Innovative Stick-On Sleep Monitor Enhances Detection of Sleep Disorders
A new wearable sleep monitoring device developed by Northwestern University offers precise detection of sleep stages and disorders, providing a comfortable alternative for at-home sleep assessments.
Scientists from Northwestern University have developed a cutting-edge, wearable sleep monitoring device that offers detailed insights into sleep stages and conditions. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , this wireless sensor adheres gently to the skin at the base of the neck, providing a more comfortable and less intrusive alternative to traditional sleep tracking methods.
Led by Dr. John A. Rogers, a renowned expert in materials and biomedical engineering, the device accurately classifies sleep stages—including wakefulness, non-REM, and REM sleep—by capturing a variety of mechanical signals such as respiratory patterns, body movements, and orientation. It also monitors core body temperature and heart rate, thanks to its placement near the carotid artery.
One of the notable features of this device is its ability to detect sleep disruptions like snoring and respond by vibrating to encourage repositioning, promoting more restful sleep. Data collected by the device is transmitted via Bluetooth to an advanced machine learning system called LMA-SleepNet, which analyzes over 140 signals to generate a personalized sleep profile. This allows users and healthcare providers to better understand sleep quality, identify disorders like sleep apnea, and tailor treatment plans.
Compared to wrist- or finger-based trackers, this device's placement on the neck offers superior insights into respiratory activity and body positioning which are often overlooked. The technology has been validated through clinical testing involving healthy individuals and sleep apnea patients aged 19 to 75.
Furthermore, the device is cost-effective, with production costs comparable to existing market options, making it a promising tool for at-home sleep assessment. Its ability to provide detailed, real-time sleep analysis has the potential to significantly improve the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-smarter-accurate-disorders.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Poor Sleep Linked to 172 Diseases Including Dementia and Diabetes
New research reveals that poor sleep patterns are linked to over 170 diseases, emphasizing the importance of sleep for long-term health and disease prevention.
Understanding the Similarities Between Chemo Brain and the Aging Brain to Improve Cognitive Health
New research uncovers the similarities between chemo brain and aging-related cognitive decline, highlighting potential therapies to enhance brain health and cognition for patients and older adults alike.
Nighttime Blood Pressure Medication Dosing Enhances Nocturnal and Daytime Blood Pressure Control: Findings from a Clinical Trial
A clinical trial finds that taking blood pressure medications at night improves nocturnal and daytime blood pressure management, offering a promising strategy to combat hypertension and reduce cardiovascular risks.
Evaluating the Impact of Denoising Techniques on Diffusion MRI for Glaucoma Diagnosis
A recent study assesses how denoising algorithms impact the accuracy of diffusion MRI in detecting fiber pathway abnormalities in glaucoma, highlighting their limited influence on diagnostic results despite improving image appearance.