Researchers have developed a new ingestible sleep monitor that measures vital signs in a unique way — as it moves through the digestive system.
Fo older adults, such a novel capsule, which records a person’s breathing and heart rate, is another tech tool that can be used to improve sleep habits without having to use more complex monitoring devices in a research lab.
Older adults are more prone to poor sleep, which in turn puts seniors at higher risk for common age-related conditions such as dementia and frailty.
Sleep apnea affects 70% of nursing home residents, according to one study, which notes that the most serious cases of disturbed sleep can be fatal.
“Our device builds on previously reported systems that all require an external component to be worn on the body, which is not practical for long periods of time,” the researchers stated, adding that the study participants showed no adverse effects from ingesting their capsule.
A commercial version of the device could be made even smaller and last in the stomach for up to one week, transmitting data wirelessly from within the body, the researchers suggest.
The researchers also note that the pill device could be used to help detect opioid overdoses. Deaths from opioid overdose are more likely to happen to younger Americans, but the problem is increasing among older adults as well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even though the researchers behind the ingestible suggest it would be superior to wearables, recent studies suggest that wearable tech nevertheless offers a valuable way to screen for older adult health.
Related to ingestibles, other novel innovations in development include implantable drug delivery systems for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, the McKnight’s Tech Daily recently reported.
