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

Normal Daytime Sleepiness 0–10

Score 0–10: Normal range

→ No intervention required

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness 11–14

Score 11–14: Mild-moderate excess sleepiness

→ Evaluate sleep habits; consider sleep study if suspected OSA

Excessive Sleepiness (Seek Help) 15–18

Score 15–18: Significant excess sleepiness

→ Refer for polysomnography; investigate for OSA, narcolepsy

Excessive Sleepiness (Urgent) 19–24

Score ≥19: Dangerous sleepiness; driving risk

→ Urgent sleep medicine referral; advise against driving

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.