Sleep Disorders
Daytime Sleepiness Questionnaire
Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Daytime Sleepiness Evaluation
This questionnaire allows you to rank certain situations and how likely you may be to fall asleep during any of these events. Consider each situation and use the provided scale to measure whether you may doze off or are just feeling tired.
Scale — Chance of Dozing
0 = no chance of dozing
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing
Situation
- Sitting and reading
- Watching television
- Sitting inactive in a public place such as a theatre or in a meeting
- Riding as a passenger in a vehicle for an hour without a break
- Lying down in the afternoon for a nap
- Sitting and talking with someone
- Sitting quietly after a lunch that did not include an alcoholic beverage
- Sitting in a car while waiting in traffic
TOTAL
Your Score
To check your sleepiness score, compare your total points to the scale below:
1 – 6 — You are getting enough sleep.
7 – 8 — Your score is average.
9 or higher — Seek the advice of a sleep specialist without delay.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea
A common condition defined as a pause in breathing that lasts ten seconds or longer and can occur 20 to 30 times in an hour. Sleep apnea can be life threatening. In its most common form, air does not flow into your lungs through your mouth or nose, causing the amount of oxygen in your blood to drop. Symptoms may include frequent waking episodes and a “choking” or “gasping” sound.
Snoring
Although it may seem common, snoring can be a sign of a more serious breathing problem. Snoring occurs when the airway has some form of obstruction. While oxygen levels remain normal, snoring can interfere with the quality of sleep due to frequent waking episodes. This may result in sleepiness during the day.
Insomnia
Also known as DIMS, insomnia is a disorder of initiating and maintaining sleep. Symptoms usually include difficulty falling asleep, even though you may be tired; requiring sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep; waking frequently throughout the night; waking too early in the morning and not feeling refreshed; daytime sleepiness.
Hypersomnia
This disorder is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and feeling drowsy during the day even after a good night of sleep. Symptoms include constant sleepiness, frequent napping, long nighttime sleeping, irritability, mild depression, memory loss and lack of concentration.
Narcolepsy
A disorder that results in difficulty staying awake. People suffering from narcolepsy may have a “sleep attack,” falling suddenly asleep, even though they may have gotten plenty of sleep during the night. Those suffering from narcolepsy may have problems with school, work and their social life. Such attacks can also be dangerous if they occur while driving, walking or during other types of activities.
Restless Leg Syndrome
A sensory disorder that results in an almost uncontrollable urge to move the legs. It is signified by an uncomfortable, tingly or creeping sensation while resting, typically in the evening or at night.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
A disorder characterized by a person’s legs, and sometimes arms, moving repetitively and uncontrollably while awake or asleep.
