Light Therapy Mask with Integrated Sleep Apnea Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating circadian rhythm sleep disorders and sleep apnea are either invasive, impractical, or ineffective, lacking a fully automated, non-invasive solution that can be used in various conditions, such as during travel or at work, and fail to accurately detect sleep apnea occurrences during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A light therapy mask equipped with a data management system, including a printed circuit board, electrodes, a pulse oximeter, and a thermometer, which generates a personalized light therapy schedule based on user data to adjust sleep patterns and detect sleep stages, including automatic detection of sleep apnea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light therapy is used to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders, then sleep-wake timing can be adjusted, but the treatment requires manual intervention and is not fully automated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors sleep stages, detects sleep apnea events, and adjusts light therapy delivery without requiring user intervention. The processor autonomously determines when to activate light sources based on detected sleep parameters, making the treatment self-regulating and fully automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sleep stage data and sleep apnea detection results, using this feedback to adjust light therapy parameters in real-time. The processor modifies light intensity and timing based on detected physiological states, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user needs dynamically.
2Measurement precision
If sleep apnea detection is performed using conventional methods, then breathing cessation can be detected, but it cannot determine whether the patient was actually asleep
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated device: sleep stage detection using electrodes, breathing cessation detection using airflow or movement sensors, and light therapy delivery. This merging allows the system to distinguish between awake and asleep states while detecting apnea events, achieving accurate sleep apnea diagnosis without requiring separate complex systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fully automated non-invasive system is developed for treating circadian rhythm disorders, then the system can be used in all conditions including work and travel, but such a system does not currently exist on the market
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple functions within a single wearable device: it monitors sleep stages, detects sleep apnea events, delivers light therapy for circadian rhythm adjustment, and provides data management. This multi-functionality enables the system to be used across various conditions including work, travel, and home environments without requiring multiple separate devices.
4Reliability
If light therapy schedule is personalized based on user data, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but data collection and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically collects sleep stage data, detects apnea events, and generates personalized light therapy schedules without requiring manual user input or complex external data processing. The processor autonomously analyzes collected physiological data and determines optimal treatment parameters, simplifying the data management process while maintaining high personalization levels.
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
The system effectively lessens sleep disorder symptoms by providing a non-invasive, fully automated solution that adjusts light therapy schedules based on user data, improving sleep quality and detecting sleep apnea accurately, thereby reducing associated disturbances and health risks.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse oximeter... configured to measure data including a body temperature of a user
Implementation Method 2
a thermometer... configured to measure data including a body temperature of a user
Implementation Method 3
one or more electrodes... configured to measure data including a body temperature of a user
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of light apertures... such that when the mask is worn, light from the one or more lights passes through the plurality of light apertures to reach the user's eyes
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for treating or lessening sleep disorder symptoms. The system comprising a mask configured to establish a snug fit against a user's eyes and a device including a data management system and a user interface, wherein the device is coupled to the mask. The mask includes a printed circuit board, an accelerometer, one or more therapy lights, one or more electrodes, a pulse oximeter, and a thermometer, wherein the pulse oximeter, thermometer, accelerometer, and electrodes are connected to the printed circuit board, collect data, and send data to the printed circuit board. The device generates a light therapy schedule based on data received from the user through the user interface and data from the mask.