Related to this topic: Leaflets | Support | Patient+ | UK Guidelines | News | Weblinks | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: 
Other options:
(what's this?)
PatientPlus articles are written for doctors and so the language can be technical. However, some people find that they add depth to the articles found in the other sections of this website which are written for non-medical people.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
This easy to use patient self administered questionnaire can be used to screen patients for sleep apnoea. Score 0 if they never doze in that situation, up to 3 if they have a high chance of dozing. Total scores of ≥ 11 are supportive of the diagnosis.
Ask the patient how likely they are to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations (rather than just feeling tired) - referring to their usual way of life in recent times. If they haven't done some of these things recently, ask them to try and work out how it would have affected them - so all questions have an answer.
References, footnotes and further reading
- Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth sleepiness scale. Sleep 1991 14:540-5
Acknowledgements EMIS is grateful to Dr Huw Thomas for the Calculator used in this record. The final copy has passed peer review of the independent Mentor GP authoring team. ŠEMIS 2006.
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicineInformation leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)
Epworth Sleepiness Scale Sleep ApnoeaPatient Support related to this topic (^ top of page)
British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association London Snoring Centre Scottish Association for Sleep Apnoea Sleep Apnoea TrustMedical reference articles in PatientPlus related to this topic (^ top of page)
Barthel's Index Body Surface Area Calculator (Mosteller) CAGE questions Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Calculator Geriatric depression scale Hospital anxiety and depression scale How to use the Coronary Risk Prediction Charts for Primary Prevention International Prostate Symptom Score Obstetric EDD Calculator Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Children Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Pierce Suicide Intent Scale Primary Cardiovascular Risk Calculator Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Screening For Dementia Snoring Spirometry Calculator Sunburn The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)UK guidelines related to this topic (^ top of page)
Guidelines on Sleep Apnoea SyndromeRecent news items related to this topic (^ top of page)
Heavy snorers to get special breathing masks from NHS Insomnia: dying for a good night's sleepLinks to other selected websites related to this topic (^ top of page)
Sleep ApnoeaOther - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
A-Z of UK Guidelines
A-Z of Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
Medical equipment products related to this topic (^ top of page)
Books related to this topic (^ top of page)
Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.
Would you like to try our advanced on-line knowledge support system designed to provide professionals with relevant up to date information about recognition and management of disease or take the Mentor Challenge?
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.