Self-Assessment Tool
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used worldwide by sleep medicine physicians to measure daytime sleepiness. Insurance companies frequently require it to authorize the medical necessity of sleep studies.
8 Questions
Quick validated assessment takes under 3 minutes
Free PDF
Download the printable form for your doctor
Insurance Ready
Required by most plans for sleep study authorization
Clinically Validated
Developed at Epworth Hospital, used worldwide
Take the Assessment
Rate your chance of dozing off in each situation. Be honest — there are no right or wrong answers.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
Why the Epworth Scale Matters
Excessive daytime sleepiness affects millions of Americans and is one of the primary symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale provides a standardized way to quantify this sleepiness, making it valuable for both patients and physicians.
Insurance companies increasingly require the ESS to authorize the medical necessity of sleep studies. Your score, combined with clinical symptoms reported to your physician, helps establish that testing is warranted. This is standard practice for most PPO, HMO, Medicare, and Medi-Cal plans in California.
If your score suggests excessive sleepiness, the next step is typically a home sleep test — a convenient, FDA-approved diagnostic tool that monitors your breathing while you sleep in your own bed.
Free PDF Form
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Download the printable ESS form to complete by hand and bring to your doctor. Includes scoring guide and interpretation chart.
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Score Interpretation
0-7 — Normal
Unlikely excessive sleepiness
8-9 — Average
Average daytime sleepiness
10-15 — Excessive
Consider consulting a doctor
16-24 — Severe
Seek medical attention
Scored 10 or higher?
You may benefit from a home sleep test. Our board-certified physicians can help determine if testing is right for you.
Request a TestRelated Resources
Common Questions About the ESS
What is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a validated self-administered questionnaire developed by Dr. Murray Johns at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. It measures your general level of daytime sleepiness by asking how likely you are to doze off in eight common daily situations.
How is the ESS score calculated?
Each of the 8 questions is scored from 0 to 3, where 0 means you would never doze off and 3 means there is a high chance of dozing off. The total score ranges from 0 to 24. A score of 10 or higher may indicate excessive daytime sleepiness that warrants further evaluation.
What does my ESS score mean?
Scores of 0-7 suggest normal daytime sleepiness. Scores of 8-9 indicate average sleepiness. Scores of 10-15 suggest you may be excessively sleepy and should consider consulting a doctor. Scores of 16-24 indicate severe excessive sleepiness and you should seek medical attention promptly.
Why does my insurance require the Epworth Scale?
Many insurance companies require completion of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to authorize the medical necessity of sleep studies. Your ESS score, combined with clinical symptoms reported to your physician, helps establish that a sleep study is medically warranted. This is standard practice for most PPO, HMO, Medicare, and Medi-Cal plans.
Can the ESS diagnose sleep apnea?
No, the ESS alone cannot diagnose sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder. It is a screening tool that helps identify excessive daytime sleepiness, which is one common symptom of sleep apnea. A definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study, such as a home sleep test or in-lab polysomnography.
How often should I take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?
You can take the ESS whenever you want to assess your daytime sleepiness. It is commonly used as an initial screening and then periodically to track changes, especially after beginning treatment for a sleep disorder. Many sleep physicians recommend retaking it every few months during treatment.