The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a screening tool used by clinicians worldwide to ascertain levels of daytime sleepiness and sleep debt.
This questionnaire may be completed by you and/or your bed partner and is designed to give an indication of whether further investigations are necessary (e.g. referral to a Sleep Specialist).
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situation in contrast to just feeling tired? Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you in the past. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation.
| Activity | No chance of dozing | Slight chance of dozing | Moderate chance of dozing | High chance of dozing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitting and reading | ||||
| Watching TV | ||||
| Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g a theater or a 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 |