What is A Multiple Sleep Latency Test Or A Maintenance Of Wakefulness Test?
A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is designed to help evaluate a patients degree of excessive sleepiness. This test is almost always performed after a complete polysomnogram, although your doctor may request otherwise. The test involves a series of short naps where you will be asked to try to go to sleep. These periods are 20 minutes in duration and recorded at 2-hour intervals. You will be required to remain awake between the nap periods. Patients undergoing a MSLT will be asked to maintain a 2-week sleep diary and to bring it with them at the time of the appointment. A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is a study designed to determine a patients ability to remain awake during relatively quiescent or inactive periods. This test may or may not be preceded by a polysomnogram. This study consists of a series of nap opportunities where you will be placed in a quiet room but will be asked to try to stay awake.
