270 Sleep Enhancement Technology: A Survey of Devices

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Innovations in consumer sleep technologies have risen exponentially and providers struggle to keep up with patient expectations in this arena. Although there is high quality data on the validity on commercial sleep monitoring devices, there has been a rise in devices for the explicit purpose of sleep enhancement. We sought to identify existing consumer sleep devices that claim to enhance sleep, provide a comprehensive review of the main characteristics of these devices, and look into the types of evidence the developers offered to support their claims. Methods Using a scoping review framework we identified and mapped out the main characteristics of sleep enhancement devices in the consumer market. We systematically used a common search engine and the FDA database using various combinations of sleep-related search terms, such as “sleep enhancement device”. Through an iterative process, we identified and categorized devices based on the intervention target. Devices that were exclusively for clinical use and required a prescription, such as for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea or diagnosed insomnia, were excluded. Results We identified 34 sleep enhancement devices, all 34 were found via web search and one was also found in the FDA Database. We defined the following overlapping categories: reduce sleep latency (94.1%), increase restorative sleep (17.6%), and/or “other” (32.4%). About half of the devices use sound (44.1%), 26.5% use visual stimuli, and 11.8% use vibration. Additionally, roughly a third of all devices claim to entrain brain signals associated with sleep. Half of devices found operate near the bed without being in contact with the consumer, 44.1% are worn on the body, and the remaining 5.9% operate in bed, near the consumer. Conclusion For the most part, commercial sleep enhancement devices target sleep latency or claim to increase the restorative power of sleep. These devices generally use auditory, visual, and vibratory stimuli, and half are worn on the body. Lack of evidence supporting whether these devices actually improve sleep questions the utility of such devices and demonstrates the need for validation standards for consumer sleep enhancement devices. Support (if any) Department of Defense Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP)