PTSD SleepAid: A Circadian Rhythm Monitoring and Regulation system for patients with PTSD

The Department of Defense is concerned about adverse effects of circadian rhythm misalignment on sleep hygiene and well-being of service members and veterans who suffer from symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Intelligent Automation, Inc., University of Central Florida RESTORES center and consultants from Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, propose to develop PTSD SleepAid, an end-to-end sleep treatment system that monitors and regulates circadian rhythm, and engages patients in mind and body training to overcome sleep barriers (traditional as well as PSTD-specific). This work leverages the IAIs technology to monitor and regulate circadian rhythm in general populations and complements it with PTSD-specific sensor modalities (Galvanic skin response), user interfaces (based on user engagement and gamification) and a health provider web portal to address sleep hygiene problems in patients with PTSD. In addition to the light treatment recommendations, PTSD SleepAid will detect deviations of the patients from following treatment instructions (e.g. avoiding day time napping) and provide mind-body training techniques. Integrated use of sensor technologies and engaging/gamified methods will help patients adhere to the treatments. Under this program a web portal will be developed that allows health providers to monitor and interact with patients.