Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

Multiple sleep latency test

What is a multiple sleep latency test?

A multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) records the electrical activity of the brain, eye movement and muscle activity while you are awake and asleep. We are interested in the average time it takes for you to go to sleep as well as your sleep pattern.

There are two parts to the test, therefore you will need to attend on two consecutive days. The two parts are explained in this leaflet.

What to expect during the first appointment

You will attend the department to have electrodes applied for an overnight EEG (encephalogram) recording. The EEG records the electrical activity of your brain. You will not feel anything from the EEG.

Your hair should be clean and free from products Small metal discs will be glued to your head. These electrodes are attached to a recorder, which is placed in a small bag for you to take home.

You will be asked to fill in a diary sheet when you take the EEG recorder home – you must do this or your test cannot be reported. Please note that you will not be able to get the equipment wet, including no showers or baths. You will need to have a minimum of 6 hours sleep overnight before the second part of the test.

What to expect during the second appointment

Have a light breakfast in the morning of the test. You will participate in up to 5 ‘nap trials’ at 2 hour intervals where you will lie down to sleep in a quiet, darkened room. You should wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in. In between nap trials, you will be able to walk around the hospital and should try to avoid sleep. Some people like to bring something to cover their head to disguise the wires while out of the department. You should avoid heavy exercise, caffeine, stimulating activities and bright sunlight. If you must smoke, please avoid this 30 minutes before the start of a nap trial. You should expect to be in the hospital for up to 9 hours. Due to the length of the test, you will be offered lunch.

Potential Risks

The electrodes are covered with a bandage to make one cable. It is possible that this could wrap around your neck at night when you take the EEG recorder home, therefore we have to warn you of the small risk of strangulation. It is recommended that you have someone with you. There is also a small risk that the electrodes could cause sore spots to your head. Please let us know if you have particularly sensitive skin or are allergic to metal or micropore tape. Your hair may by ‘messy’ at the end of the test with some glue remaining. You may wish to bring something to cover your head.

Before the test

• It is essential for you to phone and confirm that you will be attending this appointment by calling us on 01905 733532 between 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday. Failure to do so may result in the appointment being re-allocated.
• Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and sleep diary. You should aim to have sufficient sleep for the 2 weeks leading up to the test as sleep deprivation will lead to inaccurate results. 
• Certain medications can affect the test. Please ensure you have had a discussion with your referrer about whether you need to reduce or stop taking any medication in the 2 weeks before your appointment.
• Caffeine must be avoided on the day of the test so you may need to consider reducing the amount you consume slowly in the 2 weeks leading up to the test if you usually drink a lot.
• You may wish to bring something to occupy yourself during the day, such as a book.

How do I get the results?

Your test will be interpreted by the specialists and the results sent to your referrer who will discuss them with you.

Additional Information

Unfortunately, we cannot see people who are more than 20 minutes late. It can take a long time to park, so please give yourself plenty of time to get here.

You may wish to bring a relative or friend to accompany you. However, please do not bring children with you to your appointment.

Worcester Royal Hospital is a teaching hospital and there may be students observing or performing your test.

Directions to the department

The neurophysiology department is located on Level 0 (River Level) at the Worcester Royal Hospital. As you enter through the main entrance, take the lift or stairs opposite down one floor. The entrance to the department is in the lift lobby opposite the Rivercourt restaurant.

Where can I find more information?

If you have any queries, please call the neurophysiology department on 01905 733532.

Further information about the test is available at: https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/neurophysiology/

Please follow this website to see a list of FAQs.

Patient Experience

We know that being referred to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are many ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy, you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:  Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:  The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

Version 2