WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)?

OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of your mouth and throat relax during sleep, causing the soft tissue in that area to partially or completely block your airway, leading to a stoppage in regular breathing. This reduces the amount of oxygen available in your bloodstream. The brain senses a reduction in oxygen and briefly wakes you so that your airway can reopen. This can happen numerous times in a night without you even realizing it, and can leave you feeling unrested, tired and drowsy during the day. Take the questionnaire below to see if you may be at risk for OSA

RECLAIM YOUR SLEEP

It's estimated that 5.4 million Canadians have been diagnosed with, or are at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It's important to recognize factors that place you at higher risk for OSA. The STOP-BANG Questionnaire below is a widely accepted tool for screening likelihood of OSA.

Snoring: Do you snore?

Tiredness: Do you feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the daytime?

Observed Apnea: Has anyone observed you stop breathing, gasp or choke during sleep?

Pressure: Are you being treated for high blood pressure?

BMI: Is your BMI greater than 35?

Age: Are you older than 50 years of age?

Neck Circumference: Is your neck circumference greater than 40cm?

Gender: Are you male?

Y N

Score 1 for each positive response

0-2 = Low Risk for OSA | 3-4 = Intermediate Risk for OSA | 5 or greater = High Risk for OSA

Source: University Health Network, Toronto, ON

STOP-BANG QUESTIONNAIRE