Highwood Highlights No. 33 December 2009
In this newsletter I feel impressed to discuss the Epworth Sleepiness Scale instead of our previously planned subject.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was introduced in 1991 by Dr Murray Johns of Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. It is used to check for the likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea can contribute to several problems such as snoring, waking up gasping, high blood pressure, obesity, night sweating, headaches and falling asleep while driving (which, of course, can be fatal).
Take a moment to do the questionnaire and see what your score is:
Rate yourself from 0 to 3 for each activity as follows:
0 = Would never doze.
1 = Slight chance of dozing.
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing.
Here are the activities:
- Sitting and reading
- Watching TV
- Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. cinema or meeting place)
- Being in a car for an hour as a passenger (without a break)
- Lying down to rest in the afternoon (when possible)
- Sitting and chatting to someone
- Sitting quietly after lunch (not having had alcohol)
- In a car when you stop in traffic for a few minutes
Add up your numbers to give yourself the total.
Interpretation is as follows:
Less than 10: You probably are getting enough sleep an night. However, it may be advisable to have a sleep study done if you have had a change in your normal sleep routine.
10-16: You may be suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness and you should have a sleep study to help determine the cause of your sleepiness. You should see your GP to discuss the score.
16+: It is imperative that you have a sleep study as you are dangerously sleepy. See your GP or phone a sleep study centre as soon as possible.
Sleep studies can now be done in your own home and bed using some simple equipment. Treatment of sleep apnoea is usually done by using a mask at night to deliver some positive airway pressure or by using a mouth splint. Sometimes nasal oxygen therapy is used. If you are obese then losing weight can sometimes relieve sleep apnoea but it sleep apnoea can make it harder to lose weight and you should always get positive treatment if you are dangerously sleepy.
Disclaimer: Any medical comments made by Dr. Bird are not to be taken as personal medical advise and are presented for general educational purposes only.
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