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What Is A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)?
The Maintenance of Wakefulness test (MWT) measures how alert you are during the day and if you're able to stay awake for a period of time in a quiet, relaxing environment. It's also used to see if someone with a sleep disorder is responding well to treatment. This test is given throughout the course of a day.
When you arrive for your sleep study, a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will be at the site to greet you and show you to your room. After you make yourself comfortable, your technologist will take a brief history, explain the testing process, and answer any questions you may have. The next step is to apply the sensors, which is painless and takes about 40 minutes.
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Getting Ready
First, the technologist will use stickers to affix leads on your chest and abdomen.
Next, your head will be marked and measured with a paper ruler and a grease pencil. This is done because each electrode needs to be placed in a precise location in order to accurately measure your brain waves. Once this is complete, a skin prep jelly will be applied to clean your scalp for the electrodes. This jelly removes any excess oils or skin cells in order to obtain a clear reading of your brain waves.
Lastly, the electrodes are placed on the surface of your scalp with a small amount of paste. The prep, paste, and tape are hypoallergenic.
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Testing
The tests consist of four trials that are 40 minutes each. The first test starts approximately 45 minutes after you arrive.
Once you are fitted with the sensors, you are free to stay in your room where you can relax, catch up on phone calls, enjoy Smart/Cable/Vios TV and Wi-Fi, or read in between testing periods.
You may bring your own food/snacks. Lunch is provided; please notify us of any special dietary needs in the morning when you arrive.
Your technologist will monitor your testing remotely throughout the study and will be available to answer questions and ensure you’re comfortable.
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Set Time Aside
This is a daytime test. Plan to be at our sleep center until approximately 4:30 p.m.
Wash and Dry Your Hair
Wash and dry your hair thoroughly but do not use conditioners or other hair products.
Hair Accessories
Remove any hair weaves or extensions. We cannot do testing if you have either of these.
Acrylic or Applied Nails
If you have acrylic nails or applied ("fake") nails an index fingernail needs to be removed for the oxygen reading. If you have gel nail polish, the polish from one of the index fingers will need to be removed. Regular nail polish is fine. The oximeter does not read through acrylic or applied nails, nor gel polish.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing. You must wear pajamas or two-piece clothing for the test.
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Medications
Bring – and take – all of your normally scheduled medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor or the staff at Ghaly Sleep Center.
Special Requirements and Guests
Notify us of any special needs prior to your arrival. If you are supervising a child or older patient who is having a sleep test, we have rooms equipped with an additional bed. Please let us know in advance if you need special accommodations.
Guests are not permitted to stay in the room without prior permission.
Smoking
Smoking, vaping and the use of alcohol are not permitted in the building or on the premises at any time.
No-Show
Cancellations must be made by at least 12 noon the day before your study, or if your study is on a Saturday or Sunday, by noon on the Friday before.
Failure to show up for your scheduled procedure will result in a $100.00 no-show charge.