Slow wave activity optimization based on dominant peripheral nervous system oscillations
Inventors
de Zambotti, Massimiliano • Baker, Fiona C. • Colrain, Ian M. • Forouzanfar, Mohamad • Goldstone, Aimee • Willoughby, Adrian
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11938322-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-26
Expiration Date
2038-07-17
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Abstract
Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses used for slow wave activity (SWA) optimization. An example method includes receiving one or more bio-signals from a user and classifying sleep stages by processing the bio-signals. The method further include determining dominant peripheral nervous system (PNS) oscillations based on the bio-signals and as a function of time and stage of sleep, and characterizing at least one property of the dominant PNS oscillations, including a phase, a phase shift, an amplitude, and/or frequency. The method further include providing an indication of an optimal window for maximizing SWA generation based on the phase, the phase shift, the amplitude, or the frequency. The indication is provided to stimulation circuitry that delivers stimulation to the user within the optimal window. Feedback is provided responsive to the stimulation based on an EEG signal of the user.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses methods and apparatuses for optimizing and maximizing slow wave activity (SWA) generation during sleep. This is achieved by analyzing bio-signals from a user, including peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) signals, to identify dominant PNS oscillations as a function of sleep stages and time. The system classifies sleep stages using one or more bio-signals, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, or related physiological measures, and characterizes properties of the dominant PNS oscillations such as phase, phase shift, amplitude, or frequency.
Based on real-time analysis of these bio-signals, the invention determines optimal windows for delivering stimulation to the user in order to maximize EEG SWA generation. Stimulation can be provided in various forms, including acoustic, haptic, electrical, or neuromodulation, and is delivered within the optimal window calculated from properties of the PNS oscillation. Feedback, such as EEG-derived delta power, is then collected in response to the stimulation and used to continually adapt and refine the timing and delivery of subsequent stimulations in a closed-loop manner.
The problem addressed is that insufficient or abnormal nocturnal SWA patterns are linked to various diseases, and there is a need for approaches that can optimize SWA by targeting peripheral biological rhythms that are coupled with EEG phenomena. The invention overcomes this by leveraging the synchrony between PNS oscillations and CNS EEG activity to time the stimulation when it will be most effective for enhancing SWA, thereby supporting sleep homeostasis and potentially improving related cognitive and physiological outcomes.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims, directed toward methods and apparatuses for enhancing slow wave activity (SWA), as well as a computer-readable medium containing instructions for implementing the method. The main inventive features in these claims are summarized below.
Method for SWA enhancement using optimal timing of stimulation based on dominant PNS oscillations
A method comprises receiving multiple bio-signals from a user, classifying sleep stages using these bio-signals, and determining a dominant oscillation in a PNS bio-signal (chosen from blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, or a pulse wave) as a function of time and sleep stage. The dominant oscillation is identified by calculating the power spectral density (PSD) of the PNS bio-signal and detecting its peak. The property of this oscillation (phase, phase shift, amplitude, or frequency) is characterized by decomposing the bio-signal using a filter, and the timing is used to provide an indication of an optimal window for maximizing SWA generation. Stimulation circuitry delivers stimulation within this window, based on data indicating improved EEG SWA from prior responses, and feedback is provided using the user's EEG signal.
Non-transitory computer-readable medium for executing method of SWA enhancement based on dominant PNS oscillations
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores program instructions executable by processing circuitry to implement the aforementioned method. The program instructions cause a machine to perform: receiving user bio-signals, classifying sleep stages, identifying and characterizing dominant PNS oscillations (frequency, phase, amplitude, or phase shift), determining optimal windows for SWA-maximizing stimulation, and using feedback from user EEG responses to adapt stimulation timing.
Apparatus for SWA enhancement utilizing sensed bio-signals and closed-loop stimulation based on dominant PNS oscillations
An apparatus includes data transmission circuitry to receive PNS and CNS bio-signals from a user, processing circuitry to classify sleep stages using a PNS bio-signal, calculate the PSD and detect a peak as a dominant oscillation, characterize properties of the dominant oscillation (phase, amplitude, frequency) by filtering, and determine optimal stimulation windows based on the phase timing of the dominant oscillation. The apparatus outputs this optimal window to stimulation circuitry for delivering stimulation within the window optimized for EEG SWA based on historical response data. Additional circuitry may provide feedback indicative of EEG-based user response to the stimulation, allowing the system to further refine the optimal stimulation window.
The inventive features provide an integrated system that uses real-time analysis of PNS bio-signals to optimally time stimulation for maximizing SWA, employing closed-loop feedback and multi-modal sensing for adaptive enhancement of sleep-related EEG rhythms.
Stated Advantages
The invention enables maximizing or optimizing slow wave activity (SWA) generation in individuals by targeting stimulation timing based on dominant peripheral nervous system (PNS) oscillations.
Closed-loop feedback allows adaptation and refinement of stimulation timing in real time according to individual user EEG responses, improving the effectiveness of SWA enhancement.
The approach allows for optimization of other EEG rhythms of interest (such as spindle activity), central hemodynamics, and cardiovascular functions in addition to SWA.
Use of acoustic stimulation has reduced system complexity, feasibility, simplicity in analysis implementation, and enables real-time automation of closed-loop systems without interfering with target EEG variables.
Documented Applications
Enhancing slow wave activity (SWA) during sleep for therapeutic purposes and for the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with insufficient or altered SWA patterns.
Improving sleep-dependent cognitive functions such as memory consolidation by increasing EEG SWA and related oscillatory dynamics.
Optimizing cardiac function, cardiovascular rhythms, and peripheral nervous system indicators that reflect restorative sleep, in combination with or as an alternative to SWA enhancement.
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