# Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-CHAD) URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/pediatric-epworth-sleepiness-scale/ Last updated: 2026-10-30 > The pediatric Epworth sleepiness scale scores how likely a child or teenager is to doze in eight everyday situations adapted for school-age children (ESS-CHAD). The total of 0–24 helps spot excessive daytime sleepiness. ## Inputs - 1. Sitting and reading - 2. Watching TV or a video - 3. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morning - 4. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hour - 5. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoon - 6. Sitting and talking to someone - 7. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunch - 8. Sitting and eating a meal ## Results - ESS-CHAD score - Interpretation ## Formula ``` Score = sum of the points for each item ``` ## Explanation The ESS for children and adolescents replaces adult situations such as driving with ones relevant to children, like sitting in class. It was validated in 2017 in Australian 12- to 18-year-olds and is used from about age 6. ### How to use the Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale - **1. Sitting and reading** - **2. Watching TV or a video** - **3. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morning** - **4. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hour** - **5. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoon** - **6. Sitting and talking to someone** - **7. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunch** - **8. Sitting and eating a meal** Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu. ### How it works Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation. ### Scoring table ItemAnswers and points1. Sitting and readingWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 32. Watching TV or a videoWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 33. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morningWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 34. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hourWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 35. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoonWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 36. Sitting and talking to someoneWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 37. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunchWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 38. Sitting and eating a mealWould never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 ### Tips - Keep a regular wake-up time, even at weekends. - Get daylight in the morning and dim screens in the hour before bed. - Keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet. - See a doctor about loud snoring, gasping at night or strong daytime sleepiness. ### Common mistakes to avoid - Trying to catch up on a week of short nights in one lie-in. - Using alcohol to fall asleep – it fragments sleep later in the night. - Ignoring symptoms of sleep apnoea. ### Inputs explained FieldWhat to enter1. Sitting and readingChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing2. Watching TV or a videoChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing3. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morningChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing4. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hourChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing5. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoonChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing6. Sitting and talking to someoneChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing7. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunchChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing8. Sitting and eating a mealChoose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing *Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.* ## Worked example Inputs — 1. Sitting and reading: Slight chance of dozing; 2. Watching TV or a video: Slight chance of dozing; 3. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morning: Slight chance of dozing; 4. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hour: Slight chance of dozing; 5. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoon: Slight chance of dozing; 6. Sitting and talking to someone: Would never doze; 7. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunch: Slight chance of dozing; 8. Sitting and eating a meal: Would never doze. Results — **ESS-CHAD score = 6 / 24**; Interpretation = Higher normal – keep an eye on sleep habits. ## Key terms - **ESS-CHAD**: Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents. ## FAQ **What score is concerning in children?** Scores above 10 suggest excessive sleepiness worth discussing with a doctor. **Why are teenagers so sleepy?** Their body clock shifts later in puberty while school starts early, so many are short of sleep. **How much sleep do teens need?** 8–10 hours a night. ## Sources - [Janssen KC et al. Validation of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for children and adolescents. Sleep Med, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28522089/)