A simple, self-administered questionnaire which is widely used by sleep professionals in quantifying the level of daytime sleepiness.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was developed and validated by Dr. Murray Johns of Melbourne, Australia. (Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Sleep 1991; 14(6):540-5)
Name:_________________________
Date:_________________________
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not 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
SITUATION
CHANCE OF DOZING
Sitting and reading
____________________
Watching TV
____________________
Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. a theatre 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 lunch without alcohol
____________________
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic
____________________
Total Score:
____________________
Epworth Sleepiness Scale Score
A score of < 8 indicates normal sleep function
A score of 8 - 10 indicates mild sleepiness
A score of 11 - 15 indicates moderate sleepiness
A score of 16 - 20 indicates severe sleepiness
A score of 21 - 24 indicates excessive sleepiness
