Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

Instructions: 

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to just feeling 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 off
• 1 = slight chance of dozing off
• 2 = moderat chance of dozing off
• 3 = high chance of dozing off

SITUATION                                                                                              CHANCE OF DOZING

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

Total*

*A total ESS score of 1 - 6 is likely getting enough sleep, 7 - 8 average, and 9 and up requires a sleep specialist evaluation.  Consider screening for anemia, hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency.