Patients are first seen in our Sleep Disorders Clinic, by one of our physicians who are fellows of the American Sleep Disorders Association. Patients are then scheduled for the MWT. This test is typically done during the day with recordings taking place throughout the day at specified time intervals. Sleep technicians apply a number of electrodes on the head and skin to record various activities (brain wave, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing through the mouth and nose, snoring, heart rate and leg movements). Flexible elastic belts will be placed around the chest and abdomen to measure breathing and a pulse oximeter is typically clipped to the index finger as well.

All of these areas are monitored during the study. Typically, the study is videotaped so that it can be observed, if need be, during the staging and scoring of the study. Once the study is completed, a follow-up appointment is scheduled in the clinic to discuss and review the study and all appropriate recommendations.

Throughout the process, the referring physician is sent all reports with recommendations.

Typical MWT Patients
Typically, patients that are given the MWT test are those whose employment requires them to be alert throughout the day. Examples would include truck drivers, bus drivers and pilots.

What You Should Know Prior to the Test
All medications should be taken as usual. Before coming in for the study, hair should be washed and dried, however no hair products (hair spray, gels or oils) should be used.

All patients are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their appointment time. They are to report to Outpatient Registration and will be given directions to the department once registration is completed. This test takes approximately 8 hours.