Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale

The Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-CHAD) helps screen for excessive daytime sleepiness in children and adolescents. Rate how likely your child is to doze off in 8 everyday situations — from sitting and reading to riding in a car. Each situation is scored 0 (never) to 3 (high chance), and you get back a total ESS-CHAD score with an interpretation of whether daytime sleepiness may be a concern. Also try the Baby Sleep Schedule Calculator.

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 is your child to doze off or fall asleep while sitting and reading?

Watching TV or a video *

How likely is your child to doze off or fall asleep while watching TV or a video?

Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. classroom, movie theater) *

How likely is your child to doze off in a public place where they are sitting still?

Riding in a car or bus for an hour without a break *

How likely is your child to doze off as a passenger on a long ride?

Lying down to rest in the afternoon *

How likely is your child to fall asleep when lying down to rest in the afternoon?

Sitting and talking to someone *

How likely is your child to doze off while sitting and talking with another person?

Sitting quietly after lunch (without alcohol) *

How likely is your child to doze off while sitting quietly after lunch?

Sitting in a car stopped briefly in traffic *

How likely is your child to doze off while stopped briefly in traffic?

Results

ESS-CHAD Total Score

Interpretation

Sleepiness Level

Results Table

What is the Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-CHAD)?

The ESS-CHAD (Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents) is a validated questionnaire adapted from the adult Epworth Sleepiness Scale. It measures how likely a child is to doze off in 8 common everyday situations, producing a score from 0 to 24. It is widely used as a clinical screening tool for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in children and teens. See also our Sleep Calculator.

How is the ESS-CHAD scored?

Each of the 8 situations is rated on a scale from 0 (would never doze) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The scores for all 8 situations are added together to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 24. Higher scores indicate greater levels of daytime sleepiness.

What does my child's ESS-CHAD score mean?

A total score of 0–10 is generally considered normal. Scores of 11–12 suggest mild excessive sleepiness. Scores of 13–15 indicate moderate excessive sleepiness, and scores of 16–24 suggest severe excessive daytime sleepiness. If your child scores above 10, it is advisable to consult a pediatric healthcare provider.

Who should fill out the ESS-CHAD questionnaire?

The ESS-CHAD can be completed by the child or adolescent themselves if they are old enough to understand the questions, or by a parent or caregiver who closely observes the child's daily behavior. For younger children, caregiver input is typically more reliable. You might also find our Take Melatonin At — Melatonin Timing useful.

Is the ESS-CHAD the same as the adult Epworth Sleepiness Scale?

The ESS-CHAD is adapted from the adult ESS but modified to include situations more relevant to children and adolescents, such as sitting in a classroom. The scoring method is the same (0–3 per item, 0–24 total), but the normative thresholds may differ slightly from the adult version.

What conditions can cause a high ESS-CHAD score in children?

Elevated ESS-CHAD scores in children can be associated with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, restless leg syndrome, insufficient sleep syndrome, or other sleep-related disorders. A high score should always be followed up with a thorough clinical evaluation.

Can this calculator diagnose my child with a sleep disorder?

No. The ESS-CHAD is a screening tool only and is not intended to diagnose any sleep disorder. A score above the normal range suggests that further evaluation by a qualified pediatric sleep specialist or healthcare provider is warranted. Diagnosis requires a full clinical assessment and may include a sleep study (polysomnography).

How often should the ESS-CHAD be used to monitor my child?

The ESS-CHAD can be used periodically to monitor changes in daytime sleepiness over time, particularly if your child is undergoing treatment for a sleep disorder. Many clinicians administer it at each follow-up visit to track improvement. As a parent, you can use this tool at home to gauge whether your child's sleepiness is worsening or improving.