Screen Yourself Now!

THE EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE

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 in recent times.  Even if you have not 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:

0 = would never dose
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing

SITUATIONS	CHANCE OF DOZING
*Sitting and reading
*Watching TV
*Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g., theatre or meeting)
*As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break
*Lying down in the afternoon when circumstances permit
*Sitting and talking to someone
*Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol
*In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic
Total Score:

A SCORE OF < 5 IS NORMAL
A SCORE OF 5-10 IS MODERATELY SLEEPY
A SCORE OF > 10 SUGGESTS SEVERE SLEEPINESS

A total score of ten or more suggests that you may require further evaluation by a physician. Most any doctor is capable of evaluating and ordering diagnostic testing. If it is determined by your doctor that further testing is necessary, you may be referred for a sleep study or 'polysomnogram'.

What is Polysomnography?

A polysomnogram (PSG) is a diagnostic recording of physical activities that occur during your sleep time.  This requires the patient to spend the night in a diagnostic facility (lab).   The recording is done through the use of electrodes and monitors.  These devices assist the sleep technician in gathering the data necessary to determine the amount and quality of sleep that you get, and to measure and time any physical change or awakenings that might occur.