During an MSLT, what descriptor fits a total score of 10 with regard to managing daytime sleepiness?

A total score of 10 on the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) suggests a predefined level of daytime sleepiness that is considered troublesome, but not necessarily severe. The MSLT measures how quickly an individual falls asleep in a quiet environment during the day and assigns scores based on the time it takes to fall asleep. In general, lower scores indicate greater levels of daytime sleepiness, while higher scores reflect better alertness and reduced sleepiness.

A score of 10 indicates that the individual may experience some difficulties with daytime alertness, suggesting a level of sleepiness that could interfere with daily activities and productivity. This categorization helps in understanding the impact of sleepiness on quality of life and is significant in diagnosing conditions such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

Scores below a certain threshold are typically characterized as severe or minimal, while a score of 10 logically falls into the range that is concerning enough to warrant attention but not at a drastic level to be labeled as severe. Thus, identifying this score as troublesome reflects an understanding that while the individual may not be severely affected, there are still notable challenges regarding daytime sleepiness that require management or intervention.