The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is used to measure how alert you are during the day. It shows whether or not you are able to stay awake for a defined period of time. This is an indicator of how well you are
able to function and remain alert in quiet times of inactivity.
The test is based on the idea that your ability to stay awake may be more important to know in some cases than how fast you fall asleep. This is the case when the MWT is used to see how well a sleep disorders patient is able to stay awake after starting treatment. It is also used to help judge whether a patient is too tired to drive or perform other daily tasks.
The test isolates you from outside factors that can influence your ability to fall asleep.
You may need to refrain from having any of the following substances before or during the test:
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Medications
The sleep specialist will help you decide what you can and cannot have. You may be asked to take a test to screen for drugs on the morning of the MWT. It will help show that the results of the MWT are accurate.