Are you less or more sleepy than the rest of the population? Here is a short test to help you measure your general level of daytime sleepiness. The rating should be on the chance that you would fall asleep or doze off during varying routine daytime events. The answers will be rated based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Each question is rated from 0 to 3 with 0 meaning there’s no chance of you dozing off or falling asleep doing the routine activity.
There is a difference between feeling sleepy and feeling tired. Answer the following questions truthfully for a more accurate conclusion. If you have not done the said activities, consider how they would have affected you.
Use this Scale:
0 = would never doze 2 = moderate chance of dozing
1 = slight chance of dozing 3 = high chance of dozing
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Situation Chance of Dozing (0-3)
Sitting and reading 0 1 2 3
Watching television 0 1 2 3
Sitting inactive in a public place – for example, theater or meeting 0 1 2 3
As a passenger in a car for an hour without break 0 1 2 3
Lying down to rest in the afternoon 0 1 2 3
Sitting and talking to someone 0 1 2 3
Sitting quietly after lunch (when you’ve had no alcohol) 0 1 2 3
In a car, while stopped in traffic 0 1 2 3
TOTAL Score
Scoring
A total score of less than 10 indicated that you are likely suffering from unwarranted daytime sleepiness. In this event, you may need further evaluation by a medical doctor to determine the root cause of your extreme daytime sleepiness. This is needed to diagnose any underlying medical condition or sleep disorder.
What to Do
This test is not for actual diagnosis. It is only a tool intended to help you determine your personal level of daytime sleepiness which is actually a symptom of sleep disorders. Consult your personal physician if you score more than 10. It is possible that you have a type of sleep disorder or even obstructive sleep apnoea. In the case of OSA, treatment is possible through CPAP therapy. The important thing is to first determine what is causing your excessive daytime sleepiness.
