P113 An Exploration of Factors that Affect Perceived Onset Latency during the MSLT Test

It is assumed that during the MSLT test, the sleep laboratory environment will be appropriately resourced to facilitate sleep. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that a variety of factors may actually hinder sleep onset, although this possibility has not been formally investigated in the literature. Thirty-four MSLT participants, who attended the sleep unit between 2018 and 2019, completed a questionnaire that was designed to test perception of sleep onset latency by asking them how easy/difficult it was for them to fall asleep on 17 items that came from four categories. The four categories were the 1. sleep unit environment, e.g. noise/ room temperature; 2. the MSLT procedure, e.g. wires/fixed nap times; 3. the MSLT staff e.g. manner/ clarity of explanations and 4. pain/distress unrelated to the test. All items were rated on a five-point Likert scale. Space was provided for written comments for each category. Overall, the relationship with staff had the greatest impact on perceived sleep onset latency. Forty-one percent of participants reported that the provision of a thorough explanation of the day’s procedure helped them fall asleep in naps. Thirty-five percent reported that their own pain and discomfort affected their ability to sleep. Light and noise had little impact. This research indicates that the staff-patient relationship plays a significant role in patient’s experience of the MSLT and may potentially affect test outcomes.