Self-rated chance of dozing in eight everyday situations
Rate the chance of dozing off or falling asleep in each situation, not just feeling tired — based on the person's usual way of life recently.
Sitting and reading
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
Watching TV
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. a theatre or a meeting)
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
Sitting and talking to someone
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic
Would never doze (0)
Slight chance of dozing (1)
Moderate chance of dozing (2)
High chance of dozing (3)
Evidence
Original publication
Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth sleepiness scale. Introduced the eight-situation questionnaire and its 0–24 scoring used here; validated against overnight polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency test in 180 adults, including patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia.
Sleep, 1991
Open source
Guideline
A high score (≥ 11) reflects excessive daytime sleepiness in general and is not specific to any one sleep disorder — it supports referral for a sleep evaluation (e.g. for suspected obstructive sleep apnoea, alongside STOP-Bang) rather than a diagnosis on its own. It is a self-report of usual recent habits, so it can under- or over-estimate sleepiness in a person with an irregular routine or limited insight into their own dozing.
Last reviewed: 2026-09
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MedScore is an educational and clinical decision-support tool. It does not provide a diagnosis, a treatment, or a drug-dosing recommendation, and it does not replace clinical judgement or local guidelines. Confirm every result against the original source before acting on it. The treating clinician remains responsible for all decisions.