Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Calculator
Score the Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness Scale (PESS), adapted for children and adolescents to screen for excessive daytime sleepiness.
What is Pediatric Epworth Sleepiness?
The Pediatric ESS adapts adult Epworth questions to age-appropriate situations (e.g. "sitting in class"). Cut-offs differ slightly from adults: scores ≥ 8 in children warrant attention. Sleep disorders in children — particularly obstructive sleep apnoea associated with enlarged tonsils — often present as daytime sleepiness or behavioural problems rather than overt fatigue.
How is it calculated?
Total = sum of 8 question scores (0–24). Suggested bands: 0–7 normal, 8–10 mild, 11–15 moderate, 16–24 severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does PESS replace a sleep study?
- No — concerning scores merit a paediatric sleep referral.
- Can parents fill it in?
- Sometimes — the scale exists in self-report and parent-report variants.
- Should children use the adult ESS?
- Younger children and pre-teens benefit from the pediatric variant.