“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

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