😴 Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
Quantify daytime sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
1. Sitting and reading
2. Watching TV
3. Sitting inactive in a public place
4. As a passenger in a car for an hour
5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon
6. Sitting and talking to someone
7. Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol)
8. In a car, stopped in traffic
When to use
Screen for excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep disorders.
How it works
Eight situations rated 0–3 (chance of dozing); total 0–24. > 10 indicates excessive daytime sleepiness.
Key points
- Measures average sleep propensity, not a diagnosis.
- High scores warrant evaluation for OSA or insufficient sleep.
- Useful to monitor treatment response.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.