STOP-Bang Quiz: Do You Think You Have Sleep Apnea?
Let’s Work Together to Treat Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The STOP-Bang Questionnaire Can Evaluate Your Risk of Sleep Apnea
Do you constantly feel tired throughout the day or frequently wake up with headaches? Does your partner complain of you snoring loudly every night? Do you frequently wake during the night, sometimes choking or gasping for air? Then you may have sleep apnea; a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the airway, leading to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and other health problems if left untreated. The STOP-Bang quiz is a way our dentists can help evaluate your risk of sleep apnea by asking a series of questions and assessing your score.
What the STOP-Bang Quiz Entails
While this quiz isn’t designed to actually diagnose people, it may help determine if you have sleep apnea as it features a series of yes and no questions reflected in the STOP-Bang acronym: Snoring, Tiredness, Observed Apneas, Pressure, Body Mass Index, Age, Neck Circumference, Gender/Sex. Each time you answer “yes”, this will be recorded and a score will be given out of eight.
Scoring
0-2: Low risk
3-4: Intermediate risk
5-8: High risk
Sleep Apnea Can Have Negative Consequences on Your Overall Health
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have negative consequences on your overall health if left untreated. During sleep apnea episodes, your breathing is repeatedly interrupted, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Over time, this can increase the risk of developing various health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Plus, struggling with sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating which can result in serious mistakes or accidents. In order to improve your quality of life, we can determine the best sleep apnea treatment for you.
We’ll Determine the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment For You
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This machine delivers a constant flow of air through a mask worn over the nose and mouth, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. Other treatment options are oral appliances that are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep airways clear. CPAP masks and other oral appliances are all custom-fitted and designed to be comfortable. In more severe cases, however, surgery may be recommended.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
If you think you’re struggling with sleep apnea, book an appointment right away so we can begin treatment. Don’t wait – treating sleep apnea symptoms can improve your overall health and well-being. Utilizing the STOP-Bang questionnaire can help us determine your risk level and, from there, discuss the best treatment option going forward.
