Patch system for monitoring and enhancing sleep and circadian rhythm alignment
Inventors
Fernandes, Gustavo E. • Van Reen, Eliza
Assignees
Circadian Positioning Systems Inc
Publication Number
US-11642490-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-09
Expiration Date
2039-01-25
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Abstract
Disclosed are novel compositions, devices, patches, systems and methods that are useful for estimating, determining, modulating and/or improving the sleep/wake and/or circadian phase of a subject (e.g., a human subject) by the dispensing of measured quantities of agents to a subject or into an environment of the subject and the continuous monitoring and/or tracking of the subject's consciousness (e.g., sleep/wake) patterns. In certain aspects, the compositions, devices, patches, systems and methods disclosed herein are capable of delivering one or more agents to a subject in response to measured consciousness patterns estimations and circadian phase estimations, thereby aligning the subject's circadian biology to the external environment and improving the quality and duration of sleep.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses novel compositions, devices, patches, systems, and methods for estimating, determining, modulating, and improving the sleep/wake and circadian phase of a subject by dispensing measured quantities of agents and continuously monitoring the subject's consciousness patterns, such as sleep/wake patterns. These systems and devices are capable of delivering agents in response to estimated consciousness patterns and circadian phases, aligning the subject's circadian biology with the external environment and enhancing the quality and duration of sleep.
The invention addresses the problem of misalignment between a subject's internal circadian timing system and the external environment, which negatively impacts physiological and behavioral processes such as alertness, performance, metabolism, and sleep quality. Existing treatments like light and melatonin require precise timing to avoid undesired outcomes, and there is a lack of minimally invasive, safe, and effective systems that can acquire feedback and perform personalized adjustments. The invention proposes new devices and methods capable of continuously tracking circadian states and delivering stimuli or pharmacological agents transdermally or via olfactory means to modulate the circadian phase and improve sleep and performance.
The core innovation includes wearable skin patches with integrated sensors and actuators, microcontrollers, memory, communications interfaces, and controlled delivery systems for transdermal administration of agents. The patches monitor sleep, activity, polysomnographic data, and environmental factors like light exposure to estimate circadian phases and deliver appropriate agents such as caffeine, melatonin, or olfactory stimuli to modulate sleep and circadian rhythms. Additionally, the invention encompasses systems that dispense olfactory agents into the environment, controlled by algorithms that adapt delivery based on continuous monitoring, enabling real-time personalized modulation of consciousness patterns and circadian states.
Claims Coverage
The claims include two independent claims focusing on a wearable patch and a method for modulating circadian phase through monitoring and agent delivery.
Patch for monitoring circadian and sleep patterns with controlled agent delivery
A wearable patch comprising a microcontroller, memories, communications interface, battery, and electrical pads to contact skin and collect polysomnographic data including brainwave, eye movement, muscle tone, consciousness, and actigraphy data to estimate circadian phase; one or more actuating devices configured for controlled transdermal delivery of agents altering circadian rhythm based on estimated circadian phase; a container encasing all components; and communication capabilities with other patches including signal propagation on skin.
Method for modulating circadian phase using wearable patch with sensing and transdermal delivery
A method involving initializing a wearable skin patch positioned on a subject including microcontroller and sensors; collecting polysomnographic, consciousness, and actigraphy data; estimating circadian phase based on collected data; and delivering one or more agents via controlled transdermal delivery through at least one nozzle based on estimated circadian phase to modulate circadian and consciousness patterns in response to the subject's environment.
The claims cover a novel wearable patch system and associated method that continuously monitor multiple physiological and environmental parameters to estimate circadian phase and deliver agents transdermally in a controlled manner to modulate sleep and circadian rhythms, with capabilities for communication and coordinated operation with other patches.
Stated Advantages
Enhancement of physiological and cognitive processes by aligning circadian biology with the external environment.
Safe, minimally invasive, and effective systems capable of real-time feedback acquisition and personalized adjustment for different subjects and changing environments.
Ability to monitor multiple signals including polysomnographic, activity, environmental light, and biochemical markers to optimize delivery timing of agents.
Integration of olfactory agent delivery as a non-pharmaceutical based, safe intervention for sensitive populations including newborns and individuals with special needs.
Use of communication interfaces enabling coordination among multiple patches and systems for comprehensive monitoring and agent delivery.
Documented Applications
Improving sleep quality and circadian alignment in military personnel for mission-critical work.
Use in medical settings for chronotherapy to reduce medication side effects and optimize administration timing.
Applications in space for astronauts to manage sleep and circadian disruption.
Deployment in pediatric populations, including infants and children with autism, to facilitate sleep tracking and improvement.
Use by professionals requiring performance at various circadian phases, such as shift workers, athletes, pilots, truck drivers, and emergency responders.
Environmental olfactory agent dispensing systems to modulate circadian phases and consciousness patterns within homes, offices, vehicles, or other spaces.
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