Do you feel sleepier than the average person? Maybe you struggle to keep your eyes open during meetings, doze off while watching television, or feel exhausted even after spending plenty of time in bed. Excessive daytime sleepiness is estimated to affect around 20% of people, yet many dismiss it as stress, aging, or simply being busy. When sleepiness begins interfering with your work, relationships, driving, or daily routine, a sleep doctor in Alexandria, VA can help you understand why (and help you feel more rested).
What Is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a short questionnaire used to measure daytime sleepiness. It asks how likely you are to doze off during eight common situations, such as reading, watching television, riding in a car, or sitting quietly after lunch.
Each answer is assigned a score from zero to three, creating a total score between zero and 24. A higher score suggests a greater tendency to fall asleep during everyday activities. The scale can help identify a potential problem, but it cannot diagnose a sleep disorder by itself. If your score is 11 or higher, it’s recommended that you make an appointment with a sleep doctor in Alexandria, VA.
What Should I Do If My Epworth Score Is High?
First, do not panic. A high Epworth score is a clue, not a diagnosis. It may be worth discussing your sleep habits and symptoms with a sleep doctor in Alexandria, VA.
Your doctor may ask about your sleep schedule, medications, snoring, breathing changes, nighttime movements, and morning symptoms. Depending on your concerns, additional testing or an overnight sleep study may be recommended.
What Could Be Causing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness?
Daytime sleepiness can occur when you are simply not getting enough sleep, but it may also be associated with:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Restless legs syndrome
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Medication side effects
- Neurological or mental health conditions
Our goal isn’t just to help you feel less tired. We want to identify what is disrupting your sleep so your care can address the underlying problem.
When Should You See a Sleep Doctor in Alexandria?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you regularly fall asleep during daily activities, wake feeling unrefreshed, snore loudly, experience pauses in breathing, or struggle to stay alert while driving. When you understand what is happening at night, you can have better days. We’re here to help.
Integrated Neurology Services, Integrated Spine and Pain Services, and The Infusion Suites provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for neurological, spine, and pain conditions. With convenient locations in Alexandria, Falls Church, Lorton, and Old Town, Virginia, our team offers advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments for conditions affecting the brain, nerves, spine, and musculoskeletal system. Services include neurology care, pain management, electrodiagnostic testing, infusion therapy, sleep services, and minimally invasive spine procedures. Personalized treatment plans are designed to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life. Call us today at 703-313-9111 to book your appointment.