A method and an apparatus are disclosed for scoring the quality of sleep
experienced by a subject wearing the apparatus for a specified period.
This sleep monitoring apparatus includes a motion sensor that quantifies
the temporal variation in the subject's motion, an analog to digital
converter to sample the sensor data, a microprocessor with embedded
programmable memory to store control and processing firmware, a memory
device for data storage, a display means, and a switch for staring and
resetting the device. The firmware for this apparatus: (i) directs the
microprocessor to sample sensor output at a prescribed time interval and
to temporarily store this data in the memory device, (ii) directs the
microprocessor to analyze the temporarily stored data to compute a sleep
score based on the magnitude of movements recorded during the monitoring
period, and (iii) controls the operation of the display means. Upon
termination of the sleep period, the apparatus' display means will display
a sleep score based on a scale of 0 to 100. A high score indicates restful
sleep (very low movements), while a low score indicates excessive
restlessness during the monitored sleep period.
