Medical Terminology

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

« Back to Glossary Index

The purpose of the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is to see if you are able to stay awake during the daytime. The MWT takes place in a darkened, quiet, comfortable room. A technician places sensors on your head, face, and neck that can measure sleep. You recline in bed and try to stay awake during each of four measurement periods. The four measurement periods start about 9 or 10 am and last 40 minutes each. If you fall asleep, you are allowed to sleep for 90 seconds and are then awakened and kept awake until the next measurement period. If you don’t fall asleep within 40 minutes, that measurement period is ended. The measurement periods typically take place every two hours. This test is similar to the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), but the MWT measures your likelihood of falling asleep when you are trying to stay awake. This is a subtle but important difference. Most people without sleep problems are able to stay awake for at least the first 8 minutes of each measurement period.

Disclaimer

The contents of this website, including text, graphics and other material, are for informational purposes only. This website is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always consult your own attorney or other legal advisor with any legal questions you may have. The Hypersomnia Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, lawyers, legal advisors, products, procedures, opinions or other information referenced on this website. Reliance on any information on this website is solely at your own risk.

The Hypersomnia Foundation makes no representations or warranties about the satisfaction of any government regulations requiring disclosure of information on prescription drug products. In no event shall The Hypersomnia Foundation be liable for any damages (including without limitation incidental and consequential damages) or costs (including without limitation attorney’s fees) based on any claim arising from the use of this website and/or its content.