Sleep Board Review Test 1

19. The mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale in the original study by Johns in healthy control subjects was:

a. 6.5 ± 3.0

b. 11.7 ± 4.6

c. 17.5 ± 3.5

d. 2.2 ± 2.0

e. 5.9 ± 2.2

Answer: e. 5.9 ± 2.2

The mean Epworth score was 5.9 in the healthy controls and + 2 standard deviations gives a result of approximately 10 (which is generally considered the upper limit of normal). The other answers correspond to several different groups studied: (primary snoring = 6.5 ± 3.0), OSA = 11.7 ± 4.6, narcolepsy = 17.5 ± 3.5, and insomnia = 2.2 ± 2.0. Note that insomnia patients have much lower Epworth scores than even the control subjects.

Reference:

Johns MW. Sleep 1991;14:540-545.

Return to question list.