Sleep Detection in Residents of Long-term Care Facilities

Sleep disorders are common among older people. People who suffer from sleep disorders typically have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, wake up early and do not get restful sleep.

Research on sleep disorders in humans is already underway. Previous research projects in humans have shown that sleep disorders have an impact on bodily functions and quality of life. Disruptions to the sleep-wake cycle can also affect memory. Previous research projects have examined the measurement differences between polysomnography, an overnight sleep measurement in a sleep laboratory, which is currently the gold standard, and various contactless sleep sensor systems. The measurement differences are minor to moderate. However, the investigators do not yet know how large the difference is between different days when using contactless sleep sensor systems in order to determine the accuracy of such devices for residents in retirement and nursing homes.

In this research project, the investigator are therefore investigating sleep variability over a period of 14 days in 52 residents of retirement and nursing homes in Switzerland in order to be able to assess the smallest detectable difference in sleep quality.

The investigators are conducting this research project in accordance with Swiss law. The investigators also comply with all internationally recognized guidelines. The responsible ethics committee has reviewed and approved the research project.