Risk Factors & Screening Tools

Who Is at Risk?

Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and body types. Risk factors include:

  • Family history of sleep apnea

  • Recessed upper or lower jaw

  • Narrow airway anatomy

  • Large tongue or tonsils

  • Obesity or excess neck tissue

  • Male gender

  • Smoking

  • Alcohol consumption before bedtime

  • Nasal obstruction or chronic congestion

Many patients are surprised to learn that facial structure and jaw position can contribute significantly to airway restriction.

Understanding Your STOP-BANG Score

Low Risk: 0–2 Yes Answers

Intermediate Risk: 3–4 Yes Answers

High Risk: 5–8 Yes Answers

A higher score does not diagnose sleep apnea, but it may indicate the need for further evaluation and sleep testing.

STOP BANG Screening Tool

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 daytime?

O: Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?

P: Do you have (or are you being treated for) high blood pressure?

B: BMI >35

A: Age: Older than 50 are higher risk

N: Neck circumference >16 inches

G: Gender: Males with higher risk

  • High risk of OSA: Yes 5 - 8

  • Intermediate risk of OSA: Yes 3 - 4

  • Low risk of OSA: Yes 0 - 2

Below is a link to a quick STOP-BANG screening tool to assess your risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/3992/stop-bang-score-obstructive-sleep-apnea

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

This scale is used as another screening tool to assess whether you may be suffering from a sleep related disorder.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/longhourstraining/scale.html

If you think you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, please come in for a comprehensive evaluation.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Weight gain and metabolic dysfunction

  • Poor concentration and memory

  • Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents

  • Reduced quality of life

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve both your sleep and your long-term health.

When Should You Schedule an Evaluation?

Consider scheduling a consultation if you:

✓ Snore regularly

✓ Feel tired despite getting a full night's sleep

✓ Have been told you stop breathing during sleep

✓ Have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy

✓ Have a recessed jaw, narrow airway, or facial structure concerns

✓ Have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to explore surgical treatment options