MWT
Also written as: MWT — Maintenance of Wakefulness Test
Objective test measuring a patient's ability to stay awake in a quiet, comfortable setting during scheduled trials.
Full Definition
The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is an objective assessment designed to measure a patient's ability to stay awake in a soporific environment. Unlike the MSLT which measures sleep tendency, the MWT evaluates wake tendency and is often used to assess treatment efficacy or fitness for activities requiring sustained attention. The test consists of four 40-minute trials spaced 2 hours apart, during which the patient sits in a comfortable chair in a dimly lit room and is instructed to stay awake. The test measures sleep latency, with longer latencies indicating better ability to maintain wakefulness. Normal values typically exceed 8 minutes mean sleep latency, though specific thresholds may vary depending on the clinical context and regulatory requirements for occupational fitness.
Usage
Usage note: Always use all capitals for the acronym.
In Context
- "MWT results showed improved wake maintenance following three months of CPAP therapy." — Treatment follow-up report
- "The commercial driver's MWT demonstrated adequate wakefulness for return to duty." — Occupational fitness evaluation