How tired (yawn!) are you?

One part of my job is to teach physicians how to use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) – which is a commonly used daytime sleepiness assessment tool.

Rate how likely you are to fall asleep in the following daytime situations using this scale:

0 – I’m wide awake with no chance of falling asleep.
1 – I’m a little tired but I can fight through it.
2 – There’s a good chance I could fall asleep.
3 – I’m out like a light!

Daytime Situation:

1. Sitting and reading
2. Watching television
3. Sitting inactive in a public place (eg, a theatre or meeting)
4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit
6. Sitting and talking to someone
7. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol
8. In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

Now total up your score.

Results:
0-10 – You are not considered to be excessively sleepy.
11-14 – You’re considered moderately sleepy. Try to keep from napping during the day and go to bed at a decent hour.
15-19 – There’s a good chance you have an underlying medical condition causing your excessive sleepiness. You may want to talk with your doctor.
20-24 – You are considered to be severely impaired by your excessive sleepiness. Untreated narcoleptic patients score in this range. See a doctor!

I usually score between 4-6. If you’re comfortable sharing, I’m curious how you scored.