Epworth Sleepiness Scale Calculator
Rate your usual chances of dozing off or falling asleep in the following situations, not just feeling tired. This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you haven't done some of these things recently, 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
- 1 = slight chance of dozing
- 2 = moderate chance of dozing
- 3 = high chance of dozing
Understanding the Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a simple, self-administered questionnaire designed to assess an individual's general level of daytime sleepiness. Developed by Dr. Murray Johns in 1991, it asks you to rate your usual chances of dozing off or falling asleep in eight different common situations.
How it Works
For each of the eight situations listed above, you select a score from 0 to 3:
- 0: Would never doze
- 1: Slight chance of dozing
- 2: Moderate chance of dozing
- 3: High chance of dozing
The scores for all eight situations are then added together to produce a single total score, which can range from 0 to 24.
Interpreting Your Score
The total score provides an indication of your level of daytime sleepiness:
- 0-9: Normal – This range suggests a healthy level of daytime alertness.
- 10-12: Mild excessive daytime sleepiness – You may experience some sleepiness during the day, which could warrant attention.
- 13-15: Moderate excessive daytime sleepiness – This level of sleepiness is often associated with conditions like sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
- 16-24: Severe excessive daytime sleepiness – A high score indicates significant sleepiness that likely interferes with daily life and strongly suggests a need for medical evaluation.
Why is the ESS Important?
Excessive daytime sleepiness is not just about feeling tired; it can have serious implications for your health, safety, and quality of life. It can impair cognitive function, increase the risk of accidents (especially while driving), and be a symptom of underlying sleep disorders such as:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Narcolepsy
- Idiopathic Hypersomnia
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Chronic Insomnia
While the Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a valuable screening tool, it is not a diagnostic test. If your score indicates moderate to severe sleepiness, or if you have concerns about your sleep, it is highly recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests or treatments.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.