Reaction Speed Factors Score
Reaction time can only be measured with a timed test, and results vary with equipment and attention. This page does not estimate a "reaction age". It counts everyday factors known to slow reactions, such as short sleep, alcohol and drowsy medicines.
Before you start
Method : Reaction Speed Factors Score — a custom points score written by this site. Each answer adds or subtracts the points shown in the Methodology table below.
Validation : Unvalidated. The points have never been tested against any laboratory measurement or health outcome, and the result is not an age.
Review : not reviewed by a qualified clinician. Educational only — not a diagnosis or a medical test.
Never drive if you feel sleepy, after drinking, or if a medicine warns about drowsiness. Sudden slowness, weakness or confusion can be a stroke — call emergency services.
Your answers stay in this browser tab; nothing is sent or stored.
NHS advice: no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days.
Answer the questions, then press Calculate score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Answer each question.
- Press Calculate score.
- Read the breakdown and suggestions.
Methodology & assumptions
Your score is the sum of the points below. The weights are our own judgement. The old version added made-up years for self-rated visual and auditory reactions, catching, typing and decision speed and gave a "reaction age". Self-ratings aren't timed measurements, so they were removed with the age output.
| Factor | Answer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep per night | Under 6 hours | +2 |
| 6–7 hours | +1 | |
| 7 hours or more | 0 | |
| Feeling sleepy during the day | Rarely | 0 |
| Sometimes | +1 | |
| Most days | +2 | |
| Alcohol (UK units a week) | 14 or fewer | 0 |
| More than 14 | +2 | |
| Medicines that warn about drowsiness | No | 0 |
| Yes | +1 | |
| Physical activity | 3+ days a week | 0 |
| 1–2 days a week | 0 | |
| Little or none | +1 |
Worked examples
Under 6 h sleep, sleepy most days, more than 14 units, drowsy medicine, little activity: 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = +8 points.
7+ h sleep, rarely sleepy, 14 units or fewer, no drowsy medicines, active: 0 points.
Understanding your result
This counts factors you reported. It is not a reaction-time measurement and not an age. Health-agency guidance linked below is general and based on populations, not on this score.
Sources & further reading
- Watson NF, et al. Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: AASM and SRS consensus. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(6):591-592.
- NHS. The risks of drinking too much.
The points table is our own convention and is not taken from these sources.
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