The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a clinically validated questionnaire assessing sleep quality over the past month. It measures seven components of sleep and produces a global score from 0-21. Scores above 5 indicate poor sleep quality. Answer based on your most usual sleep habits over the past 4 weeks.
Component Scores (0–3 each):
How to Interpret Your PSQI Score
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index produces a global score from 0 to 21, where higher scores indicate worse sleep quality. A cutoff score of 5 reliably distinguishes good sleepers from poor sleepers.
Score Ranges
0-5 (Good Sleep): Your sleep quality is within the normal range. Minor improvements may still help energy and focus. 6-10 (Poor Sleep): Your sleep quality is impaired and may be affecting daytime functioning. Lifestyle changes and sleep hygiene improvements are recommended. 11-21 (Very Poor Sleep): Significant sleep impairment that warrants consultation with a healthcare provider or sleep specialist.
Component Details
The seven PSQI components are each scored 0-3: subjective quality, latency, duration, efficiency, disturbances, medication use, and daytime dysfunction. All components contribute equally to the global score. Identifying which components are elevated helps target specific interventions.
FAQ
Is this PSQI assessment free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All responses stay in your browser.
Is my data private?
Yes, all responses are processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or transmitted.
What is the PSQI?
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a validated questionnaire developed by Dr. Daniel J. Buysse at the University of Pittsburgh to assess sleep quality over a one-month period. It measures seven components of sleep quality and is widely used in clinical research and practice.
What PSQI score indicates poor sleep?
A global PSQI score greater than 5 indicates 'poor sleep quality' with a sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity of 86.5% in distinguishing poor sleepers from good sleepers. Scores range from 0-21, with higher scores indicating worse sleep quality. The seven components contribute equally (0-3 each) to the global score.
What are the 7 components of the PSQI?
The PSQI assesses seven sleep quality components: (1) subjective sleep quality, (2) sleep latency (time to fall asleep), (3) sleep duration, (4) habitual sleep efficiency, (5) sleep disturbances, (6) use of sleeping medication, and (7) daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness.
Can poor PSQI scores indicate a specific disorder?
The PSQI is a general sleep quality screener and cannot diagnose specific disorders. Poor sleep quality can be associated with insomnia, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, circadian rhythm disorders, and many other conditions. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist can recommend appropriate evaluation such as a sleep study or polysomnography.