# Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnolence)



How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations (not just feel tired)? Refer to your usual way of life recently. Note: feeling a little sleepy early afternoon and tired at the end of the day is normal and needed.



## The questions

1. Sitting and reading

2. Watching TV

3. Sitting inactive in a public place (theatre, meeting)

4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break

5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit

6. Sitting and talking to someone

7. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol

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



## How scores are read

- **Normal daytime sleepiness** — Within the normal range. Some end-of-day tiredness is physiological, not a problem. Next step: Nothing to do. If you're worried about energy rather than sleepiness, look at fuel, training and stimulant use.

- **Mild excessive sleepiness** — Slightly above normal. Common with short sleep, irregular schedule or a partner-disrupted night. Next step: Check total sleep time over 14 nights and your regularity chart. Consider the STOP-BANG screen.

- **Moderate excessive sleepiness** — Notable daytime sleepiness. Often paired with an undiagnosed sleep disorder such as apnea. Next step: Run STOP-BANG. If either is elevated, discuss a sleep study with your doctor.

- **Severe excessive sleepiness** — Severe daytime sleepiness. This is not something to optimise around — it needs a clinical look. Next step: See a doctor or sleep clinic soon. Bring your Epworth and STOP-BANG scores and your sleep log.

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Educational summary of published research, not medical advice. Screening scores are not diagnoses. If a score is elevated or you feel unwell, talk to a clinician.

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