-Bang questionnaire?

STOP-Bang is a validated 8-question screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). STOP stands for Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnoeas, and high blood Pressure. Bang stands for BMI over 35, Age over 50, Neck circumference over 40cm, and Gender (male). A score of 3 or more indicates intermediate-to-high risk of OSA.

How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?

Common signs include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, waking gasping or choking, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. A STOP-Bang score of 3+ suggests you should discuss a sleep study with your GP. Diagnosis requires a sleep study (polysomnography) which can be done at home or in a sleep lab.

STOP-Bang Questionnaire

A validated 8-question screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) risk.

📋 Source: STOP-Bang Questionnaire (Chung et al., Anesthesiology 2008). Validated screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea risk. Chung F et al. Anesthesiology 2008. stopbang.ca (official)
Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.

Answer each question with Yes or No. Each "Yes" scores 1 point. Your responses are completely private.

0 of 8 answered

Do you Snore loudly?

Loud enough to be heard through closed doors, or your partner has commented

Do you often feel Tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the day?

Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate sleep time

Has anyone Observed you stop breathing or choking/gasping during sleep?

Witnessed apnoeas — partner reports you stop breathing then gasp

Do you have or are you being treated for high blood Pressure?

Diagnosed hypertension or currently taking antihypertensive medication

Is your BMI more than 35?

Calculate your BMI here if unsure

Are you over 50 years old? (Age)

Age ≥ 50 years

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

Measure around the Adam's apple. A shirt collar size of 17" or above suggests >40cm

Are you male? (Gender)

Biological sex — males have higher OSA prevalence

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop briefly (apnoeas) or become very shallow (hypopnoeas). This leads to fragmented sleep, drops in blood oxygen, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

OSA is extremely common — it affects an estimated 9% of Australian adults, but up to 80% of moderate-to-severe cases remain undiagnosed. Risk increases with age, male sex, obesity, and certain facial structures.

Untreated OSA is associated with increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, motor vehicle accidents, and workplace injuries.

If the STOP-Bang suggests intermediate or high risk, your GP may refer you for a sleep study. There are two types:

Home sleep study (Level 3): A portable device worn overnight at home. It records breathing, oxygen levels, and body position. Medicare rebates may apply with a GP referral.

In-lab polysomnography (Level 1): An overnight stay at a sleep lab with comprehensive monitoring. This is the gold standard but is usually reserved for complex cases.

Treatment options include: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) — the most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA; mandibular advancement splints (dental devices); weight loss; positional therapy (avoiding sleeping on your back); and in some cases, surgery.

The STOP-Bang questionnaire was developed by Dr Frances Chung at the University of Toronto. It was originally designed for preoperative screening but is now widely used in primary care and sleep medicine.

Validation studies show high sensitivity: a score of ≥3 identifies 93% of patients with moderate-to-severe OSA, and a score of ≥5 identifies patients at very high risk.

Source: Chung F et al. Anesthesiology 2008;108:812-821.