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Wearables in Practice: A literature review examining the current research on wearable sleep measuring technology in mental healthcare.

Freimann, Michael (2018) Wearables in Practice: A literature review examining the current research on wearable sleep measuring technology in mental healthcare.

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Abstract:Introduction: Wearable sleep measuring technology has established its place in the modern western society as useful tools to measure sleep related health behaviour in- and outside a professional medical environment. This non-invasive technology could bring about changes in the mental health sector and a consideration to be made is whether or not this novel technology is being investigated upon in order to recognize its potential for the mental health sector. Methods: Literature was obtained via two different databases: PsycInfo and Scopus. A total amount of 17 studies has been thoroughly selected and analyzed for this review. Citations were also extracted in order to illustrate and analyze the main findings of studies considering wearable sleep technology. Results: Almost half of the studies made use of commercially available devices (FitBit, Actiwatch etc.) even though a general trend of researchers developing their own wearable measuring devices was observable. The main focus of studies lied on general sleep research themes or neurological impairments rather than mental disorders and most studies were conducted for shorter than a month. Discussion: The focus of research lies on patients with neurological impairments or mentally and physically healthy people in order to measure the general effects of sleep on health. No study has been found that investigates on psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders. More than half of the studies reviewed do not make use of the potential that wearable sleep measuring technology has to offer as they have been conducted for less than a month or as little as one night. Most studies made use of self-build devices to conduct wearable sleep measuring research which illustrates the fact that wearable devices can be used in a customizable manner. Customized wearables devices have to be viewed with caution, however, as too many self-build devices could from problems to find a consensus of devices used in the field.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/76164
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