The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a simple, validated questionnaire used to measure a person’s level of daytime sleepiness. It asks how likely you are to doze off in eight common everyday situations, such as watching TV, sitting and reading, or riding as a passenger in a car.
Each situation is scored from 0 to 3, try calculating your score below;
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Rate how likely you are to doze off or fall asleep in each situation.
This tool is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical evaluation.
General interpretation:
• 0 to 10: Normal daytime sleepiness
• 11 to 14: Mild excessive daytime sleepiness
• 15 to 17: Moderate excessive daytime sleepiness
• 18 to 24: Severe excessive daytime sleepiness
The ESS is commonly used as a screening tool in sleep medicine, particularly when evaluating patients for conditions such as Obstructive sleep apnea, Narcolepsy, and other causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. While it helps quantify symptoms and monitor response to treatment over time, it does not diagnose a sleep disorder on its own. It should always be interpreted alongside a patient’s clinical history and, when indicated, objective sleep testing.