In what type of study does a patient attempt to remain awake in a darkened room?

The correct answer is the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). This study specifically measures a patient's ability to stay awake in a controlled environment, typically in a darkened room. During the MWT, patients are given a series of opportunities to fall asleep, and the goal is to evaluate their ability to resist sleep, which is particularly useful in assessing conditions like narcolepsy or other sleep disorders that affect wakefulness.

The environment is designed to minimize distractions and promote sleep onset, thereby challenging the subject to maintain alertness despite the conducive conditions for sleep. The results from the MWT can help healthcare professionals understand the degree of daytime sleepiness a patient might experience.

The other types of studies mentioned focus on different aspects of sleep and wakefulness. For example, the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MST) evaluates how quickly a person falls asleep in a series of naps but does not measure the ability to remain awake. Polysomnography (PSG) provides comprehensive data on sleep patterns and disturbances during a regular sleep study rather than measuring wakefulness specifically. The Sleep Hygiene Survey (SHS) is an assessment tool related to sleep behaviors and habits rather than a direct observation of wakefulness or sleepiness.