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Sleepiness questionnaire: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Measure your sleepiness

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) measures your general level of sleepiness.1 Your score can help you start a conversation with your doctor about excessive sleepiness (ES) and underlying causes of ES such as treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), shift work disorder (SWD), and narcolepsy.

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?

Rate the chance that you would doze off during the following 8 routine daytime situations. Click "CALCULATE" to find out your results. Then, share the results with your doctor.

0 = Would never doze 2 = Moderate chance of dozing
1 = Slight chance of dozing 3 = High chance of dozing

Sitting and reading 0 1 2 3
Watching television 0 1 2 3
Sitting inactive in a public place—for example, a theater or meeting 0 1 2 3
Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit 0 1 2 3
Sitting and talking to someone 0 1 2 3
Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol 0 1 2 3
In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic 0 1 2 3
As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break 0 1 2 3
Calculate  


Share your results with your doctor.

If you scored 10 or more, speak to your doctor about further evaluation of your excessive sleepiness. Excessive sleepiness is a symptom common in people who have treated OSA, SWD, or narcolepsy.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid driving or using heavy machinery while taking NUVIGIL.

While NUVIGIL is used to improve wakefulness in patients with treated OSA, SWD, or narcolepsy, it is not used to treat the sleep disorders themselves or their other symptoms or consequences.

Also of interest:

Learn how to save up to $600 on NUVIGIL prescriptions.

Share your story and tell us about your experience with NUVIGIL.


What is NUVIGIL?

NUVIGIL is a prescription medicine used to improve wakefulness in adults who experience excessive sleepiness (ES) due to one of the following diagnosed sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), shift work sleep disorder, or narcolepsy.

In patients with OSA, NUVIGIL is used along with other medical treatments for this sleep disorder. NUVIGIL is not a replacement for your current treatment. Consult your doctor about the importance of continuing your current OSA treatment while taking NUVIGIL.

NUVIGIL is a federally controlled substance (C-IV) because it has the potential to be abused or lead to dependence. Please use NUVIGIL only as directed and keep in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse.

Important Safety Information

What important information should I know about NUVIGIL?

  • NUVIGIL may cause you to have a serious rash or a serious allergic reaction that may result in hospitalization or be life-threatening.
  • If you develop a rash, hives, sores, swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing, stop taking NUVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.

Who should not take NUVIGIL?

  • NUVIGIL has not been studied in children under the age of 17. NUVIGIL is not approved for children for any condition.
  • Anyone who has had a rash or allergic reaction to NUVIGIL or PROVIGIL® (modafinil) Tablets [C-IV], or is allergic to any of the following ingredients: modafinil, armodafinil, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, or pregelatinized starch.
  • Anyone with mitral valve prolapse who has experienced mitral valve prolapse syndrome.

What are possible side effects of NUVIGIL?

  • Common side effects of NUVIGIL are headache, nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.
  • If you experience chest pain, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, psychosis, mania, thoughts of suicide, aggression, or other mental problems, stop taking NUVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.
  • For more information about other side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I avoid while taking NUVIGIL?

  • Do not drive a car or do other dangerous activities until you and your doctor know how NUVIGIL affects you.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

What should I tell my doctor before starting NUVIGIL?

  • Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions including if you have: history of mental health problems (including psychosis), heart problems or had a heart attack, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Women who use hormonal birth control may have a higher chance of getting pregnant, while taking NUVIGIL, and for one month after stopping. Talk to your doctor about other birth control methods while taking NUVIGIL.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, call 1-800-FDA-1088, or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

For more information, ask your doctor or call 1-800-896-5855.

This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your condition or treatment.

Please see the Patient Information in the full prescribing information for NUVIGIL.

 

Reference: 1. Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Sleep. 1991;14(6):540-545.