SleepyMedix| Sleep Shift Scheduling Tool
Awards & Nominations
SleepyMedix has received the following awards and nominations. Way to go!
Sleep Shift Scheduling Tool
SleepWell
Summary
SleepWell is an application that aims to create a comprehensive schedule that astronauts can use to plan their day. We have drawn from a large amount of research to look at the factors affecting sleep and circadian rhythm. Based on daily fluctuations in hormones and chronotype we formed several algorithms that calculate the best times to sleep, eat, and exercise. Along the the schedule we are adding useful advice tips such as what foods to eat. We hope to collect the user's data while they are using the program to further personalise their schedule. We are also looking at the COM-B model of behaviour change to ensure that our interface keeps users motivated to stick to their schedule.
How We Addressed This Challenge
For our application we have created 3 algorithms. The first algorithm uses an automated morningness-eveningnes questionnaire created by the Centre for Environmental Therapeutics(1). Asking a series of questions it then calculates your ideal bedtime and the time you melatonin starts to rise. We use the results of this questionnaire to create a schedule for the ideal time you should sleep. Given that NASA's recommendation that astronauts should get 8 hours of sleep a day (2)we use that figure in our application.
The second algorithm allows the user to input the length of their work day; we then use that data to schedule in their work/rest times.
The third algorithm is for scheduling. Our programme works backwards from the bedtime to allocate the right times to eat and exercise. early evening exercise (cessation of exercise 3 hours before melatonin onset) has also been shown to cause an optimum time of melatonin onset and maintain similar circadian rhythm in accordance to their chronotype. We have also found eating within 30 minutes of cessation of exercise (4) allows for glycogen resynthesis and thus maintains muscle mass, a very important factor for astronauts.
Thus, our programme schedules exercise in the early evening, 4/5 hours before bedtime, with a meal scheduled straight after. This also allows for proper digestion of the meal before sleep, which allows ghrelin levels to fall. Ghrelin stimulates orexin production, which promotes wakefullness(5).
Our programme also allows for users to input if they have experienced any form of sleep disruption during the night. Following which, the application will automatically schedule for a nap session between lunch and exercise so as to assist the circadian entrainment of the astronaut. In addition, we included some suggested countermeasures on nutrition, rest times (both in the morning and before bedtime) which could help counteract the sleep shift effect of stress and microgravity encountered by astronauts in space
To further develop our project we hope to add more parameters that affect circadian rhythm such as atmospheric conditions and social interaction(6). We would collect the user's data and utilise their input to further personalise their schedule(7). When it comes to user interface we will use the COM-B model of behaviour change to make sure that the user sticks to their given schedule.
How We Developed This Project
As a group of medical and computing students, an opportunity to tackle a challenge solving healthcare problems in space was something that jumped out at us. When developing the project, we decided early on that we wanted to incorporate existing scientific research into algorithms that could not only calculate how long astronauts should spend on each task, but also actively schedule the entire day for the user, taking into account current literature on timing of daily activities and how they affect the user's circadian cycle.
For coding, we used Maven, IntelliJ, Java and JavaFX. For research, we utilised PubMed, Google Scholar as well as NASA research databases and papers.
Throughout this hackathon we have come across several problems and hurdles. Figuring when to schedule the activites proved a lot harder than anticipated as there were many variables to consider. We had wanted to expand the use of this application for international travellers and shift workers but due to time contraints were unable to develop this properly. The NASA site being down also did not help as we were unable to access the data needed for some time.
However we have come a long way from our initial idea on Saturday morning. We have managed to tackle a great deal in such a short space of time and are thrilled with our progress so far! We are proud with what we have achieved and would love to develop our project further.
How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project
NASA research on spaceflight effect on astronaut circadian disregulation, sleep shift and the resulting increase in adverse health reactions and performance decrements was used as a basis of our application as we seeked to understand the various factors in space that caused astronauts to experience circadian shift affecting their sleep cycles. Additionally, NASA guidelines on various astronaut activities such as dietary requirements, mealtimes (20 minutes, 3 times a day), exercise duration (2.5 hours daily) were also consulted during the formation of the astronauts' schedules. In terms of recommendations, we included NASA research on countermeasures effective against sleep shift such as light therapy and blue light filters. Our application aims to combine research conducted by NASA and other research institutions to come up with a tool that provides astronauts with a schedule maximising their effectiveness during waking hours and preventing circadian disregulation, as well as countermeasures for circadian entrainment.
Project Demo
Data & Resources
- Automated Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (AutoMEQ) https://www.cet-surveys.com/index.php?sid=61524&newtest=Y&lang=en
- NASA Naps https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2005/03jun_naps/
- NASA Research Reveals Biological Clock Effects on Sleep for Astronauts https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/nasa-research-reveals-biological-clock-misalignment-effects-on-sleep-for-astronauts
- Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Performance During Space Shuttle Missions https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20030068197
- Seven Ways Astronauts Improve Sleep May Help You Snooze Better https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/astronauts_improve_sleep
- Keeping the right time in space: importance of circadian clock and sleep for physiology and performance of astronauts
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4440601/
- How to take better naps, according to astronauts https://thenextweb.com/syndication/2020/05/09/how-to-take-better-naps-according-to-astronauts//
- The neural circuit of orexin (hypocretin): maintaining sleep and wakefulness
- https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn2092
- Variation in Sleep Duration and Circadian Phase by Duty Start Time Among Short-Haul Commercial Airline Pilots https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20190001653
- Microgravity and the respiratory system https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24603820/
- Circadian Entrainment, Sleep-Wake Regulation and Neurobehavioral Performance During Extended-Duration Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/circadian-entrainment-sleep-wake-regulation-and-neurobehavioral-performance-during-extended-duration-spaceflight-2/
- Circadian misalignment and health https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24892891/
- Timing of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Effects on Obesity and Metabolic Risk
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893547/
- Your Body in Space: Use It or Lose It https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/F_Your_Body_in_Space.html
- An Astronaut's Work https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/9-12/features/F_Astronauts_Work.html
- What does it take to change your behaviour? http://atlasofscience.org/what-does-it-take-to-change-your-behaviour/