Epworth sleepiness scale

What is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a simple questionnaire designed to measure your general level of daytime sleepiness. It asks how likely you are to doze off in common situations – like watching TV, sitting in traffic, or reading – and gives you a score from 0 to 24. The higher your score, the sleepier you are likely to be during the day.

Healthcare professionals often use this tool to help identify sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea or narcolepsy.

What does my score mean?

Once you’ve added up your answers, your total score can be interpreted as follows:

• 0–7: Unlikely to be abnormally sleepy

• 8–9: Average daytime sleepiness

• 10–15: Excessive daytime sleepiness – consider seeing a doctor

• 16–24: Severely sleepy – medical advice strongly recommended

A high score doesn’t diagnose a condition on its own, but it can indicate that further investigation is needed.

What causes excessive sleepiness?

Feeling excessively sleepy during the day can be caused by a range of issues, including:

• Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep

• Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia

• Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that disrupts sleep–wake cycles

• Shift work, jet lag, or irregular sleep patterns

• Mental health issues like depression or anxiety

• Medications or alcohol that cause drowsiness

• Underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome

Understanding the root cause is key to managing daytime drowsiness effectively.

When to see a doctor

You should consider speaking to your GP or a sleep specialist if:

• Your Epworth score is 10 or higher

• You often struggle to stay awake during the day

• Your sleepiness is affecting your work, relationships, or safety

• You snore heavily, stop breathing during sleep, or wake up feeling unrefreshed

• You experience sudden sleep attacks, especially while talking, eating, or driving

Excessive sleepiness isn’t something to ignore – it can be a sign of an underlying condition that’s both treatable and important for your long-term health.