Epworth Sleepiness Scale Calculator

Rate your likelihood of dozing off in 8 everyday situations to calculate your Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score. For each scenario — from sitting and reading to stopped in traffic — choose Never, Slight, Moderate, or High chance of falling asleep. Your total ESS score (0–24) and a plain-language interpretation tell you whether your daytime sleepiness is within normal range or worth discussing with a doctor.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

Sitting and reading *

How likely are you to doze off while sitting and reading?

Watching TV *

How likely are you to doze off while watching TV?

Sitting inactive in a public place *

E.g. in a theatre, meeting, or waiting room.

As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break *

How likely are you to doze as a car passenger on a long journey?

Lying down to rest in the afternoon *

When circumstances permit an afternoon rest.

Sitting and talking to someone *

How likely are you to doze during a conversation?

Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) *

Sitting quietly after lunch without consuming alcohol.

In a car, stopped for a few minutes in traffic *

How likely are you to doze while briefly stopped in traffic?

Results

ESS Total Score

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Sleepiness Level

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What This Means

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Results Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a validated self-reported questionnaire developed by Dr. Murray Johns in 1991. It asks you to rate your likelihood of dozing in 8 everyday situations on a scale of 0 to 3, producing a total score from 0 to 24. It is widely used to screen for excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea.

What does my ESS score mean?

A score of 0–7 is considered normal with no concerning daytime sleepiness. Scores of 8–9 suggest average or borderline sleepiness. A score of 10–15 indicates excessive daytime sleepiness that warrants attention, and a score of 16–24 suggests severe excessive sleepiness. If your score is 10 or above, it is recommended you speak with your doctor.

Which sleep disorders can increase the ESS score?

Several conditions are associated with elevated ESS scores, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, restless legs syndrome, and chronic insufficient sleep. Depression and certain medications can also contribute to higher scores. An elevated ESS is not a diagnosis on its own and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

How is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale calculated?

Each of the 8 situations is scored from 0 (would never doze) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The total ESS score is simply the sum of all 8 responses, giving a maximum possible score of 24. Higher scores indicate greater daytime sleepiness.

When should I contact my doctor about my ESS score?

You should contact your GP or doctor if your ESS score is 10 or higher, especially if you feel that daytime sleepiness is affecting your quality of life, work, or driving safety. Scores above 15 suggest severe sleepiness that needs urgent assessment. Even a score below 10 warrants a consultation if you feel consistently unrefreshed or overly tired.

Can I use the ESS to monitor my response to treatment?

Yes. The ESS is commonly used both for initial screening and to track how well a treatment — such as CPAP therapy for sleep apnoea — is working. Repeat the questionnaire periodically and compare your scores over time. Successful treatment typically results in a meaningfully lower ESS score.

Is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale the same for adults and children?

The standard ESS is validated for adults (generally aged 18 and above). A modified paediatric version exists for use in children and adolescents, with situation descriptions adapted to be more age-appropriate. This calculator uses the standard adult version.

Can I answer for a situation I haven't experienced recently?

Yes. The ESS asks you to estimate how likely you would be to doze in each situation, even if you haven't been in that situation recently. Think about how you generally feel and what would probably happen if you were in that scenario, rather than requiring a specific recent memory.