The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Clinical intent
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a self-administered questionnaire with 8 questions. Respondents are asked to rate, on a 4-point scale (0-3), their usual chances of dozing off or falling asleep while engaged in eight different activities. Most people engage in those activities at least occasionally, although not necessarily every day. The ESS for adults was developed in 1990 [1] and subsequently slightly modified in 1997 [2,3].
Calculation
The ESS score is produced by taking the sum of the 8 items (scored 0-3). The total score can thus range from 0 to 24.
Clinical interpretation
The higher the ESS score, the higher that person’s average sleep propensity in daily life (ASP), or their ‘daytime sleepiness’.
In general ESS scores can be interpreted as follows:
| Score range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| [0,5] | Lower Normal Daytime Sleepiness |
| [6,0] | Higher Normal Daytime Sleepiness |
| [11,12] | Mild Excessive Daytime Sleepiness |
| [13,15] | Moderate Excessive Daytime Sleepiness |
| [16,24] | Severe Excessive Daytime Sleepiness |
Pathway
Form preview
Interactive preview of the questionnaire. Not for clinical use. Responses are not stored.