Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used to determine the level of daytime sleepiness.
A score of 10 or more is considered sleepiness. A score of 18 or more is excessive sleepiness.
If you score 10 or more on this test, you should think whether you are obtaining sufficient sleep, or need to improve your sleep hygiene and/or need to see a sleep specialist. These issues should be discussed with your personal physician.
Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = would never doze or sleep.
1 = slight chance of dozing or sleeping
2 = moderate chance of dozing or sleeping
3 = high chance of dozing or sleeping |
| Situation |
Chance of Dozing or Sleeping |
| Sitting and reading |
____ |
| Watching TV |
____ |
| Sitting inactive in a public place |
____ |
| Being a passenger in a motor vehicle for an hour or more |
____ |
| Lying down in the afternoon |
____ |
| Sitting and talking to someone |
____ |
| Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) |
____ |
Stopped for a few minutes in traffic
while driving |
____ |
Total score (add the scores up)
(This is your Epworth score) |
____ |
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale result:
A total score of less than 10 recommends that you may not be suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness.
A total score of 10 or more advises that you may need further evaluation by a physician to determine the cause of your excessive daytime sleepiness and whether you have an underlying sleep disorder.
The Epworth sleepiness scale is used to help you identify your own level of daytime sleepiness, which is symptom of many sleep disorders.
If your score is 10 or more, discuss with your physician. Be sure to describe all your symptoms, as clearly as possible, to aid in your diagnosis and treatment.
It is important to remember that true excessive daytime sleepiness is almost always caused by an underlying medical condition that can be easily diagnosed and effectively treated.
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