excessive daytime sleepiness

An adult who is compelled to nap repeatedly during the day may have excessive daytime sleepiness. However, it is important to distinguish between occasional daytime sleepiness and excessive daytime sleepiness, which is a chronic condition. A simple but effective tool for the initial screening of EDS is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS © Dr. Murray W. Johns 1990-1997). The ESS generates a numerical score from zero (0) to 24 based on the answers to eight (8) questions. If the score is ten (10) or higher, the subject is advised to consult a sleep specialist for further evaluation or email cfaulkenberry@sleeprxsc.com. {from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia}

Here is an example of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale;

How likely are you to fall asleep in the following situations? In contrast to just feeling tired, this refers to you usual

way of life in recent time. Even if you have not done some of the things recently, try to determine how the

situation would affect you.

0= Never Doze 1= Slight Chance 2= Moderate Chance 3= High Chance

Situation:

• Sitting and Reading
• Watching Television
• Sitting passive in a public place (ex. Theatre or 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
• In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic