The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a measure of daytime drowsiness. It is a useful test to help diagnose sleeping problems.
How to do the test
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations in contrast to just feeling tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things, try to work out how they would have affected you. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation.
0 = would never doze or fall asleeep in this situation.
1 = slight chance of dozing or falling asleep in this situation.
2 = moderate chance of dozing or falling asleep in this situation.
3 = high chance of dozing or falling asleep in this situation.
1 = slight chance of dozing or falling asleep in this situation.
2 = moderate chance of dozing or falling asleep in this situation.
3 = high chance of dozing or falling asleep in this situation.
Situation | Score 0-3 |
Sitting and reading | |
Watching TV | |
Sitting inactive in a public place. For example, in the theatre or at 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 having drunk any alcohol) | |
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic | |
Total score |
As a guide, a total score of 11 or more may mean that you have a sleeping disorder such as obstructive sleep apnoea. A very high score such as 17 or more may indicate that you have narcolepsy. See your doctor if you have a high score to discuss the results and your symptoms.
References
- Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth sleepiness scale. Sleep 1991 14:540-5. (The Epworth scale is named after Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, where Dr Johns worked.)
Updated: February 2007
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