Sleep & Fatigue

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

8 everyday situations — rate how likely you are to doze off.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was developed by Dr Murray Johns and published in 1991. It asks how likely you are to doze off in eight everyday situations, such as sitting and reading or watching TV. It is a quick way to gauge daytime sleepiness for adults, not a diagnostic test.

  1. Sitting and reading (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  2. Watching TV (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  3. Sitting inactive in a public place (theatre, meeting) (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  6. Sitting and talking to someone (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  7. Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)
  8. In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic (Would never doze, Slight chance, Moderate chance, High chance)

What your score means

0-10 — Normal. Your daytime sleepiness is within the usual range.

11-14 — Mild sleepiness. You report a mild level of daytime sleepiness. Improving sleep habits may help.

15-17 — Moderate sleepiness. Your score suggests moderate sleepiness. It is worth discussing with a doctor.

18-24 — Severe sleepiness. Your score is high. Please see a doctor promptly, especially if you feel drowsy while driving or working.

Frequently asked questions

What does a high ESS score mean?

A higher score means you are more likely to feel sleepy in daily situations. It does not diagnose a sleep disorder — it is a signal to discuss with a doctor.

I sometimes doze off while driving. What should I do?

If you ever doze off while driving or at work, stop driving and see a doctor promptly. Daytime sleepiness can be dangerous and treatable.

How is the score calculated?

Each of the eight situations is scored 0 (would never doze) to 3 (high chance). The eight scores are added together for a total between 0 and 24.

Are my answers stored?

Answers stay in your browser unless you sign in and save the result to your account.

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