Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
What is the Multiple Sleep Latency Test?
The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a diagnostic tool used to assess daytime sleepiness. It measures how quickly you fall asleep during a series of nap opportunities throughout the day. The test is primarily used to diagnose narcolepsy and other sleep disorders that cause excessive sleepiness.
During the MSLT, you will be asked to take four or five 20-minute naps spaced two hours apart. Sensors monitor your brain activity, eye movements, and muscle tone to determine how quickly you fall asleep and whether you enter REM sleep. At Somnium Sleep, we guide you through the process and explain the results in detail.
How Does the MSLT Sleep Study Work?
The MSLT sleep study consists of four or five nap sessions scheduled two hours apart. During each session, you will lie in a quiet, dimly lit room and try to fall asleep. Sensors attached to your body monitor your brain waves, eye movements, and muscle activity to track your sleep stages.
The test measures how long it takes you to fall asleep (sleep latency) and whether you enter REM sleep during the naps. These results help diagnose conditions like narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. At Somnium Sleep, we ensure the MSLT is conducted in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
MSLT Test Criteria for Narcolepsy
MSLT criteria for narcolepsy must be made to reach a final diagnosis. The average time to fall asleep across all naps (mean sleep latency) should be 8 minutes or less, and you must enter REM sleep during at least two of the naps. These results, combined with symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, help confirm a narcolepsy diagnosis.
The MSLT is often conducted after an overnight polysomnography to rule out other sleep disorders. At Somnium Sleep, we follow strict diagnostic criteria to ensure accurate results and provide the best care for our patients.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test Results Interpretation
The results of the MSLT are based on two key factors: sleep latency (how quickly you fall asleep) and the presence of REM sleep. A short sleep latency (8 minutes or less) and REM sleep during two or more naps suggest narcolepsy. A longer sleep latency may indicate idiopathic hypersomnia or another sleep disorder.
Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history. At Somnium Sleep, we provide detailed explanations of your MSLT results and recommend appropriate treatments to improve your sleep and quality of life.
Who Needs an MSLT Sleep Study?
The MSLT is recommended for people who experience excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, or symptoms of narcolepsy like cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for sleep disorders.
If you have unexplained daytime sleepiness or suspect you have narcolepsy, your doctor may recommend an MSLT. At Somnium Sleep, we evaluate your symptoms and guide you through the testing process to ensure accurate results and effective treatment.
Preparing for the MSLT Test
To prepare for the MSLT, avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test. Bring comfortable clothing and any items you need for your daytime routine, like a book or snacks. You will also need to complete an overnight polysomnography before the MSLT.
The MSLT is conducted in a quiet, relaxing environment to ensure accurate results. At Somnium Sleep, we provide clear instructions and support to help you feel comfortable and prepared for the test.Our Happy Patients Sleep Better Every Day
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
Why Choose Us?
Expert Staff
We have pulmonologists, sleep medicine physicians, and neurologists who have expertise in using the tools and the treatment and diagnoses related to sleep disorders.