Epworth Sleepiness Scale¹

 

 

Name: __________________________________________ Date: ______________________

 

D.O.B: ___________________ Sex: _____

 

 

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 = no chance of dozing

                                                     1 = slight chance of dozing

                                                     2 = moderate chance of dozing

                                                     3 = high chance of dozing

 

It is important that you answer each question as best you can.

 

Situation      

                                                                                                                                Chance of dozing (0-3)

 

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 circumstance permit

 

Sitting and talking to someone

 

Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol

 

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

 

 

                                                                                                                                Total:                / 24

 

Interpretation of ESS Total Score

 

Score               Interpretation

0 – 10              Normal

11 – 24            Abnormal – Clinical review recommended

 

 

1 Introduced in 1991 by Dr Murray Johns of Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

(Copyright © M.W.Johns 1990-1997) Johns MW Sleep 1991; 14(6): 540-545.