Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Rate the likelihood of dozing off during common daytime scenarios. Total scores help screen for excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep disorders.
Sitting and reading
Watching television
Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g., theater, meeting)
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit
Sitting and talking to someone
Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic
Total Score
0
Normal sleepiness
Within expected daytime sleepiness. Continue practicing good sleep hygiene.
Normal
0 – 10
Mild excessive
11 – 12
Moderate excessive
13 – 15
Severe excessive
16 – 24
How to Use This Calculator
Complete all scenarios
Click the button that best matches your chance of dozing in each situation. Base ratings on your typical weekday experience over the past few weeks.
Review the total score
The sum updates automatically. Scores above 10 warrant a discussion with your healthcare provider, especially if you have daytime sleepiness, snoring, or morning headaches.
Follow up as needed
High scores may prompt referral for a sleep study to evaluate for obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insufficient sleep syndrome, or other disorders.
Formula
Epworth Score = Σ (Likelihood of falling asleep for each scenario)
Each item is scored 0 – 3. Total possible score ranges from 0 to 24.
Full Description
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a validated questionnaire used worldwide to quantify general daytime sleepiness. Patients self-report their likelihood of falling asleep during passive situations. Higher scores correlate with obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and insufficient sleep syndrome.
Clinicians use ESS scores to track symptom changes following therapy (e.g., CPAP, stimulants) and to triage patients for sleep evaluations. The scale complements objective tests such as polysomnography and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I complete the ESS if I already have a diagnosis?
Yes. The ESS is useful for monitoring treatment response. A decreasing score suggests improved alertness, while a persistent high score may indicate suboptimal therapy.
What if I rarely experience the listed scenarios?
Estimate how you would feel based on similar situations. If unsure, discuss with your clinician—the ESS is a screening tool and not a diagnostic test by itself.
Can the ESS diagnose sleep apnea?
No. The ESS identifies subjective sleepiness. Diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a sleep study to measure breathing events during sleep.
Is the ESS validated in different languages?
Yes, the scale has been translated and validated in many languages and populations, though normative ranges can vary by culture and age.