Sunday May 11, 2008

Epworth Sleeiness Scale

The ESS is a questionnaire designed to evaluate levels of excessive sleepiness.

This test is a standardized screening tool used extensively by the American Association of Sleep Medicine that will help you measure your general level of sleepiness.

It asks you to rate the chances that you would doze off or fall asleep during different routine situations. Answers to the questions are rated from 0 to 3, with 0 meaning you would never doze or fall asleep in a given situation, and 3 meaning that there is a very high likelihood that you would doze or fall asleep in that situation.

Sitting and Reading
Watching television
Sitting inactive in a public place, for example, a theater or meeting
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 lunch (when you've had no alcohol)
In a car, while stopped in traffic

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale Key

Total score of less than 10 suggests that you may not be suffering from excessive sleepiness.

A total score of 10 or more suggests that you may need further evaluation by a physician to determine the cause of your excessive sleepiness and whether you have an underlying sleep disorder.