In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant strides in the diagnosis of ailments and illnesses. Here, we explore two groundbreaking advancements and their potential to reshape the way we identify and address sleep apnea alongside how apps and watches can help aid in detection.
X-ray Analysis
At the forefront of AI-driven sleep apnea detection is a revolutionary screening tool developed by Dr. Han-Gil Jeong and his team at Seoul National University. This tool harnesses the power of AI to analyze X-rays of the head and neck, offering an accurate prediction of sleep apnea.
By leveraging AI algorithms, the tool dissects X-ray images with unparalleled precision, identifying subtle variations in the tongue, mouth, or throat. The AI model learns from past X-rays of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, honing in on features too minuscule for human detection.
The identified variations are so small that human experts struggle to recognize them, underscoring the potential of AI in enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Initial tests indicate a high level of accuracy in predicting sleep apnea, promising a more efficient and precise screening process.
Wearable Monitor
Researchers at Georgia Tech have unveiled a cutting-edge wearable device designed to accurately measure obstructive sleep apnea and assess the quality of sleep. Led by W. Hong Yeo, an associate professor at Georgia Tech’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, the team’s innovation could revolutionize the way sleep disorders are diagnosed.
The wearable sleep monitor patch, crafted from silicone, offers an alternative to traditional methods visiting a facility. Fitted over the forehead, with an additional smaller silicone attachment molded to the chin, this device provides a non-intrusive and comfortable solution. This innovation is particularly crucial for detecting obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep.
However, this method also proposes the challenge of not having a specialized sleep doctor present during the sleep study. Taking a sleep study in a clinical setting provides direct relational interactions while being monitored during sleep.
Swallowable Capsules
In a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and West Virginia University, researchers have introduced a swallowable, pill-sized capsule that monitors breathing and heart rate from inside the body.
Participants in research studies ingested the capsules, which then collected vital data throughout the night. The collected data was compared to traditional sleep study devices, revealing a striking similarity in accuracy.
The success of these capsules raises the possibility of replacing conventional monitoring devices used in sleep apnea testing, offering a more comfortable and streamlined diagnostic experience.
AI in Smart Devices
AI is also infiltrating smart devices to enhance sleep diagnosis. A research team from Japan, in collaboration with Four H and Aculys Pharma, is using AI to study and identify sleep disorders. The goal is to build a comprehensive sleep “ecosystem” that improves the overall quality of sleep.
Australian company ResApp has taken a mobile-centric approach with SleepCheck Rx, a mobile phone-based sleep apnea test. Cleared by the United States FDA, this app analyzes records of breathing and snore sounds, providing a convenient and accessible means of screening for apnea.
Singaporean smartwatch brand BUZUD has added oxygen saturation measurement to its products, allowing users to measure and track sleep patterns. This additional capability proves instrumental in identifying sleep apnea, further blurring the lines between traditional healthcare and wearable technology.
The integration of AI into sleep disorder diagnostics is not just a technological leap; it’s a paradigm shift. From X-ray analysis and ingestible capsules to smart devices and mobile apps, these innovations promise a future where sleep disorders are identified with unprecedented accuracy, paving the way for more effective and personalized interventions.
Although AI brings a lot of progress to the diagnosis of sleep apnea and sleep disorders, a consultation with our team can be the added human connection to technological advances. Connect with the Alaska Sleep Clinic for your free consultation.
