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
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| 1. Sitting and reading | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 2. Watching TV or a video | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 3. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morning | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 4. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hour | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 5. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoon | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 6. Sitting and talking to someone | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 7. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunch | Would never doze = 0; Slight chance of dozing = 1; Moderate chance of dozing = 2; High chance of dozing = 3 |
| 8. Sitting and eating a meal | Would 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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| 1. Sitting and reading | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 2. Watching TV or a video | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 3. Sitting in a classroom at school during the morning | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 4. Sitting and riding in a car or bus for about half an hour | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 5. Lying down to rest or nap in the afternoon | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 6. Sitting and talking to someone | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 7. Sitting quietly by yourself after lunch | Choose one: Would never doze, Slight chance of dozing, Moderate chance of dozing, High chance of dozing |
| 8. Sitting and eating a meal | Choose 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.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.