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A smart pajama top has been created to help detect sleep disorders and provide an alternative to visiting a sleep clinic. The garment, developed at the University of Cambridge in England, is integrated with a series of graphene strain sensors that sense subtle vibrations in the neck muscles, even when the pajama top is worn loosely.
The sensors embedded in the shirt can identify six different sleep states with 98.6% accuracy while ignoring regular movements such as tossing and turning. The data collected is transmitted to a nearby device where it is processed using SleepNet, a “lightweight” artificial intelligence program designed by the researchers.
Home devices that are simpler than polysomnography, such as home sleep tests, typically focus on a single condition and are bulky or uncomfortable. Wearable devices such as smartwatches, while more comfortable than testing equipment, can only infer sleep quality and are not effective for accurately monitoring disordered sleep.
By treating the smart pajamas with a special starching step, scientists were able to improve the sensors’ durability so they can be run through a regular washing machine.
The researchers are hoping to adapt the sensors for a range of health conditions or home uses, such as baby monitoring. They are also working to improve the durability of the sensors for long-term use.