Psychiatry Respiratory Medicine Neurology A

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Self-administered 8-item questionnaire measuring daytime somnolence. Used to screen for sleep disorders including OSA.

Sitting and reading*

Watching TV*

Sitting inactive in a public place (cinema, 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 a lunch without alcohol*

In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic*

Score interpretation

Lower Normal Daytime Sleepiness 0–5

Score 0–5: lower normal

→ No intervention required

Higher Normal Daytime Sleepiness 6–10

Score 6–10: higher normal

→ No intervention required

Mild Excessive Daytime Sleepiness 11–12

Score 11–12: mild excessive daytime sleepiness

→ Evaluate sleep habits; consider sleep study if suspected OSA

Moderate Excessive Daytime Sleepiness 13–15

Score 13–15: moderate excessive daytime sleepiness

→ Refer for polysomnography; investigate for OSA, narcolepsy

Severe Excessive Daytime Sleepiness 16–24

Score 16–24: severe excessive daytime sleepiness; driving risk

→ Urgent sleep medicine referral; investigate for OSA, narcolepsy; advise not to drive while sleepiness impairs driving (DVLA)

Interpretation bands for the ESS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Sleep. 1991;14(6):540-545.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.