Assessment Tool: Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The ESS asks patients to rate their likelihood of dozing off in 8 everyday situations. Scores above 10 indicate excessive daytime sleepiness that may reflect underlying sleep-disordered breathing (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea), narcolepsy, or other sleep disorders requiring clinical evaluation. Particularly relevant for patients with respiratory conditions, obesity, or cardiovascular disease.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
A validated 8-item self-report scale assessing daytime sleepiness. Each item is scored 0–3; maximum total is 24. Scores above 10 indicate excessive daytime sleepiness; scores above 16 indicate severe sleepiness. Developed by Murray Johns (1991).
Score interpretation
0–10
Normal daytime sleepiness
11–16
Excessive daytime sleepiness
17–24
Severe daytime sleepiness
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
Result
ESS Score: 0/24
Interpretation:
Excessive daytime sleepiness may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or other sleep disorders. Clinical evaluation including sleep study referral should be considered for scores above 10.