Multiple Sleep Latency Test
Patients who experience excessive daytime sleepiness or who fall asleep at inappropriate times may be candidates for a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) or Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). The MSLT is designed to measure how long it takes a person to fall asleep during the course of a day. The MWT tests a person's ability to stay awake for a designated period of time, usually 20 minutes.
The MSLT, which is performed during daytime hours, is used to diagnose narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnolence. The test begins two hours after awakening from a diagnostic polysomnography; it consists of four to five attempts at napping scheduled 2 hours apart. During these naps the sleep technologist monitors the patient’s sleep/wake patterns. The test measures how quickly the person falls asleep during regular waking hours as well as the kind of sleep experienced during the naps.
The MSLT, which is performed during daytime hours, is used to diagnose narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnolence. The test begins two hours after awakening from a diagnostic polysomnography; it consists of four to five attempts at napping scheduled 2 hours apart. During these naps the sleep technologist monitors the patient’s sleep/wake patterns. The test measures how quickly the person falls asleep during regular waking hours as well as the kind of sleep experienced during the naps.
