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Informational · does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Eight-item questionnaire measuring the likelihood of dozing off in everyday situations.

Switch how results are explained

Sitting and reading
Watching television
Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. a theatre 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 lunch without alcohol
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic
Score0low risk
low riskmoderate riskhigh risk

Normal daytime sleepiness (0-10). No excessive daytime sleepiness on this basis alone.

Evidence grade
A

What it is and when to use it

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores eight everyday situations — reading, watching television, travelling in a car, resting in the afternoon, among others — by the likelihood of dozing off in each, from 0 (would never doze) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The sum of the eight items gives a score from 0 to 24.

How to interpret it

0–10 normal daytime sleepiness; 11–14 mild excessive daytime sleepiness; 15–17 moderate; 18–24 severe. The higher the score, the more likely the sleepiness is pathological and warrants evaluation.

Limitations and when not to use it

This is a self-administered questionnaire reflecting the patient's subjective perception, not an objective measure of sleep; it does not replace polysomnography. A high score should prompt consideration of driving risk and other activities requiring vigilance.

Formulas and cut-offs are from the original authors of each score; see the references.

Last reviewed: June 2026

References
  1. Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth sleepiness scale. Sleep. 1991;14(6):540-545. PMID:1798888