Screening scores
Epworth Sleepiness Score Interpreter
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), created by Dr. Murray Johns in 1991, asks how likely you are to doze in eight everyday situations, each rated 0 to 3, for a total of 0 to 24. It is copyrighted, so this page does not reproduce the questionnaire; your doctor or sleep clinic can give you the official version, which is also licensed through the scale's official website. Enter your total score to see the interpretation bands its author publishes.
How it works
The total is compared with the bands published on the official ESS website: 0 to 5 lower normal, 6 to 10 higher normal, 11 to 12 mild, 13 to 15 moderate and 16 to 24 severe excessive daytime sleepiness. A score above 10 is the usual threshold for excessive daytime sleepiness.
Example
A total of 14 falls in the 13 to 15 band, moderate excessive daytime sleepiness, which is above the normal range of 0 to 10.
Assumptions and limits
- This is a screening and education aid, not a diagnosis. Only a clinician, usually with a sleep test, can diagnose a sleep disorder.
- The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is copyright Murray W. Johns; the questionnaire is not reproduced here. Only its published scoring bands are used.
- Some clinics use slightly different cutoffs (for example 10 or more, or 11 or more, as abnormal).
- The ESS measures sleepiness, not its cause. Sleep apnea, insufficient sleep, narcolepsy, medicines and other conditions can all raise it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal Epworth score?
Scores of 0 to 10 are considered within the normal range in the bands published by the scale's author. Scores above 10 suggest excessive daytime sleepiness.
Does a high Epworth score mean I have sleep apnea?
Not by itself. Many people with sleep apnea have normal scores, and many people with high scores have other causes such as not enough sleep. It is one piece of information a clinician uses alongside history and testing.
Why can I not take the full questionnaire here?
The ESS is a copyrighted instrument. Its official site provides licensing and the authorized versions, and sleep clinics routinely have patients complete it.
Should I drive if my score is high?
Excessive sleepiness raises the risk of drowsy driving crashes. If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over somewhere safe, and talk to a clinician about your sleepiness.
Sources
Tools and screening scores are general information. They cannot diagnose or rule out a sleep disorder. Read our medical disclaimer.