Evaluation of Wearable Technologies for Sleep Monitoring in Children and Adolescents

This study aims to evaluate the viability of the combined use of wearable and portable technologies for sleep staging. The results will be compared with polysomnography, in order to achieve clinical and diagnostic validation. Three domains of devices will be used:

• Movement sensors: Devices equipped with movement sensors (such as an accelerometer) able to monitor movement over the using period, converting this information in data related to the sleep-wakefulness cycle. In this category, the reference devices are the actimeters/actigraphs (ACT). Its use is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to the diagnosis of insomnia and circadian sleep disorders, and should be used for 3 to 14 consecutive days. Other wearable devices, such as smartwatches, are also used with the same purpose, although not validated for clinical use.
• Wearable EEG band: EEG is a mandatory feature for type-1 polysomnography and a requirement for regular sleep staging. The project will utilize a wearable EEG band in combination with actigraphy and a ring oximeter to improve the estimation of sleep stages. This study will test wearable EEG bands with the following minimal specifications: dry EEG electrodes (no need for paste, gel, or other conductors), presented as a headband or stripe, a minimal sampling rate of 500Hz, noise, high and low filters, a battery lasting at least 8 hours, a maximum weight of 200g (including the whole device), and support for Bluetooth connection.
• Ring oximeter: The project will utilize a ring oximter to record the overnight blood oxygen levels, heart rates, and body movements.