Maintenance of Wakefulness Test FAQs

Before the Study	During the Study	After the Study
What is a sleep study and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)? Can I visit the center before my study? What information will I get ahead of time? Will I have a private bedroom? What personal items should I bring? What if I have special needs? What about medications?	What should I expect on the morning of the study (after your overnight PSG)? When will I wake up? Will breakfast and lunch be provided? What happens during the MWT? Can I have a nap between tests? Can I have caffeine? Can I smoke? Will I be able to leave the lab between tests? Will I be able to exercise?	What happens after my sleep study? When will my doctor receive my results?

Before the Study

What is a sleep study and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)?

For most patients, a sleep study is a key diagnostic component of a sleep disorder evaluation. A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram (PSG), measures your brain wave activity, eye movements, muscle contractions, heart activity, breathing and blood oxygenation during sleep.

The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is a way to evaluate the ability to stay awake during the day. There are 4 tests spaced 2 hours apart. After being asked to stay awake, sensors on the head and chest record your brain wave activity, eye movements, muscle contractions, and heart activity to accurately detect if you fall asleep.

The information we collect during your study is reviewed and analyzed by our sleep specialists.

Can I visit the center before my study?

Yes, tours of the sleep testing laboratory are provided during the day. Please feel free to schedule a daytime tour before your test. Most sleep centers will be happy to accommodate your visit.

What information will I get ahead of time?

Once you have scheduled your sleep study, you will receive a welcome package containing forms you need to complete, along with directions and phone numbers to the facility. Be sure to bring the directions, phone number, completed forms and your health insurance card on the night of your study.

Will I have a private bedroom?

Yes, sleep study bedrooms are private.

What personal items should I bring?

In addition to nightclothes, you will need regular clothes to change into in the morning. The purpose of the test is to see how sleepy you are on a typical day, so you need to wear daytime clothing for your naps. You should also bring something to keep you occupied during the day (videos, reading materials, laptops, etc.), and any toiletries you may need if you would like to shower before you go home.

What if I have special needs?

Please call our office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to discuss your special needs requirements. We will try to accommodate your needs and answer any questions you may have about the sleep study procedure.

What about medications?

Please take your medications as usual and bring them to the center, if necessary. Upon arrival at the sleep lab, the technologist will be able to tell you your approximate bedtime so that you may take nighttime medications accordingly. Our staff will not be able to dispense any medication to you.

We also recommend that you discuss with your physician whether your medications will affect the sleep study results.

On the Morning of the MWT

What should I expect on the morning of the study (after your overnight PSG)?

A technologist will remove sensors from your nose, torso, finger and legs. The electrodes on your head, face, and chest will remain on. A daytime technologist will introduce himself or herself to you and explain how the test will proceed. You will be asked to change into daytime clothing and then be offered breakfast. You will also be instructed to stay awake and off the bed in between tests.

When will I wake up?

If you are not already awake you will be awakened after 9 hours of testing.

Will I be able to take a shower in the morning?

No. You will still have wires attached to your head, face and chest.

Will breakfast and lunch be provided?

Each center is equipped with a kitchen and we provide a light, complimentary breakfast. Selections at each center vary, but may include breakfast bars or oatmeal, herbal tea and juices. A refrigerator and microwave are available, as well as a hot/cold spring water dispenser. You are welcome to use the kitchen or ask your sleep technologist for assistance. We will order you a take-out lunch from a local sandwich shop.

During the MWT Study

What happens during the MWT?

The MWT consists of four sleep trials with breaks lasting for two hours in between them. Sometimes you will also do an overnight sleep study the night before the MWT. It is vital that you get a normal amount and quality of sleep the night before the test. If this does not happen, then your test may need to be moved to another day.

The first sleep trial is performed between 1-1/2 and 3 hours hours after your normal wake-up time. You should have a light breakfast at least one hour before the first trial.

Sensors are placed on your head, face, and chin to monitor when you are asleep and awake during the test. You will not feel any pain during the MWT. The sensors are gently placed on your skin and connected to a computer. The cables are long enough to let you move around in the bed.

For each trial, you will sit quietly in bed with your back and head supported by a pillow. It is important that you are as comfortable as you can be. You will be asked to sit still and look directly ahead of you. Then you simply try to stay awake for as long as you can.

You are not allowed to do other things to try and keep yourself awake. This includes actions such as singing or slapping your face. If you fall asleep, then you will be awakened after sleeping for only about 90 seconds. The test will end if you do not fall asleep within 40 minutes.

Between trials, you will have to stay out of bed and occupy yourself so that you remain awake.

Can I have a nap between tests?

It is very important that you do not nap in between the MWT tests, or it will affect the results.

Can I have caffeine?

No caffeine is allowed (coffee, colas, chocolates, etc.) all day.

Can I smoke?

Yes. The only time you cannot smoke is 30 minutes before each test. You will need to go outside the building to smoke.

Will I be able to leave the lab between tests?

You need to be monitored by a technologist all day to see that you are not falling asleep between naps. You can move around your room and the entire suite and go outside for short periods.

Will I be able to exercise?

Yes, as space allows. The only time you will not be able to exercise is during the testing periods.

When will I be ready to leave?

Your testing will be over at approximately 5 p.m.

After the MWT

What happens after my sleep study?

A large amount of information is collected during your sleep study and MWT. A sleep specialist will analyze this information and a formal report with recommendations will be sent to your doctor. The sleep technologists cannot provide you with any information about your testing results.

When will my doctor receive my results?

It usually takes 10-14 days for your doctor to receive your formal report. Please schedule a follow-up visit with your physician after that time to discuss the findings and recommendations for treatment. If you have seen one of our specialists, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.