Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

Daytime sleepiness measured as likelihood of dozing in eight typical situations. Total 0–24.

Updated 31 Aug 2026 · Methodology

How likely are you to doze off in each situation?

1. Sitting and reading

2. Watching TV

3. Sitting inactive in a public place

4. As a passenger in a car for an hour

5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon

6. Sitting and talking to someone

7. Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol

8. In a car stopped in traffic for a few minutes

About this calculator

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a self-report measure of daytime sleepiness. Developed by Murray Johns (Sleep, 1991) for sleep disorder screening. The patient rates likelihood of dozing in 8 situations (reading, watching TV, in conversation, after lunch, as a car passenger, etc.) from 0 to 3. Maximum 24. Interpretation. 0-7 – normal sleepiness. 8-9 – borderline. 10-15 – moderate daytime sleepiness, workup indicated. 16-24 – severe daytime sleepiness, high likelihood of OSA, narcolepsy, or chronic sleep deprivation. Clinical use. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening alongside STOP-BANG. Narcolepsy screening before polysomnography and MSLT referral. CPAP response monitoring – a 3-4 point drop over 3 months indicates efficacy. Limitations. Subjective self-report – depressed patients may overrate, truck drivers may underrate (occupational concerns). Does not distinguish causes – requires additional evaluation (polysomnography, actigraphy, sleep hygiene). Not validated under age 12 – Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) is used.

Source

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

Formula version: johns-1991-v1