Epworth Sleepiness Scale PDF Free
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a quick, popular quiz used by doctors to figure out how sleepy you get during the day. It was created to help spot the difference between just feeling “worn out” and actually having a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea or narcolepsy.
How the Quiz Works
The test asks you to look at your normal daily routine and rate how likely you are to actually doze off or fall asleep—not just feel tired—in eight specific everyday situations:
- Sitting and reading a book or magazine
- Watching TV
- Sitting quietly in a public place (like a movie theater or a meeting)
- Riding as a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
- Lying down to rest in the afternoon
- Sitting and talking to someone
- Sitting quietly after eating lunch (without drinking alcohol)
- Sitting in a car that is stopped in traffic for a few minutes
What Your Score Means
You rate each situation with a number, and then add them all up. The highest possible score is 24. Here is what your total score usually means:
- 0 to 9 (Normal): You have a healthy level of alertness. No major concerns!
- 10 to 15 (Excessive Sleepiness): You are sleepier than normal during the day. You might need to tweak your sleep habits, or you could have a mild sleep issue.
- 16 to 24 (Severe Sleepiness): You are at a high risk for a sleep disorder. It is highly recommended that you share these results with a doctor.
Why Are You So Sleepy?
Doctors use this quiz as a starting point to investigate your health; it is not a final diagnosis on its own. If your score is high, it is usually caused by one of two things:
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep habits, high stress, or working night shifts.
- Medical Conditions: Sleep Apnea (where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts at night), Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep), or Narcolepsy (a condition that causes sudden “sleep attacks” during the day).
