Last week I talked about the rating scales I utilize in my office to help determine if a patient may have a concern with sleep disordered breathing.  I provided the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for you to complete.  Today, I will give you the other two rating scales that we have patient’s complete after an examination for their concerns with snoring/sleep apnea.

Thornton Snoring Scale

Snoring has a significant effect on the quality of life for many people.  Snoring can affect the person snoring and those around him/her, both physically and emotionally.  Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation.

0 = Never

1 = Infrequently (1 night per week)

2 = Frequently (2-3 nights per week)

3 = Most of the time (4 or more nights per week)

1.      My snoring affects my relationship with my sleep partner                            _____

2.      My snoring causes my sleep partner to be irritable and/or tired                   _____

3.      My snoring requires my sleep partner and I to sleep in separate rooms       _____

4.      I am fatigued, exhausted, tired and feel a lack of energy                             _____

5.      I have a morning headache                                                                        _____

6.      I lose concentration, forget things or get sleepy at inappropriate times         _____

7.      My sleep does not seem to be restorative or restful                                    _____

8.      I feel depressed or “down”                                                                        _____

9.      My snoring is loud                                                                                     _____

10.  My snoring affects people when I am sleeping away from home                 _____

TOTAL SCORE                   _____

A total score of 8 and greater may indicate that your snoring may be significantly affecting your quality of life, and the lives of those around you.

 The last scale that I utilize is one that is filled out by a person’s sleep partner.

Sleep Observer Scale 

Most of the following questions relate to the behavior you have observed in this patient while he/she is asleep.  Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation. 

0 = Never

1 = Infrequently (1 night per week)

2 = Frequently (2-3 nights per week)

3 = Most of the time (4 or more nights per week)

Loud, obtrusive or irritating snoring                                          ________
Choking or gasping for air                                                       ________
Pauses in breathing                                                                  ________
Twitching/kicking of arms or legs                                             ________
Snoring requiring separate bedrooms                                       ________
Falling asleep at inappropriate times (driving, in meetings, etc.)  ________

A score of 5 or greater indicates symptoms that are affecting the health, safety or quality of life of the person observed.

If you think you, or someone you know has a concern with snoring/sleep apnea, contact your dentist for an evaluation to see what treatment may be appropriate.