Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) or Maintenance Of Wakefulness Test with 10-channels EEG

In the laboratory under supervision of a respiratory therapist, the test examines the recording of brain data to measure the sequence of sleep stages and the length of time a person can take to fall asleep or, conversely, the length of time a person can stay awake. 

• If there is no Polysomnography the day before, a sleep log for 2 weeks is required.
• Including the urinalysis, as appropriate.
• Includes breakfast and lunch.

Mutiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

MSLT is a test that consists of a series of five, twenty-minute nap scheduled two hours apart. The patient is given five opportunities to sleep during their customary awake period.

Measurements of the interval from the start of the nap period to the first sign of sleep are measured for each nap.

The patient routinely has a formal sleep study the night before the day of the MSLT. The patient have a urine toxicology screen prior to the start of an MSLT. This is done to ruleout the possibility of the patient knowingly ingesting medications that have an adverse effect on sleep.

After hook up, the patient is instructed to relax quietly in a bed or in a recliner. Patients are instructed to perform several simple tasks to document and check that all equipment is functioning properly. Once all the equipment is calibrated and checked the nap period will begin with a verbal "Good Night".

Why should I have an MSLT?

Here are several reasons for having an MSLT:

1. To test for Narcolepsy.
2. To distinguish physical tiredness from true excessive daytime sleepiness.
3. To document sleep/breathing disorder treatment is effective. (CPAP treatment).

Patients not undergoing a formal sleep study the night before are asked to keep a sleep diary logging the amount and times they have slept over the past week.

Maintenance Of Wakfulness Test (MWT)

MWT is a test that consists of a series of four, fourty-minute "non-nap" periods scheduled approximately two hours apart. In other words, you try to stay awake.

The patient is given four opportunities to document that excessive daytime sleepiness has been eliminated by treatment for their sleep/breathing disorder. Measurements of the interval from the start of the "non-nap" period to the first sign of sleep are measured for each "non-nap".

Why should I have an MWT?

The main reason for having an MWT is to proove that a sleep/breathing disorder treatment is effective. This test is required by the FAA in order to give pilots the approval they need to return to flying after treatment for a sleeping disorder has been under way.

Let say that your a truck driver and your doctor want to be sure that your CPAP treatment is effective and that you won’t get sleepy on the road. This is the right test for you !