Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking for Nightshift Work

(SENSE Trial)

This trial aims to improve sleep tracking for nightshift workers by testing a new method that uses multiple sensors and smart technology. The goal is to more accurately detect daytime sleep, often misreported with current methods. Participants will have their sleep monitored either in a lab using both single-sensor and multi-sensor methods or at home with the multi-sensor approach. The trial seeks individuals who work fixed night shifts at least three times a week and have done so for at least six months. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance sleep health for nightshift workers.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that using multiple sensors to track sleep is safe for nightshift workers. Studies have found that this method improves the detection of daytime sleep by 43.4%, a significant improvement over using just one sensor. No reports of harmful side effects from using multiple sensors have emerged, indicating it is well-tolerated.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to track sleep quality using multiple sensors, which could be a game-changer for people working night shifts. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on a single sensor, like a wrist-worn actigraphy device, this trial uses a combination of sensors from smart devices, including watches and phones. By harnessing advanced machine learning algorithms, the multi-sensor approach aims to provide a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of sleep patterns. This could lead to better understanding and management of sleep for those who work irregular hours, potentially improving their overall health and well-being.

This trial will compare single-sensor and multi-sensor sleep tracking methods for nightshift workers. Studies have shown that using multiple sensors with machine learning greatly improves the accuracy of sleep tracking for nightshift workers. Traditional methods, which use just one sensor, often miss much of the actual daytime sleep, accurately capturing it only about half the time. The multi-sensor approach, which participants in this trial may experience, combines data from various devices, such as watches and phones, to provide a more accurate picture. This method is particularly beneficial for nightshift workers, whose sleep patterns differ from the norm. Research indicates that this advanced system better detects when someone is truly asleep during the day, leading to more reliable results.¹²⁴⁶⁷