Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT).

Measures your ability to remain awake in low-stimulus conditions — often after polysomnography — to assess daytime vigilance.

Test de maintien de l’éveil (TME)

Overview

A baseline test to measure a person’s ability to stay awake in conditions conducive to falling asleep, to assess the level of excessive daytime sleepiness. The examination, carried out in the sleep laboratory, sometimes the day after a night of polysomnography, includes 4 sessions of 40 minutes each, spaced 2 hours apart.

Unlike MSLT, the goal is to resist sleep. Results help evaluate treatment response and fitness for activities requiring sustained alertness (driving), in line with clinical and regulatory contexts.

Typical uses

  • Assessing residual sleepiness on CPAP or wake-promoting therapy.
  • Occupational or licensing requirements where applicable.
  • Follow-up after narcolepsy or hypersomnia treatment.
  • Paired with polysomnography when indicated.

Session overview

Four 40-minute trials are conducted in a semi-reclined, quiet environment. You will receive clear instructions on preparation, including sleep the prior night and medication timing.