What is Epworth Sleepiness Scale?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a questionnaire that is widely used to measure daytime sleepiness in adults. It was developed by Dr. Murray W. Johns in 1990 and has since become a standard tool for evaluating the severity of excessive daytime sleepiness in various sleep disorders.
The ESS consists of eight items, each of which asks the respondent to rate their likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep during certain activities.
Eight Items of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Eight items include:
1.) The first item asks the respondent to rate their likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep while sitting and reading.
2.) The second item asks about dozing off or falling asleep while watching TV or a movie.
3.) The third item asks about dozing off or falling asleep while sitting in a public place, such as a theater or a meeting.
4.) The fourth item asks about dozing off or falling asleep as a passenger in a car, bus, or train for an hour without a break.
5.) The fifth item asks about dozing off or falling asleep while lying down to rest in the afternoon, without actually intending to sleep.
6.) The sixth item asks about dozing off or falling asleep while sitting and talking to someone.
7.) The seventh item asks about dozing off or falling asleep after lunch, without alcohol.
8.) The eighth item asks about dozing off or falling asleep while stopped for a few minutes in traffic, while driving, or in a car.
For each item, the respondent is asked to rate their likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep on a scale from 0 to 3. A score of 0 indicates no chance of dozing off or falling asleep, while a score of 3 indicates a high chance of dozing off or falling asleep.
Once the respondent has rated their likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep during each activity, the scores are added together to obtain a total ESS score. The total score can range from 0 to 24, with a higher score indicating a greater likelihood of daytime sleepiness.
A total score of 10 or higher on the ESS is considered indicative of excessive daytime sleepiness. However, it is important to note that the ESS is not a diagnostic tool and should only be used as a screening tool to identify individuals who may need further evaluation for sleep disorders.
The ESS is commonly used by healthcare professionals to assess daytime sleepiness in patients with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for these disorders.
The ESS is a quick and easy-to-use tool for assessing daytime sleepiness and can be completed by the respondent in just a few minutes. However, it should not be used as the sole diagnostic tool for sleep disorders, as other factors such as medical history, physical examination, and sleep studies may also be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
