MEASURING SLEEPINESS IN adults

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life recently. Even if you haven't done some of these things recently try to work out how they would have affected you.

Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation.

It is important that you answer each item as best you can

Situation
/
Chance of dozing
0 = No chance  of dozing
1 =  Slight chance  of dozing
2 =  Moderate chance  of dozing
3 =  High chance  of dozing

Sitting and reading

Watching TV

Sitting inactive in a public place
(e.g., a theater or a meeting)

As a passenger in a car for
an hour without a break

Lying down to rest in the afternoon
while circumstances permit

Sitting and talking to someone

Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol

In a car or bus, while stopped for a
few minutes in the traffic

Higher scores are associated with more daytime sleepiness. You should discuss your responses and your score with your healthcare provider.

Total Score : 0

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

Your (ESS) score is:

0

An (ESS) score greater than 10 suggests excessive daytime sleepiness. An (ESS) score of 16 or higher suggests a high level of excessive daytime sleepiness. You should discuss your (ESS) score with your sleep specialist.

Interpreting (ESS) Scores

0

10

16

24

Normal levels of
sleepiness
Suggests excessive
daytime sleepiness(EDS)
Suggests a high level of
EDS

0

10

16

24

Normal levels of
sleepiness
Suggests excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
Suggests a high level of
EDS

The Narcolepsy Screener app is available for
both iPhone and Android devices.

ESS © MW Johns 1990-1997. Used under License

For any information on the distribution rights for the ESS, please contact Mapi Research Trust, Lyon, France. Internet: https://eprovide.mapi-trust.org

Share these important scores with your healthcare provider

Tests such as the ESS (above) and the Swiss Narcolepsy Scale (below) can help screen for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and narcolepsy with cataplexy, but proper diagnosis requires a complete exam from a healthcare provider. To help him or her make an accurate diagnosis, be open and honest about all of your symptoms and be sure to share your ESS and SNS scores.

Use the Doctor Discussion Guide to help you have a more informed and effective conversation at your visit. It provides some important questions and considerations to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Get the Doctor
Discussion Guide now

or Download the PDF

EXPLORING SYMPTOMS in adults

Swiss Narcolepsy Scale (SNS)

The SNS helps determine if you may have narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Complete this and share your results with your healthcare provider. Please choose the best answers using the scales shown for each question.

Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost always

How often are you unable to fall asleep?

Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost always

How often do you feel bad or not well rested in the morning?

Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost always
Never
I would like to, but cannot
1-2 times a week
3-5 times a week
Almost daily

How often do you take a nap during the day?

Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost daily
Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost always

How often have you experienced weak knees/buckling of the knees during emotions like laughing, happiness, or anger?

Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost always

How often have you experienced sagging of the jaw during emotions like laughing, happiness, or anger?

Never
Rarely
Less than once a month
Sometimes
1-3 times a month
Often
1-2 times a week
Almost always

Negative scores are associated with a greater possibility of narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Total Score : 0

The Swiss Narcolepsy Scale

Your SNS score is:

20

An SNS calculated score that is less than 0 is suggestive of narcolepsy with cataplexy. You should discuss your SNS score with your sleep specialist.

Interpreting SNS Scores

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10

0

6

Suggestive of narcolepsy with cataplexy
Not suggestive of narcolepsy with
cataplexy

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10

0

6

Suggestive of narcolepsy with cataplexy
Not suggestive of narcolepsy with
cataplexy

The Narcolepsy Screener app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

This copyrighted material is reproduced with the permission of the authors. Unauthorized copy, printing, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Sources:

  1. Bassetti CL. Spectrum of narcolepsy. In: Baumann CR, Bassetti CL, Scammell TE, eds. Narcolepsy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. New York, NY: Springer Science+Business Media; 2011:309-319.
  2. Sturzenegger C, Bassetti CL. The clinical spectrum of narcolepsy with cataplexy: a reappraisal. J Sleep Res. 2004;13(4):395-406.

Talk to your doctor about XYREM

The tests above can help screen for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and for narcolepsy with cataplexy, but proper diagnosis requires a complete exam from a healthcare provider. To help him or her make an accurate diagnosis, be open and honest about all of the symptoms you may be experiencing and be sure to share your scores from the tests above.

Use the Doctor Discussion Guide at your visit to help you and your doctor determine if XYREM is right for you. It provides some important questions and considerations to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Get the Doctor
Discussion Guide now

or Download the PDF