# Epworth Sleepiness Scale Calculator Take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale test to assess your daytime sleepiness level. Validated screening tool used by sleep specialists to detect sleep. ## What this calculates Assess your level of daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), a validated questionnaire used by sleep specialists worldwide. Rate your likelihood of dozing off in 8 common situations to get your sleepiness score. ## Inputs - **Sitting and Reading** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — Chance of dozing while sitting and reading - **Watching TV** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — Chance of dozing while watching TV - **Sitting Inactive in Public** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — Such as in a theater or meeting - **As Passenger in a Car (1 hour)** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — As a passenger for an hour without a break - **Lying Down in Afternoon** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — Lying down to rest in the afternoon when able - **Sitting and Talking to Someone** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — During a conversation with another person - **Sitting Quietly After Lunch** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) - **In a Car, Stopped in Traffic** — options: Would never doze (0), Slight chance of dozing (1), Moderate chance of dozing (2), High chance of dozing (3) — While driving, stopped for a few minutes in traffic ## Outputs - **Epworth Score** — Total score out of 24 - **Sleepiness Classification** — formatted as text — Category of daytime sleepiness - **Recommendation** — formatted as text — Suggested actions based on your score ## Details The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was developed by Dr. Murray Johns at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia in 1991. It has become the most widely used subjective measure of daytime sleepiness in clinical sleep medicine. The questionnaire asks you to rate the likelihood of falling asleep in 8 everyday situations on a scale of 0 to 3, producing a total score from 0 to 24. Scores of 0-10 are considered normal, while scores above 10 indicate increasing levels of excessive daytime sleepiness. A score above 15 is highly suggestive of a significant sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. The ESS is often used as an initial screening tool to determine whether a formal sleep study (polysomnography) is warranted. This calculator is for educational and screening purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool. Excessive daytime sleepiness can have many causes including insufficient sleep, sleep disorders, medications, depression, and medical conditions. If your score suggests excessive sleepiness, consult a healthcare provider or sleep specialist for proper evaluation. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What is a normal Epworth Sleepiness Scale score?** A: A normal ESS score is 0-10. Scores of 0-5 represent lower normal daytime sleepiness, while 6-10 is higher normal. The average score in the general population is about 5-6. A score above 10 indicates excessive daytime sleepiness that may warrant medical evaluation. About 15-20% of the general population scores above 10, and many of these individuals have undiagnosed sleep disorders. **Q: Can the Epworth Scale diagnose sleep apnea?** A: The ESS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It measures subjective daytime sleepiness, which is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but sleepiness can have many causes. Some sleep apnea patients actually have normal ESS scores because they have adapted to their chronic sleep deprivation. Diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a polysomnogram (sleep study) that measures breathing, oxygen levels, and brain waves during sleep. **Q: Why does the test ask about dozing in a car stopped in traffic?** A: This question specifically targets microsleep episodes, which are brief involuntary sleep episodes lasting 1-30 seconds. Falling asleep while driving, even briefly, is extremely dangerous and is a hallmark of severe daytime sleepiness. Scoring a 2 or 3 on this item alone is a significant safety concern and strong indicator that medical evaluation is needed, even if the total score is not dramatically elevated. **Q: What should I do if my score is high?** A: If your ESS score is above 10, start by ensuring you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night and practicing good sleep hygiene (consistent schedule, dark/cool room, limiting screens before bed). If the score remains elevated despite adequate sleep, consult your doctor for referral to a sleep specialist. They may recommend a sleep study, particularly if you snore, have witnessed breathing pauses, or experience morning headaches. Do not drive long distances if you are experiencing excessive sleepiness. --- Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/health/epworth-sleepiness Category: Health & Fitness Last updated: 2026-04-21