Epworth Sleepiness Scale Calculator

What Is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an eight-item questionnaire that measures daytime sleepiness in adults. Developed by Dr. Murray Johns, it asks how likely you are to doze off in common situations. Each item scores from 0 to 3, giving a total range of 0 to 24. The ESS is widely used to screen for excessive daytime sleepiness and possible sleep disorders in primary care and sleep clinics.

How the ESS Is Scored

For each situation, choose the response that best reflects your usual chance of dozing over the past few months:

• Would never doze: 0 points
• Slight chance of dozing: 1 point
• Moderate chance of dozing: 2 points
• High chance of dozing: 3 points

Add all eight item scores to get your total ESS score. Healthy adults typically score around 4 to 6, while scores above 10 suggest excessive daytime sleepiness that may need further evaluation.

Interpreting Your Score

Scores of 10 or lower are generally considered within the normal range. Scores of 11 to 14 suggest mild excessive daytime sleepiness. Scores of 15 to 17 indicate moderate excessive daytime sleepiness. Scores of 18 or higher suggest severe daytime sleepiness and warrant prompt clinical assessment. ESS results are a screening aid, not a diagnosis.

When to Seek Medical Advice

High ESS scores may be associated with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insufficient sleep, depression, restless legs syndrome, or other medical conditions. If you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or feel unsafe driving because of sleepiness, contact a healthcare provider. You may also use our Sleep Cycle Calculator to plan healthier wake times based on sleep cycles.