Calculator · Sleep

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Daytime sleepiness score (8 items, 0–24).

What it is for

Screening for OSA, narcolepsy. ≥ 11 suggests significant sleepiness.

Use the working calculator

The working Epworth Sleepiness Scale calculator is on our calculators page. It is free and needs no account. Enter the values and it shows the result with the reading that goes with it.

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What you enter

The calculator asks for 8 items.

How likely are you to doze off? (0 = never, 3 = high chance)

  • 1. Sitting and readingOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 2. Watching TVOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 3. Sitting inactive in a public placeOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 4. Passenger in a car for an hour without breakOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 5. Lying down to rest in the afternoonOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 6. Sitting and talking to someoneOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 7. Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol)Options: Never; Slight; Moderate; High
  • 8. In a car, stopped for a few minutes in trafficOptions: Never; Slight; Moderate; High

How the result is read

The result is shown as Epworth, out of a maximum of 24.

The calculator reads each total as follows. Where a single answer changes the reading (for example sex, age or one extreme value), the working calculator says so.

TotalBandWhat the calculator says
0 to 5NormalNo further action.
6 to 10Higher normalReassess if symptoms emerge.
11 to 12Mild excessiveSleep history + STOP-BANG. Consider sleep clinic referral.
13 to 15Moderate excessiveSleep history + STOP-BANG. Consider sleep clinic referral.
16 to 24Severe excessiveRefer sleep clinic. Advise NOT to drive professional / heavy vehicles. DVLA: stop driving group 2 vehicles; group 1 — only if untreated OSA causing excessive sleepiness, must inform DVLA.

Sources

These are the sources the calculator cites. Check the current version before relying on a threshold.

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For qualified clinicians. A score supports a clinical decision and does not make it: check the inputs, read the cited source, and use the tools in your clinical system for patient care where one is provided.