Free Online Insomnia Severity Index Test
What Is the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)?
The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a widely used screening questionnaire designed to assess the nature, severity, and impact of insomnia symptoms.
The tool consists of seven questions that evaluate common sleep difficulties such as problems falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, and the impact of poor sleep on daily functioning.
Each item is scored from 0 to 4, based on the severity of symptoms experienced during the past two weeks. The total score helps estimate the overall severity of insomnia.
Higher scores may indicate clinically significant sleep disturbance that may benefit from professional evaluation or treatment.
The ISI is widely used in sleep medicine, psychiatry, and primary care as a quick and reliable method for identifying insomnia symptoms.
Common Signs of Insomnia
People experiencing insomnia often report:
- Lying awake for long periods before falling asleep
- Waking repeatedly during the night and struggling to fall back asleep
- Waking much earlier than intended and being unable to return to sleep
- Feeling unrefreshed despite spending enough time in bed
- Daytime fatigue, low energy, or difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, low mood, or increased anxiety during the day
- Worrying about sleep itself, particularly as bedtime approaches
Insomnia is considered persistent when these difficulties occur at least three nights a week and continue for three months or more. Short-term sleep difficulty after stress, travel or illness is common and often resolves on its own.
The seven items of the Insomnia Severity Index cover:
- Difficulty falling asleep — how long it takes to get to sleep
- Difficulty staying asleep — waking during the night
- Early morning awakening — waking earlier than intended
- Sleep satisfaction — how satisfied you are with your current sleep pattern
- Interference with daily functioning — effect on work, mood and concentration
- Noticeability to others — whether others notice the impact of your sleep problem
- Distress or worry — how concerned you are about your sleep
Together these assess both the severity of the sleep disturbance and its impact on waking life — which is why the ISI is used in sleep medicine and psychiatry worldwide.
What the ISI Measures
The Insomnia Severity Index is scored out of 28.
Each of the seven items is rated 0 to 4, and the total places your result in one of four bands. A screening score is not a diagnosis — it indicates whether a fuller assessment may be worthwhile.
Score 0–7 — No clinically significant insomnia. Your responses do not indicate a significant sleep problem at this time. No action is needed based on this screening. If sleep concerns persist, a clinical assessment can still provide clarity.
Score 8–14 — Subthreshold insomnia. Mild sleep difficulty is present but below the usual clinical threshold. Attention to sleep habits and routine may help. If difficulties continue or worsen, consider discussing them with a qualified professional.
Score 15–21 — Moderate insomnia. Your responses are consistent with clinically significant insomnia affecting daily functioning. A professional assessment is recommended. Insomnia is treatable, and effective evidence-based options exist.
Score 22–28 — Severe insomnia. Your responses indicate severe sleep disturbance with substantial impact on daytime functioning. A consultation with a qualified professional is strongly recommended for a full assessment.
Important: A screening score cannot confirm or rule out a sleep disorder. Insomnia symptoms can also arise from other medical conditions, medication effects, substance use, shift work, or other mental health conditions. Only a qualified clinician can determine the cause after a full assessment.
Understanding Your ISI Score:
Scoring and Interpretation
Clinical reference: Bastien CH, Vallières A, Morin CM. Validation of the Insomnia. Severity Index as an outcome measure for insomnia research. Sleep Medicine, 2001;2(4):297–307. The ISI was originally developed by Morin (1993).
This tool is provided for screening and educational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis.
Reviewed by a Psychiatrist
This screening tool is provided by Dr. Mahendra Singh Uikey, MBBS, MD Psychiatry (AIIMS Delhi), Consultant Psychiatrist, and is based on evidence-based sleep medicine and psychiatric practice guidelines. It is intended for educational and screening purposes only and does not replace professional consultation.
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Learn more about the relationship between sleep and mental health in our Sleep & Mental Health resource page.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the ISI test?
The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a self-report screening questionnaire used to assess the severity, impact, and distress associated with insomnia.
How is the Insomnia Severity Index scored?
The ISI has seven items, each rated from 0 to 4, giving a total score out of 28. Scores of 0–7 indicate no clinically significant insomnia, 8–14 subthreshold insomnia, 15–21 moderate insom
Is this insomnia test a diagnosis?
No. The ISI is a screening tool and does not replace professional medical evaluation.
Is this insomnia test confidential?
This online screening tool does not collect or store personal data. It is intended for private self-assessment.
What ISI score means I should I see a doctor?
A score of 15 or above indicates moderate to severe insomnia and a professional assessment is recommended. However, if sleep problems are affecting your daily life at any score, it is reasonable to seek advice.
Can insomnia be related to depression or anxiety?
Yes. Sleep disturbances are commonly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.
What is a normal ISI score?
A total score of 0–7 is generally considered to indicate no clinically significant insomnia. Scores above this suggest sleep difficulty that may benefit from further assessment.
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