Salzburg Research is collaborating with academic and industry partners to investigate how smart mattresses and breathing pillows can improve sleep quality. This recent study is the first to examine these technologies in a realistic home environment, providing important data for the further development of digital sleep technologies.

How technology can help you fall asleep

Good sleep is essential for health, performance, and quality of life. Salzburg Research is therefore working with partners to explore how innovative technologies could help people to fall asleep and improve their sleep quality. The focus is on a smart mattress combined with a breathing pillow that gently supports breathing. Using artificial intelligence, the system analyses breathing patterns in real time and encourages calm breathing as the user falls asleep. Meanwhile, the mattress non-invasively detects physiological signals such as heart rate, breathing, and various sleep stages.

Realitätsnahe Studie liefert wertvolle Schlafdaten

Im Rahmen einer Studie wird das System nun unter realitätsnahen Bedingungen getestet. Rund 30 gesunde Erwachsene verbringen jeweils zwei Nächte in einer wohnlich eingerichteten Umgebung, die als Schlaflabor dient. Dieses Setting ermöglicht eine Untersuchung, die näher am Alltag der Teilnehmenden liegt als klassische Laborstudien. Während der Nächte testen die Teilnehmenden unterschiedliche Varianten eines Atemkissens. Parallel dazu erfassen mehrere Sensorsysteme umfangreiche Schlafdaten, unter anderem mittels Polysomnographie als Referenzmessung. Die Studie liefert damit eine wichtige Datengrundlage, um Schlafparameter zuverlässig zu erfassen und neue Technologien zur Schlafunterstützung weiterzuentwickeln.

Salzburg Research: Expertise in sleep analysis and AI

Salzburg Research is taking on key responsibilities for data collection and analysis in the study. The researchers are developing methods to analyze sleep and respiratory data and are working on algorithms that can accurately identify sleep stages and physiological signals. The aim is to advance the development of smart sensor systems and digital health solutions in the field of sleep technology.

Participants sought for the study

The study is currently seeking participants aged 18-65. Those who are interested can find out about innovative technologies designed to improve sleep and gain an understanding of their own sleep quality.

For more information on how to participate, visit the project website: sleepbuddy.salzburgresearch.at

The “Sleepbuddy” study is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Salzburg, Somnox, LOIDL Consulting, and Das Gesundheitshaus, and is funded by the FFG as part of the Eureka Eurostars program.