Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) — Daytime Sleepiness Test | Sleep and Recovery
Eight scenarios rated on a 4-option scale to gauge daytime sleepiness.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a quick, validated questionnaire designed to evaluate your general level of daytime sleepiness. Commonly used in sleep medicine and by clinicians in the Sleep and Recovery field, the ESS helps identify excessive daytime sleepiness that may indicate underlying sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, or insufficient sleep. Completing this eight-item assessment takes only a few minutes and provides an objective numeric score you can discuss with your healthcare provider.
This ESS test page explains how the scoring works, how to interpret results, and what steps to take if your score suggests elevated sleepiness. Whether you are tracking improvements from better sleep habits, monitoring the effects of treatment, or seeking guidance on whether to pursue professional sleep evaluation, this Epworth Sleepiness Scale quiz gives you a clear, actionable snapshot of daytime sleep propensity.
Sitting and reading: How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep while sitting and reading?
Consider your typical tendency in a quiet, seated reading situation.
Watching TV: How likely are you to doze off while watching television?
Think about your usual response during a relaxed TV viewing session.
Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g., theater): How likely are you to doze off?
Consider being seated quietly in a public environment, not actively engaged.
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break: How likely are you to doze off?
Think about longer passive travel when someone else is driving.
Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit: How likely are you to doze off?
Consider naps or lying down to rest when you have the opportunity.
Sitting and talking to someone: How likely are you to doze off during a conversation?
Think about normal social conversation when you are seated.
Sitting quietly after lunch (without alcohol): How likely are you to doze off?
Consider post-meal drowsiness when you are seated and relaxed.
In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic: How likely are you to doze off?
Think about being stationary in traffic as a passenger or driver with minimal stimulation.
Frequently asked questions
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an eight-item questionnaire that measures your general level of daytime sleepiness. Each item asks how likely you are to doze off in common situations. Scores are summed to produce a total between 0 and 24, which helps screen for excessive daytime sleepiness.
The ESS typically takes less than five minutes to complete. It consists of eight scenarios with four response options each, ranging from 'would never doze' to 'high chance of dozing.'
ESS scores are interpreted on a scale from 0 to 24. Lower scores (0–5) suggest low normal sleepiness, 6–10 is average, 11–12 is mild excessive sleepiness, 13–15 is moderate, and 16–24 indicates severe excessive daytime sleepiness and warrants medical evaluation.
No. The ESS is a screening tool that indicates the likelihood of excessive daytime sleepiness. It cannot diagnose specific sleep disorders. If your ESS score is elevated, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may include sleep studies or other diagnostic tests.
Retake the ESS after any major change in sleep habits, treatment, or medical evaluation—typically 2–6 weeks after interventions to monitor improvement. Periodic re-evaluation can help track progress in Sleep and Recovery plans.
If your ESS score indicates moderate or severe daytime sleepiness (generally 13 or higher), schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. They may assess for obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, medication side effects, mental health conditions, or other contributors and recommend targeted treatments.
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