Contact Free, Under-the-Mattress Sleep Monitoring Allows Detection of Long-Term Trends in Well-Being and Improves Sleep

Circadian rhythms and athletic performance are strongly related. The research about the effect of rest and sleep over training, performance and injuries is abundant. However, long-term monitoring of sleep remains an unresolved challenge. Either you have a full cumbersome polysomnography or you settle for a low-resolution wristband.

A novel contact-free technology developed by EarlySense® allows both accurate and non-obtrusive assessment of sleep. The technology uses a highly sensitive piezo-electric sensor, with a wide dynamic range capable of measuring gross body movements, as well as the more subtle chest wall movements, and even the tiniest vibrations of the cardio-ballistic effect which is caused by the contraction of the ventricles of the heart. By analyzing these range of motions, the system measures: movement, respiration rate and heart rate. Using these three parameters, the system calculates a full disclosure of heart rate variability, arrhythmias, respiration rate variability, apnea and sleep stages during the night.

Usage of the system under the mattress in a seamless way allows long-term monitoring and detection of physiological trends, including resting heart rate (preferably during deep sleep), sleep schedule to monitor adequate rest and trends in HRV as indicators of fitness level.

The system also allows improved sleep. One implementation is using the system to control air conditions. An optimal temperature profile is generated throughout the night in order to support better sleep efficiency by shortening sleep onset, increasing the restorative deep sleep and reducing the number of awakenings.