EEG Insomnia Assessment Using Eyes-Open and Eyes-Closed Alpha Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing insomnia are subjective and lack objective parameters, relying on sleep questionnaires that are prone to inconsistencies due to varying sleep patterns and vigilance levels, and polysomnography is complex and expensive, making it inaccessible for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A device that records EEG signals during eyes-open and eyes-closed periods, analyzing the proportion of α waves to objectively assess insomnia by comparing the relative change in α/β wave ratios, using a fast Fourier transform for signal processing and incorporating additional electrophysiological signals to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sleep questionnaires are used for insomnia diagnosis, then the diagnosis can be made based on subjective state, but the reliability is poor due to subjectivity and dependency on previous sleep pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective questionnaire-based diagnosis with objective EEG-based measurement. The system uses electroencephalography to record brain wave patterns during eyes-open and eyes-closed periods, providing quantitative, objective data about sleep readiness and relaxation capacity rather than relying on subjective patient reports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces EEG signals as an intermediary between the patient's sleep state and the diagnosis. By measuring objective brain wave parameters (α wave proportion during eyes-closed periods) rather than directly asking patients about their sleep quality, the system obtains an intermediate objective marker that reliably indicates insomnia status.
2Reliability
If polysomnography is used for insomnia diagnosis, then objective parameters can be obtained, but the device complexity and cost are high making it inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential component needed for insomnia diagnosis from complex polysomnography - specifically the EEG measurement during eyes-open and eyes-closed periods. By focusing solely on this one critical parameter (proportion of α waves during eyes-closed period) rather than measuring multiple sleep parameters simultaneously, the system achieves objective diagnosis capability with simplified equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the polysomnography protocol into a simplified version that only measures EEG during specific eyes-open and eyes-closed periods. This segmentation allows the system to obtain objective insomnia parameters without requiring the full complexity of comprehensive sleep monitoring equipment and laboratory settings.
3Reliability
If EEG recording is performed during eyes-open and eyes-closed periods, then objective insomnia parameter can be determined, but the measurement time and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by recording EEG during only specific eyes-open and eyes-closed periods rather than continuously throughout the entire sleep cycle. By selectively measuring during these specific states when the Berger effect is most pronounced, the system obtains sufficient objective data for insomnia diagnosis without requiring prolonged measurement time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides an objective and reliable diagnosis of insomnia, reducing subjectivity and environmental influence, allowing self-use in a home environment with high sensitivity and specificity, and facilitating cost-effective sleep stage detection.
Implementation Method 1
electroencephalography (EEG) signals for recording the electrical activity of the brain
Implementation Method 2
electrooculography (EOG) signals for recording eye movements
Implementation Method 3
electromyography (EMG) signals for recording muscle activity in the head area
Implementation Method 4
The α waves occur primarily when the eyes are closed and the individual is relaxed and awake, and are replaced by β waves when the eyes are opened, and vice versa. This phenomenon is known as the Berger effect.
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) is used to determine insomnia in a patient (8). It has a sensor unit (2) for recording at least one EEG measurement signal of a brain wave of the patient (8) and a control and evaluation unit (3) for evaluating the recorded EEG measurement signal. The control and evaluation unit (3) is configured to carry out an objective assessment routine and in doing so, for the subsequent recording of the EEG measurement signal, to give the patient (8) a stipulation to open his eyes for the duration of an eyes-open period and to close his eyes for the duration of an eyes-closed period, and then to initiate the recording of the EEG measurement signal during at least one eyes-open period and during at least one eyes-closed period. The control and evaluation unit (3) is further configured to perform an evaluation of the EEG measurement signal thus recorded and in doing so to extract from the EEG measurement signal at least one first partial measurement signal from the at least one eyes-open period and at least one second partial measurement signal from the at least one eyes-closed period, and to decide on the presence of insomnia if the at least one second partial measurement signal from the at least one eyes-closed period has a lower proportion of α waves than in a healthy individual.