Multiple Sleep Latency Test | EPFL Graph Search

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a sleep disorder diagnostic tool. It is used to measure the time elapsed from the start of a daytime nap period to the first signs of sleep, called sleep latency. The test is based on the idea that the sleepier people are, the faster they will fall asleep. The MSLT is used to test for central disorders of hypersomnolence such as narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia, or to distinguish between physical tiredness and true excessive daytime sleepiness. Its main purpose is to discover how readily a person will fall asleep in a conducive setting, how consistent or variable this is, and whether there are abnormalities in the rapidity of REM sleep onset. This can be used to identify and differentiate between various sleep problems. The test consists of four or five 20-minute nap opportunities set two hours apart, often following an overnight sleep study. During the test, data such as the patient's brain waves, EEG, muscle activity, and eye movements are monitored and recorded. The entire test normally takes about 7 hours during the course of a day. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test was created in 1977 by sleep pioneers William C. Dement and Mary Carskadon. It developed out of repeating a project done in 1970 by Dr. Dement called the 90-minute day. They informally called the 0–5 minute range the twilight zone due to its indication of extreme physical and mental impairment. Preparation: On the day of the test the patient is asked not to consume any stimulants, such as tea, coffee, colas, and chocolate. Often a formal sleep study has been performed the night before. Sometimes urine screening is done to make sure no substances exist in the subject's body that might interfere with sleep. The patient may be asked to fill out a pre-test questionnaire. Electrodes are attached to the patient's head to record brain waves. Electrodes are attached near the eyes to record eye movement. Electrodes are attached to the chin to detect muscle tone. Heart beat may also be monitored.

Heart rate variability at bedtime predicts subsequent sleep features

Fiorenzo Artoni, Maria Paola Tramonti Fantozzi

Getting enough sleep during the night is important for preventing adverse short- and long-term health outcomes. The sympathetic-parasympathetic autonomic balance, characteristics of the pre-bed time resting period, correlates with sleep efficiency. We inve ...

IEEE2019

Spatial clusters of daytime sleepiness and association with nighttime noise levels in a Swiss general population (GeoHypnoLaus)

Stéphane Joost, Idris Guessous, Rebecca Himsl

INTRODUCTION: Daytime sleepiness is highly prevalent in the general adult population and has been linked to an increased risk of workplace and vehicle accidents, lower professional performance and poorer health. Despite the established relationship between ...

2018

Can Daytime Napping Assist the Process of Skills Acquisition After Stroke?

Friedhelm Christoph Hummel, Winifried Backhaus

Acquisition and reacquisition of skills is a main pillar of functional recovery after stroke. Nighttime sleep has a positive influence on motor learning in healthy individuals, whereas the effect of daytime sleep on neuro-rehabilitative training and relear ...

2018