The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is used to determine your general level of sleepiness.
This reliable scale is the same assessment tool used by sleep experts worldwide. Each item describes a routine daytime situation.
Use the scale to rate the likelihood that you would doze off or fall asleep (in contrast to just feeling tired) during that activity. This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. If you haven’t done some of these things recently, consider how they would affect you.
The the following quiz and talk to your doctor about your results to see if a sleep test can help you!
Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = would never doze or sleep
1 = slight change of dozing or sleeping
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = severe chance of dozing
| SITUATION | SCORE |
|---|---|
| Sitting and reading | |
| Watching TV | |
| Sitting inactive in a public place | |
| Being a passenger in a vehicle for one hour or more | |
| Lying down in the afternoon | |
| Sitting and talking to someone | |
| Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) | |
| Stopped in traffic for a few minutes while driving | |
| TOTAL (add the numbers) |
Interpreting Your Results
Score of 1-6 ………… Getting enough sleep!
Score of 7-9 ……………Considered average
Score of 10-17 ……….. Considered “sleepy”
Score of 18 or more ………… “Very Sleepy”
If you scored a 10 or more on this test, you should discuss these results with your personal physician, a sleep specialist, or another health care provider without delay. You may also wish to seek sleep testing services for an accurate diagnosis, and, if appropriate, effective treatment of any underlying sleep disorder.
Remember, true excessive daytime sleepiness is almost always caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), that can be easily diagnosed and effectively treated.
Talk to your doctor today!