Role of signal processing in wearable devices: application to sleep evaluation

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the possibility of performing a sleep evaluation from the heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory signals. This is particularly useful for non standard sleep measurements based on wearable devices or special sensors inserted in the bed. The HRV and the respiration signals were analysed in the frequency domain and the statistics on the spectral and cross-spectral parameters put into evidence the possibility of a sleep evaluation on their basis instead of the classical polysomnography in a sleep laboratory. Additional information can be achieved from the number of microarousals recognized in correspondence of typical modifications in the HRV signal.