The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Sleep Disorder Tip #06-016

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was developed by Dr. Murray Johns of Melbourne Australia and is widely used by sleep specialists for assessing daytime sleepiness. It is a self administered test and your epworth sleep score determines if you are obtaining adequate sleep, need to obtain more sleep by practicing better sleep hygiene or you need to see a sleep specialist.

Complete the following epworth sleep test questionnaire by tracking your answers separately on a piece of paper.

The question you have to ask yourself each time is how likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in these specific situations.

Use the following scale to score yourself for each situation:

• 0 = no chance of dozing
• 1 = slight chance of dozing
• 2 = moderate chance of dozing
• 3 = high chance of dozing
  

Situation

1. Watching TV
2. Sitting inactive in a public place (theater or a meeting)
3. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
4. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit
5. Sitting and talking to someone
6. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol
7. In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

To find out what your score means---Epworth Sleepiness Scale