The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Quick answer

What is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a self-assessment questionnaire covering eight everyday situations. Each is rated 0 to 3, for a total score from 0 to 24. A high score indicates daytime sleepiness worth discussing with a professional; it is not a diagnosis.

• Eight questions, total score from 0 to 24.
• The questionnaire takes about two minutes to complete.
• The score is meant to guide the discussion, not to diagnose.

Epworth Self-Assessment and Screening Questionnaire

You can use this form to assess your level of daytime sleepiness. Below are some common situations where you need to evaluate your risk of dozing off. When you find yourself in the situations described below, what is the probability that you will feel sleepy, doze off, or fall asleep (not just feel tired)?

If you haven't recently been in one of these situations, try to imagine how you would have reacted or how this situation might affect you. For each of the situations mentioned, enter a number based on the scale below. It is important to select a response from 0 to 3 for each of the following 8 situations. Your total score will be indicated at the bottom of the table.

0 = no chance of dozing off or falling asleep (none)

1 = slight chance of falling asleep (slight)

2 = moderate chance of falling asleep (moderate)

3 = high chance of falling asleep (high)

Adjusted neck circumference

While certain characteristics predispose individuals to sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing, these problems can affect anyone, from young people to seniors, men and women alike, and individuals with overweight or normal proportions. Obesity is recognized as the main risk factor for OSA, but it is primarily neck circumference that is most predisposing to sleep apnea.

• This measurement helps predict the likelihood of sleep apnea. The likelihood is high if the neck circumference is greater than 48 cm and low if it is less than 37 cm.
• When neck muscles relax during sleep, excess fatty tissue in the neck and throat makes air passage more difficult and contributes to sleep-disordered breathing.

The following calculation allows you to assess your probability of having sleep apnea by using your Epworth test values and your adjusted neck circumference (ANC).

STOP Questionnaire

This brief questionnaire helps identify if a person may be at risk for sleep apnea.

Individuals with at least 2 of these factors have a high risk of sleep apnea and should be evaluated. Do you grind your teeth (bruxism)?

Evidence of bruxism is an indication for a sleep test to detect abnormal breathing during sleep.

Studies have shown a correlation between bruxism and sleep-disordered breathing.

S: Snore loudly / loud or intense snoring

T: Tired, sleepy / tired or drowsy

O: Observed apnea / breathing stops observed by others

P: High blood Pressure / high blood pressure