23 May
A study, titled “Evolving trends in novel sleep tracking and sleep testing technology publications between 2020 and 2022,” is a comprehensive review that analyzed 96 publications to understand the landscape of new sleep technologies.This study, titled “Evolving trends in novel sleep tracking and sleep testing technology publications between 2020 and 2022,” is a comprehensive review that analyzed 96 publications to understand the landscape of new sleep technologies.
Study Objectives: The researchers, on behalf of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Emerging Technology Committee, aimed to:
• Identify trends in scientific publications related to novel sleep tracking and testing technologies.
• Categorize these technologies by type, purpose, and underlying methodology.
• Examine study designs, funding sources, and the populations involved in the research.
• Highlight gaps in the current research and provide recommendations for future studies in this rapidly evolving field.
Methodology: This was a systematic review where researchers meticulously searched scientific databases for relevant articles published between 2020 and 2022. They then screened these articles based on specific criteria to select the 96 studies included in their analysis. The selected studies were then thoroughly examined to extract information about the technologies, study designs, and outcomes.
Types of Technologies Examined: The review encompassed a broad range of novel sleep technologies, including:
• Wearable Devices: Such as smart rings, smartwatches, patches, and headbands, which are popular for continuous sleep tracking.
• Non-Wearable Devices: Including under-mattress sensors and smartphone applications, which offer less intrusive ways to monitor sleep.
• Specific Device Types: The studies covered technologies used for general sleep tracking, as well as those specifically designed for the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and insomnia. Many of these technologies leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced algorithms to interpret sleep data.
Expanded Key Findings:
• Focus on Validation: A significant portion of the reviewed studies focused on validating the accuracy and reliability of these new technologies, often by comparing them to polysomnography (PSG), which is the gold standard for sleep studies.
• Industry Funding and Regulatory Status: Studies evaluating devices for sleep apnoea diagnosis were more likely to be supported by industry funding and involve technologies that had received FDA clearance or approval. In contrast, many consumer-grade sleep trackers often lacked such regulatory oversight, and the research on these was less frequently industry-funded.
• Lack of Diversity in Study Populations: The review noted a general lack of diverse populations in the studies, suggesting that the effectiveness and accuracy of these technologies might not be well-understood across different demographics.
• Rapid Innovation vs. Research Pace: The authors observed that the pace of technological innovation in sleep health is significantly faster than the rate of robust scientific research evaluating these devices.
Gaps and Recommendations: The study concluded that despite the rapid advancement of sleep technology, there are critical gaps in research. The authors recommended:
• More Independent Research: Encouraging studies that are not solely funded by the industry to ensure unbiased results.
• Diverse Study Populations: Including a wider range of participants in studies to ensure the generalisation of findings.
• Longitudinal Studies: Conducting longer-term studies to understand the sustained impact and utility of these technologies.
• Focus on Clinical Outcomes: Shifting research emphasis from mere accuracy validation to how these technologies can genuinely improve patient care and health outcomes.
This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the state of new sleep technologies, highlighting both their potential and the crucial need for more rigorous and independent research to ensure they truly benefit public health.
In a nutshell, while new sleep tracking and testing gadgets are booming, scientists are still working to provide solid, unbiased evidence to help us understand their full potential and limitations.