Replacing bulky devices: new clothing has been developed to monitor the quality of our sleep.

Sleep issues affect millions of people, yet they can be challenging to monitor, especially at home. In an effort to improve this situation, researchers have developed a smart pajama that tracks and transmits data about our sleep to doctors in real-time.

https://focus.ua/technologies/694245-na-smenu-gromozdkim-apparatam-sozdana-odezhda-otslezhivayushchaya-kachestvo-nashego-sna2025-02-19 07:50:25

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have introduced an innovative method for monitoring sleep disorders: comfortable, easily washable smart pajamas equipped with sensors printed on the fabric. These sensors detect subtle skin movements related to breathing, even when the clothing fits snugly around the neck and chest, providing a non-intrusive alternative to traditional methods of tracking nightly rest, reports University of Cambridge.

Under the guidance of Professor Luigi Occhipinti from the Cambridge Graphene Centre, the team of scientists developed a new pajama design to overcome the limitations of current sleep monitoring techniques. Traditional methods, such as polysomnography (PSG), are often expensive, complex, and unsuitable for prolonged home use.

Alternative home devices can be bulky or uncomfortable, while wearable devices like smartwatches may only estimate sleep quality without identifying specific disorders. The smart pajamas aim to provide a solution that is both comfortable for nighttime wear and sufficiently accurate for meaningful insights into sleep quality. The integrated sensors work with a lightweight artificial intelligence algorithm called SleepNet, capable of detecting six different sleep states, including nasal breathing, mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, central sleep apnea (CSA), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — with an accuracy of 98.6%.

The pajama system effectively filters out ordinary movements during sleep, such as tossing and turning, ensuring that only significant data is analyzed. The energy-efficient design requires minimal sleep samples to distinguish regular sleep from disordered sleep, making it highly effective for everyday use.

In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, the smart pajamas are designed with user practicality and comfort in mind, the authors stated. The fabric undergoes a special starching process to enhance the durability of the sensors, allowing the garments to withstand regular machine washes without compromising functionality, according to a study published in the journal PNAS.

Furthermore, the latest version includes wireless data transmission capabilities, enabling secure transfer of sleep data to smartphones or computers for further analysis. This feature facilitates continuous monitoring and provides users with accessible information to discuss with healthcare professionals. The development of these "smart" pajamas opens up significant possibilities for millions of individuals suffering from sleep disorders, offering them and their doctors a convenient and effective method for home monitoring.

Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, are widespread and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Traditional diagnostic methods often require overnight stays in specialized clinics, which can be inconvenient and costly. The emergence of smart pajamas could provide a comfortable, accurate, and non-invasive alternative for monitoring sleep conditions in the comfort of one's home, potentially improving the rates at which individuals seek such assistance.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing problems, please consult a specialist.