“How do I know if my sleepiness is abnormal? Isn’t everyone tired these days?”
In the medical field, The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used to determine the level of daytime sleepiness. A score of 18 or more is very sleepy. Download and print your own copy from Dr. Blumenstock’s site:
http://www.sleep-apnea-dentist-nj.info/sleep_apnea_questionnaire.htm
Or, test yourself now:
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the situations described below, in contrast to feeling just tired?
This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. 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:
0 = would never doze
1 = Slight chance of dozing
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing
Situation Chance of dozing
Sitting and reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____
Watching TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. _____
Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. a theatre or a meeting) . . . . . . . _____
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____
Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit . . . . . _____
Sitting and talking to someone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____
Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in the traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _____
Score:
0-10 Normal range
10-12 Borderline
12-24 Abnormal
If you score 10 or more on this test, you should consider whether you are getting enough sleep and/or need to see a sleep specialist. Talk to your personal physician, or visit Dr. Blumenstock’s web site for more information: http://www.sleep-apnea-dentist-nj.info/sleep_apnea_questionnaire.htm
