Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale
This caregiver-reported version adapts the Epworth scale for children and adolescents. Rate the chance your child would doze off in the following situations over the past few weeks.
Sitting and reading or looking at a book
Watching television or streaming videos
Sitting quietly in class or listening to a teacher
Riding as a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
Lying down to rest or listen to music in the afternoon
Sitting and talking with friends or family
Sitting quietly after lunch (no caffeine or energy drinks)
Sitting during homework or screen time in the evening
Total Score
0
Normal sleepiness
Daytime alertness is within expected limits for age.
Normal
0 – 8
Borderline
9 – 11
Abnormal
12 – 24
How to Use This Calculator
Reflect on recent weeks
Think about the child’s typical behavior during each scenario in the past 2–4 weeks. Rate the chance of dozing regardless of whether the situation occurs daily.
Review the total
Scores above 11 indicate abnormal daytime sleepiness. Combine this information with school performance, mood, and attention to guide next steps.
Seek pediatric guidance
Persistent sleepiness may stem from sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders, insufficient sleep, or medication effects. A pediatric sleep provider can recommend diagnostic testing.
Formula
Pediatric Epworth Score = Σ Likelihood ratings (0–3) for 8 scenarios
Total scores range 0–24. Higher values correspond to greater daytime sleepiness.
Full Description
The pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale adapts the adult questionnaire to child-friendly situations. Excessive daytime sleepiness in children can impair academic performance, behavior, growth, and emotional regulation. Common contributors include obstructive sleep apnea (often due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy), inadequate sleep duration, circadian rhythm disorders, and neurologic or psychiatric conditions.
Screening helps primary care and sleep medicine teams triage referrals, track symptom changes after treatment (e.g., tonsillectomy, CPAP, behavioral interventions), and counsel families about healthy sleep practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should complete the questionnaire?
Caregivers or parents typically fill out the scale, though older adolescents may self-report. Include input from teachers if available.
What if the child has ADHD or autism?
Coexisting neurodevelopmental conditions can affect sleepiness ratings. Review medication timing, sleep duration, and consider a sleep specialist evaluation to differentiate causes.
How frequently should we reassess?
Repeat the scale after interventions (e.g., adenotonsillectomy, sleep schedule adjustments) or if symptoms change. Many clinics reassess every 6–12 months.
Does caffeine intake influence the score?
Yes. Energy drinks, soda, or late-day caffeine can mask or worsen sleepiness. Note caffeine habits when interpreting results.