What does a high Epworth Sleepiness Scale score typically indicate about a person?

A high score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale is indicative of excessive daytime sleepiness. This scale is designed to measure an individual's general level of daytime sleepiness based on their likelihood of dozing off in various situations. A high score suggests that the person experiences a significant struggle to stay awake throughout the day, which can be symptomatic of various sleep disorders or inadequate sleep quality.

In contrast, a low score would typically indicate that the person is alert and does not experience frequent sleepiness during the day, which aligns with being well-rested or having good sleep hygiene. People with healthy sleep patterns generally report lower day-time sleepiness, as they achieve restorative sleep at night and maintain appropriate sleep schedules. Therefore, a high score highlights potential sleep issues that may need further evaluation or intervention.