What is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a self-administered questionnaire with 8 questions.

Who developed the ESS and when?

Developed by Dr. Murray Johns in 1990-1991.

What type of assessment is the ESS?

It is a self-report questionnaire.

What does the ESS assess?

• Daytime sleepiness
• Sleep propensity in common situations
• Risk for sleep-related accidents
• Effectiveness of sleep disorder treatments

How many items and what format?

8 situations, rated 0-3 (0=would never doze, 3=high chance of dozing).

How is the ESS scored?

Total score 0-24; higher scores indicate greater daytime sleepiness.

Are there versions of the ESS?

Standard 8-item; pediatric version available.

Who can use the ESS?

Adults and adolescents; widely used in sleep medicine.

What are the strengths of the ESS?

Quick, reliable, validated for sleep disorders.

What are the limitations of the ESS?

Subjective; may not detect all sleep disorders.

How is the ESS used?

Sleep clinics, research, treatment monitoring.