MSLT Sleep Study

Also known as: multiple sleep latency test, daytime nap study.

What is a MSLT sleep study?

The MSLT sleep study is a test to measure how quickly you fall asleep at various intervals throughout the day. The test is used for diagnosing problems such as idiopathic hypersomnia or narcolepsy.

What happens during the test?

The patient lies on a bed in a dark room and tries to go to sleep. The patient is allowed to sleep for 15 minutes, or the test ends if the patient does not fall asleep after 20 minutes. The test is repeated 5 times throughout the day, with two hour breaks in between each test.

Is any special preparation needed?

No special preparation is needed for the test. In fact, patients are encouraged to follow their ordinary routine in order to get the most accurate results from the MSLT sleep study.

What are the risk factors?

There are no risk factors related to the MSLT sleep study.

Reviewed by: Mercedes Bello, MD

This page was last updated on: 9/16/2025 12:49:35 PM

Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute

The Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is transforming pediatric cancer care to make sure no child has to leave Florida for leading-edge cancer treatment. Our specialists provide state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for more pediatric cancer patients than any other facility in South Florida, leading the way through investments in groundbreaking research focused on new cures, treatments and diagnostic procedures.

Learn More

Sleep Disorders Center

We offer sleep studies for pediatric sleep disorders as well as diagnosis, management, and research of sleep disorders in children and adolescents.

Learn More
Check Your Symptoms
Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home.

Learn more about

Insomnia Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which children have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night.
Sleep Disorders Two out of three children under the age of 10 years have some type of sleep problem. Sleep problems can be divided into two broad groups: dyssomnias and parasomnias.
Sleep Behavior Disorder Sleep behavior disorder is a condition that occurs during REM sleep.
Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness.
MWT Sleep Test The MWT sleep test, or maintenance of wakefulness test, examines how alert, or awake, you are during the day.
PSG Sleep Study The PSG sleep study, or polysomnography, is a standard sleep study used to identify sleep disorders.