A month or so ago I wrote an article about the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.  Since then I have had several patients ask “How do I know if my snoring is a concern or not?”  Sleep studies are an ideal way to tell for sure, but when patients enter our practice asking about snoring and/or sleep apnea, we examine them and provide a series of survey questions to answer which can indicate the possibility of sleep disordered breathing.  I’m sure many of the readers have the same question so I thought I would share some of those survey questions with you in today’s article.  This is one way for you to get an idea of the possibility as to whether you have a concern or not.  I utilize three different “rating scales” in my office.  The Epworth Sleepiness Scale provides an indication of sleep disordered breathing, the Thornton Snoring Scale indicates whether snoring may be affecting your quality of life and the lives of those around you and the Sleep Observer Scale (completed by a sleep partner) is indicative of symptoms that may be affecting your health and/or safety.  Score yourself below and see what you find out.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

In contrast to just feeling tired, how likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?  Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation.

0 = Would never dose

1 = Slight chance of dosing

2 = Moderate chance of dosing

3 = High chance of dosing

Situation                                                                       Chance of Dosing

1.      Sitting and Reading                                                 __________

2.      Watching Television                                                __________

3.      Sitting inactive in a public place (i.e. theater)            __________

4.      As a car passenger for an hour without a break       __________

5.      Lying down to rest in the afternoon                         __________

6.      Sitting and talking to someone                                 __________

7.      Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol                  __________

8.      In a car, while stopping for a few minutes in traffic   __________

TOTAL SCORE                       __________

A total score of 6 or greater indicates the possibility of sleep disordered breathing.

Hopefully you are well rested and came up with a low score.  Next week I will share the other two rating scales for you to evaluate as well.  Have a great week and here’s to a good night’s sleep!