VirtualSleepLab – Virtual sleep laboratory

Healthy sleep is a basic human need. However, approximately 17 million people in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (around 20-25 percent of the population) suffer from very poor sleep quality.

The situation in inpatient care is at odds with the prevalence of the problem, the suffering it causes, and the economic costs. Many wearables and sleep aid apps do not withstand scientific evaluation. Sleep is also of great interest in recreational and competitive sports.

The Virtual Sleep Laboratory (VSL) aims to address these issues. It provides a low-threshold, scientifically based digital service to help people with poor sleep quality improve it.

1. Development and evaluation of a sensor configuration for ambulatory sleep measurement.
2. Development and evaluation of algorithms for assessing sleep quality.
3. Development and evaluation of interventions for sleep optimization/improvement.

So-called sleep nuggets (8-12 minutes, derived from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) have been developed to improve sleep. Making an informed assessment of one’s sleep should also help optimize sleep quality with the Level-X mattress system from Das Gesundheitshaus GmbH.

Planned measures:

• Sensor Network Development:
  Identify possible sensor configurations that enable reliable sleep analysis, are cost-effective, and are easy for end users to operate. Additionally, design a data infrastructure that allows the selected sensors to connect wirelessly to a smartphone.
• Laboratory Test to Assess Sleep Quality:
  In parallel with the expensive and complex laboratory reference methods (the gold standard), a sensor network collects data on movement, heart activity, and respiratory activity to generate reference data for algorithm development.
• Data Analysis and Algorithm Development:
  Various machine learning methods, such as long short-term memory networks, are used to classify sleep data into four stages based on sensor data. Similarly, we aim to develop a meaningful indicator of sleep quality (E-SQI) that corresponds closely to the subjective perception of sleep quality.
• Development of Questionnaires
  for the subjective recording and assessment of sleep quality and mechanical pressure when lying down, for the individual adjustment of the Level-X mattress system.
• Development and digital implementation of audio and video nuggets:
  We rely on empirically validated elements of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to treat sleep problems. According to European guidelines, CBT-I is the preferred non-pharmacological treatment method. These elements include stimulus control, relaxation techniques, and clips on sleep hygiene and cognitive restructuring to stabilize the sleep-wake cycle.
• Final Field Study with Demonstrator App:
  The goal is to validate the results in a natural sleeping environment. This includes developing a demonstrator app that tests and records acceptance of and engagement with the provided application and technologies.

Partner organizations: University of Salzburg (Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Department of Mathematics, Laboratory for Sleep & Consciousness Research), Das Gesundheitshaus GmbH, Red Bull Athlete Performance Center