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Categories: Assessment , Health & Fitness
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Daytime sleepiness is more than feeling drowsy; it reflects an underlying physiological urge that can blunt concentration, productivity, and safety. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) converts that sensation into numbers by asking how likely you are to doze in eight everyday situations, each rated from 0 (never) to 3 (high chance).

The tool lets you select those eight likelihood ratings in one scrolling panel. Once every question is answered, it instantly sums your values, colours a semicircular gauge, and labels the score with a matching severity band. All calculations happen locally in your browser, so your answers never leave the device.

Drivers, shift-workers, students, and anyone gauging alertness before a long journey or demanding task can benefit from this quick check. Scores above normal suggest addressing sleep hygiene, workload, or medical review rather than simply adding caffeine. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Technical Details:

Concept Overview

The ESS quantifies habitual propensity to doze by summing eight situation-specific ratings (Si). Higher totals correlate with impaired vigilance and possible sleep disorders. Because each item uses the same four-point scale, the measure is linear, intuitive, and easily repeated for monitoring changes.

Core Equation

ESS= ∑i=1 Si , where  Si∈{0,1,2,3}

Interpretation Bands

Score RangeSeverity Band
0 – 5Lower Normal
6 – 10Higher Normal
11 – 12Mild EDS
13 – 15Moderate EDS
16 – 24Severe EDS

Variables & Parameters

  • Si – chance of dozing in situation , 0 – 3.
  • ESS – total of all eight ratings, 0 – 24.
  • Severity Band – descriptive label chosen from the table above.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Assumes self-reported ratings are honest and typical.
  • Ignores variability from shift work or jet lag.
  • Does not isolate specific sleep disorders. Interpret with context.
  • Linear sum treats each situation as equally weighted.

Edge Cases & Error Sources

  • Leaving answers blank returns an undefined score.
  • Selecting the same value for every item may mask nuance.
  • Chronic medication can distort perceived sleepiness.
  • Very low ESS in obvious fatigue suggests denial or misunderstanding.

Scientific Validity & References

Based on Johns MW (1991) work validating the ESS against objective Multiple Sleep-Latency Testing. Subsequent studies support its reliability across languages, though specificity declines in extreme age groups.

Privacy & Compliance

The ESS involves self-reported behavioural data but no protected health information; running entirely client-side sidesteps GDPR and HIPAA transmission concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Complete the questionnaire in order, or tap any item in the list to jump back and adjust.

  1. Press Start Assessment.
  2. For each scenario, pick a rating from 0 to 3 reflecting your usual tendency to doze.
  3. Watch the progress bar approach 100 percent.
  4. When all answers are present, review your colour-coded score and guidance.
  5. Download or print the answer table if you plan to discuss results with a clinician.

FAQ:

What does the ESS measure?

The scale estimates everyday sleep propensity, not sleep quality or night-time duration.

How many questions are there?

Exactly eight, each describing a familiar passive activity such as reading or watching television.

Is my data stored?

No. All inputs and results stay in your browser’s memory and disappear when you close the tab.

What score is concerning?

Totals above 10 suggest excessive daytime sleepiness; consult a professional if it affects safety or quality of life.

Can medication affect my score?

Yes. Sedatives, antihistamines, and some antidepressants can raise scores by increasing drowsiness.

Glossary:

ESS
Eight-item scale measuring daytime sleepiness.
EDS
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, score > 10 on ESS.
Sleep Latency
Time needed to transition from wakefulness to sleep.
Circadian Rhythm
Internal 24-hour biological clock regulating alertness.
Polysomnography
Comprehensive overnight recording of physiological sleep data.