Sleep Apnea

Snoring isn't something that most of us worry about. But loud snoring—especially when it's accompanied by daytime fatigue—may be a sign of sleep apnea, a common and potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. Untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous and detrimental to your health, so it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect that you or a loved one might have it. Read on to learn the warning signs of sleep apnea, how to distinguish it from normal snoring, the medical treatments available, and what you can do to help yourself.

These questions can help you and your physician figure out if you should be tested for sleep apnea.

Questions for Sleep Apnea
1. Do you snore more than three nights a week?	Yes (2 points)  No
2. Is your snoring loud (can it be heard through a door or wall)?	Yes (2 points)  No
3. Has anyone ever told you that you briefly stop breathing or gasp when you are asleep?	Never  Occasionally (3 points)  Frequently (5 points)
4. What is your collar size?	Men:  Less than 17 inches  17 inches or greater (5 points) Women:  Less than 16 inches  16 inches or greater (5 points)
5. Have you had high blood pressure, or are you being treated for it?	Yes (2 points)  No
6. Do you ever doze or fall asleep during the day when you are not busy or active?	Yes (2 points)  No
7. Do you ever doze or fall asleep during the day when you are driving or stopped at a light?	Yes (2 points)  No
Click on Show Score to get the total and see what it means.

Score: 

Interpreting the score:

• 0 to 5: Low probability of sleep apnea. You’re sleep problems are more likely to be caused by something other than sleep apnea. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
• 6 to 8: It's uncertain whether you have sleep apnea. You and your doctor should decide the next step based on other pieces of your medical history.
• 9 +: You may have sleep apnea. You are a good candidate for a sleep study and should see your doctor immediately

This questionnaire is not intended to replace professional diagnosis.

Source: help guide