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 consists of four 40 minute sessions in one of the sleep center bedrooms. You are asked to stay awake while the lights are very dim.
The MWT is used to see how well a sleep disorder patient is able to stay awake after starting treatment. It can also be used to help judge whether a patient is too tired to drive or perform other daily tasks. Sometimes the Federal Aviation Administration or Department of Transportation will require passing this test before a specialized license can be issued.