Which score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale would be considered abnormal?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a widely used tool to measure a person's general level of daytime sleepiness. Scores on the ESS can range from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating a greater degree of daytime sleepiness. A score below 10 is generally considered normal, suggesting that the individual has very little or no excessive daytime sleepiness. Scores between 10 and 16 may indicate mild to moderate sleepiness, while scores greater than 16 suggest a higher level of sleepiness that could be indicative of an underlying sleep disorder or excessive daytime sleepiness.

A score of 18 is significantly high and falls well within the range that suggests a concerning level of daytime sleepiness. This level of score may warrant further investigation to determine the potential presence of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy, which can severely impact a person's quality of life. Clinicians pay close attention to scores in this range as they highlight the potential need for a more comprehensive evaluation of the patient's sleep health.