New developments in the area of Wearable Technologies could be just the remedy — and not just in a professional sleep lab setting, but also in the comfort of your home.
Folks who own iPhones can use the device as a sleep monitor. The integrated sensor in the newer smartphone generations makes it possible for such apps as “Sleep Cycle” to monitor sleep after simply placing the smartphone on your mattress.
The Somnus Sleep Shirt by nyx devices monitors the sleep of its wearer via integrated sensors. Results can be evaluated via specific online tools.
The ActiGraph also offers a sleep monitor called ActiSleep. The device’s integrated 3D sensor measures sleep quality by collecting and evaluating such relevant data as sleep onset, sleep latency, total sleep time, number and duration of awakenings and sleep efficiency.
Zeo has two very interesting wearable sleep monitor models on the market, the Sleep Manager Bedside and the Sleep Manager Mobile. The latter can communicate with smartphones with iOS as well as with Android operating systems. The Sleep Manager monitors sleep via its SoftWave™sensor headband. The device, which features a wake alarm function, evaluates the tracked data via a mobile app, online tools and an expert sleep coaching program.
Fatique Science offers its Readiband wristband, a device that analyzes the phases of being asleep and awake. A recent study showed that the ReadiBand™, coupled with its patented classification algorithms, assessed sleep virtually as well as sleep lab polysomnography (93% accurate). The data is evaluated using special software.
The activity monitors fitbit and Jawbone UP can also be used to monitor sleep. These devices “see” sleep as an important part of preventative health care measures. The fitbit clip is worn on a special wristband at night while the wearer is sleeping. It measures sleep durations and overall sleep quality. Data is cordlessly transferred to an online program or a smartphone.
The narrow Jawbone UP wristband tracks sleep duration and waking phases. It can even differentiate between light and deep sleep phases, making for even more precise sleep quality analyses. Collected data can be transferred to a smartphone via the band’s built-in mini-plug, and visualized using the appropriate app. The device also features a wake alarm function. Jawbone UP will be presented at our Wearable Technologies Conference in January, where visitors will be able to learn more about the wristband’s other exciting functions.
