September 23, 2008
Mobile Phone for Sleep Disorders?
Researchers from Tampere University of Technology and the University of Helsinki, Finland have developed what they are calling the "first health-promoting mobile phone technology in the world."
While screening and diagnosing sleep disorders, researchers noticed that mobile phones have a very sensitive microphone that can detect subtile vocalizations and sounds produced by movements in the bed during night-time.
The sensitive microphone recording could also be used in monitoring other aspects of sleep. The detection of restless sleep, leg movements associated with the restless leg syndrome and screening for snoring and sleep apnea are possible by employing the same technology. The technology makes it possible to perform several repeated all-night recordings and to diagnose sleep disorders in countries and areas with no previous sleep recording facilities. The new technology is extremely cost-efficient, compared to the use of existing special medical recording devices.
Based on the new technology, the sleep research group developed the smart alarm clock for mobile phones called HappyWakeUp. The smart alarm clock gives an alarm signal in the morning just before the ultimate alarm time, if the sleeping subject is awake or "almost awake" due to the natural sleep rhythms. During these moments, the body and brain are already awake and waking up is natural and easy. It is described as an arousal clock rather than an alarm clock."
The alarm time is set normally with the mobile phone. The mobile phone is located beneath the pillow or the bed linen or near the sleeping subject. The appropriate almost-awake moments are detected by using the microphone and statistical analysis of sounds emitted by the person. During the last 20 minutes before the ultimate alarm time, the analysis is activated to give a soft alarm signal, if there are movements indicating that the sleeping subject is awake or "almost awake". If the subject is sleeping calmly, no alarm signal is given before the ultimate alarm time.
According to the researchers, "the alarm signal during deep sleep is stressful and familiar to everyone, but with the smart alarm clock this is avoided. After a trial period of some days or a week, the benefits are noticed." The continuous use of the clock helps the internal clock in your brain learn the proper sleep rhythms. The researchers point out that more studies are needed and HappyWakeUp is not a medical product or treatment to any disease but offers possiblities for future treatments.
Posted by rsk at September 23, 2008 01:49 PM