The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

 

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is widely used in the field of sleep medicine as a subjective measure of a patient's sleepiness. The test is a list of eight situations in which you rate your tendency to become sleepy on a scale of 0, no chance of dozing, to 3, high chance of dozing. When you finish the test, add up the values of your responses. Your total score is based on a scale of 0 to 24. The scale estimates whether you are experiencing excessive sleepiness that possibly requires medical attention.

 

How Sleepy Are You?

 

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? You should rate your chances of dozing off, not just feeling tired. Even if you have not done some of these things recently try to determine how they would have affected you. For each situation, decide whether or not you would have: · 

 

• No chance of dozing = 0

• Slight chance of dozing = 1

• Moderate chance of dozing = 2

• High chance of dozing = 3

 

Write down the number corresponding to your choice in the right hand column. Total your score below.

 

• Sitting and reading  _____

• Watching TV ____ 

• Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g., a theater or a meeting) ____

• As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break ___

• Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit ____

• Sitting and talking to someone ____

• Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol ____

• In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic ____

 

Total Score = _________

 

Analyze Your Score Interpretation:

 

0-7:      It is unlikely that you are abnormally sleepy.

8-9:      You have an average amount of daytime sleepiness.

10-15:  You may be excessively sleepy depending on the situation. You may want to consider seeking medical attention.

16-24:  You are excessively sleepy and should consider seeking medical attention.

 

Reference: Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Sleep 1991; 14(6):540-5.

 

If you score 10 or greater, please contact our Sleep Center Coordinator at 940-696-7549 or the Sleep Center at 940-696-7585 for information about scheduling a sleep study.