People who suffer from Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) are constantly struggling to stay awake even after getting enough nighttime sleep. In spite of their best efforts, people with EDS frequently fall asleep at inappropriate times.
Key Key characteristics of EDS include:
Constant feeling of drowsiness
Fatigue
Inability to concentrate
Impaired memory
Erratic behavior
Irritability
Impaired physical coordination
Do you suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, is a short, validated test that can help you evaluate your level of daytime sleepiness. However, it should be used only as an awareness tool, not to make your own diagnosis.
Measure your level of daytime
sleepiness.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (below) was
developed by researchers in Australia and is widely used by sleep
professionals around the world to measure sleep deprivation. How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in
the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This
refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have
not done some of these things recently try to work out how they
would have affected you. Use the following scale to choose the most
appropriate number for each situation:
