More Common Than You Think — and Usually Undiagnosed
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States — and one of the most underdiagnosed. If you've been wondering whether your snoring, fatigue, or restless sleep might be something more serious, this guide will help you assess your risk and take the right next steps.
Common Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
You may have sleep apnea if you regularly experience several of the following:
- Loud snoring — especially if it's consistent and disruptive
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Waking up unrefreshed despite sleeping 7+ hours
- Significant daytime sleepiness — dozing off during quiet activities
- Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Mood changes, irritability, or low motivation
The STOP-BANG Self-Assessment
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a validated clinical screening tool. Score one point for each "yes" answer:
- Snoring: Do you snore loudly?
- Tired: Do you often feel tired or sleepy during the daytime?
- Observed: Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?
- Pressure: Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
- BMI: Is your BMI greater than 35?
- Age: Are you older than 50?
- Neck: Is your neck circumference greater than 16 inches (women) or 17 inches (men)?
- Gender: Are you male?
A score of 0–2 indicates low risk. A score of 3–4 indicates intermediate risk — discuss with your doctor. A score of 5 or above indicates high risk, and a sleep study is strongly recommended.
How to Get a Formal Diagnosis
The gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea is a sleep study — either a home sleep apnea test ordered by your doctor, or an overnight in-lab polysomnography. Most patients with straightforward OSA symptoms start with a home test, which is less expensive, more convenient, and covered by most insurance plans.
Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. Describe your symptoms clearly — including any observations from a partner. Request a referral for a sleep study, or ask about telehealth sleep medicine services that can expedite the process significantly.
What Happens After Diagnosis
Once diagnosed, you'll work with a sleep physician to determine the severity of your OSA and choose the right treatment. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is a first-line option — a custom-fitted device worn during sleep that keeps the airway open without a mask or machine. Find a qualified dental sleep medicine specialist near you using the SkipTheCPAP directory.