DE102008028751A1 - Method and device for maintaining, regaining or increasing the alertness and alertness of a fatigued person - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining, regaining or increasing the alertness and alertness of a fatigued person and for preventing accidents, damage or wrong decisions due to over-fatigue, primarily during prolonged monotonous activities. The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device by which drowsiness and microsleep and significant risks of accidents, damage and wrong decisions can be minimized. According to the invention, it is provided in a method that the person in a stationary or mobile device is put into a short sleep by a fatigued wakefulness by technical and / or medical and / or behavioral supportive measures, sleep-medical measurements of eye movements and / or musculature and / or brain activities evaluated and after reaching the short sleep, especially the sleep stage 2 of the sleep physiology, the person is influenced by a wake-up signal generated by this evaluation. To implement the method, a device according to the invention is indicated (FIG. 1).

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a device for the preservation, Regaining or increasing the attention and alertness of a fatigued person and for prevention of accidents, Damage or Wrong decisions due to fatigue, mainly for longer monotonous activities.

During the Work process and the active activities of humans their attention to avoid accidents or wrongdoing or Do not make decisions by drowsiness or microsleep impaired become.

It is known to be acute or chronic fatigue and resulting drowsiness u. a. to microsleep with malfunctions in the activity of man. In particular, accidents occur especially at night in the traffic area and in the industrial area in the control of vehicles and work processes to heavy incidents and damage introduces Quarter of all accidents on German highways occur as a result of microsleep - in only one second sleep at a speed of 100 km / h, the vehicle lays 28 meters uncontrolled back. Size Industrial disasters - tanker "Exxon Valdez " Chemical plant Bhopal, nuclear reactor incidents - find mainly after midnight instead of. There will be technical and organizational measures to minimize the microsleep risk such. B. safety circuits with Operating force every 20 seconds in rail traffic, active steering intervention systems in dense driving up and leaving the lane in the automotive industry and devices for detecting increasing drowsiness realized at the wheel. With the help of questionnaire scores, the typical harbingers of the microsleep (difficulty in the eyelids, "blurred Blick "or" Tunnelblick "or" Schlangenlinien drive") and measuring devices (eg pupillography) is attempted to objectify drowsiness.

In As a rule, drivers try individual measures like opening windows, Smoking, listening of music, entertainment, by consumption of caffeinated drinks or Taking drugs to prevent microsleep. Also the stopping and the short sleep usually in the vehicle are practiced. The drowsiness is considered the biggest cause of accident classified in transport, surpasses the problems caused by alcohol and drugs as well as speeding occur.

So far It has been scientifically and technically unsafe to secure practical relevant countermeasures against drowsiness to find.

American and Asian companies are offering for it rest rooms at. Within a short sleep phase, employees should get new energy refuel. That is why this type of sleep can also be called energy sleep describe.

Should the energy sleep be restorative without the sufferer one subsequent drowsiness who limits the ability to perform and concentrate may Do not exceed the sleep time by 30 minutes. Otherwise it goes up the likelihood of deep sleep, which is fast Waking up and the immediate subsequent physical fitness disadvantageous effect.

in principle The deeper the sleep, the longer the recovery phase and subsequent drowsiness phase.

task the invention is to provide a method and a device by what drowsiness and microsleep and significant risks of accidents, damage and Mistakes can be minimized.

These The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 to 11 and a device with the features according to claim 12 to 17 solved.

The Invention with its technical environment will be described with reference to the figures. These represent only preferred embodiments. The invention is not on these designs limited.

she demonstrate:

1 : A system of so-called short sleep places at motorway rest stops.

2 : The device short sleep station with measuring points

3 : The hypnogram of normal night sleep and short sleep

4 : Simplified representation of metrological signals during the duration of a short sleep

5 : Representation of wake-up signals based on raw data of a sleep stage 2

6 Short sleep in a vehicle

1

On the highway system 1 (here Warsaw-Berlin-Paris) are any number of service areas 2 , which have short sleep places 3 are equipped. The service areas, here 2.1 ; 2.2 ; 2.3 and 2.4 can be reached by telephone / radio via a publicly available short sleeping place directory (not shown). In a calm area of the ritual sites 2 There are one or more short sleep places 3 , The people 4.1 ; 4.2 ; 4.3 and 4.4 are with their vehicles users of the highway system 1 or any other non-illustrated road system or intend the highway system 1 to use and insure against drowsiness and microsleep during a long-lasting journey. Their location in relation to the distance from the service areas 2 is arbitrary.

The short sleep place 3 consists of a cabin 5 with sunbed 6 , an evaluation unit 12 with data transmission connections 9 to the wake-up and time display system 10 , a sound-sending system 7 and the measuring device 8th with electrodes and headband 13 which is on the head 4 created by persons.

The use of the device short sleeping place 3 supports and controls for sleepy people their short sleep, which is monitored metrologically on its effect.

The mode of action is described below:
The person 4.1 drives a truck, noticed drowsiness symptoms and is still about 50 km from the service area 2.1 away. With the help of the entrained short sleep directory, she dials the rest area via radio 2.1 and book the short sleep place installed there 3 for a good time, use it afterwards. The short sleep is determined metrologically. The person continues his planned ride refreshed.

The person 4.2 is traveling by car across national borders for over a thousand kilometers. Their experience shows that after six hours driving drowsiness symptoms occur. She calls the sleeping place directory one hour before the planned arrival at the service area 2.1 to book the usage time. The decision is negative. The person 4.2 still has enough time, chooses the service area 2.2 (100 km from rest stop 2.1 away), book the short sleep place there 3 , use these on arrival.

The transport company of a foreign state with continental transport routes secures the fatigue provision, books in advance according to the timed route for his person 4.3 the short sleep place 3 the service area 2.3 , This is marked as online in the short sleep directory. When used by the person 4.3 the sleep data are stored via a central system and transmitted to the carrier upon request. As a result of the evaluation by the central system, the haulage company decides on the continuation of the journey of person 4.3 or take further measures, such as repetition of the short sleep area use at the same or the next rest area 2.4 ,

The person 4.4 stops at the service area 2.4 , is aware of the existence of three short sleeping places, two of which are free and spontaneously uses a short sleeping place 3 ,

To use the short sleep places 3 the persons lie down 4.1 ; 4.2 ; 4.3 and 4.4 in the cabin 5 on the sunbed 6 , fasten on the head 4 the headband 13 with measuring equipment 8th such that the electrodes of the measuring device 8th Establish contact with recordable brain waves in the forehead area. This is indicated by the display on the evaluation unit 12 visually inspected. By pressing a button on the evaluation unit 12 the short sleep device goes into operation. About the sound transmission system 7 is played according to the choice of the user soporific music. The tired person falls asleep. Brain signals are transmitted through the electrodes of the measuring device 8th and the data communications port 9 in the evaluation unit 12 registered and evaluated. After reaching the sleep stage 2 Sleep physiology involves waking up the person via wake-up and time-of-day signals 10 and / or loud music from the sound broadcasting system 7 initiated.

The recovery effect has occurred, the person has vigilance / alertness. After the short sleep mel If the person detaches himself from the rest stop staff before he recovers and either with the paper printout or a magnetic card, the so-called sleep pass with the remark "recharged", continues the journey, the rest stop staff prepares the short sleep places for the next sleeping guest.

A charging system, which takes into account the user time, advance bookings and season / peak times, accounts for the expense. The short sleep places 3 can be operated either by the operators of the service areas or a central marketer (franchise system).

at other solutions not shown become several short sleep places in-house in office buildings, banks, Industrial plants, commercial facilities and / or for these placed adjacent as separate facilities. About service instruction or volunteers use the short sleep places free of charge or with costs.

Of course there There are any other coupling options of the user system. So that concludes Method stationary or mobile facilities in or on land, air, or sea or special service vehicles, any public and private facilities, such as hotels, motels, fitness centers, restaurants, train stations, airports, in particular at transport hubs and in urban centers.

These Systems will be in further solutions nationwide or transnational or over continental installed and centrally managed.

The recorded data of the users are optional as needed stored on a chip and / or telemedically online in control centers, Sleep Laboratories, Hospitals, Control centers, traffic monitoring stations, Police stations, occupational health centers, research facilities and / or companies.

• 1. Alphawellen (Frequenz: 8–13 Hz) dominieren beim gesunden Erwachsenen als Grundaktivität
• 2. Betawellen (Frequenz: 14–40 Hz), im Wachzustand
• 3. Thetawellen (Frequenz: 4,5–6,5 Hz), in der leichten Schlafphase
• 4. Deltawellen (Frequenz 0,5–3 Hz), beim traumlosen Tiefschlaf
• 5. Vertexzacken, steile Wellen mit einem Amplitudenmaximum
• 6. K-Komplexe (Frequenz 0,8–2 Hz, Amplituden 100–150 Mikrovolt), biphasische Wellen mit negativem und positivem Anteil, Zeichen einer Bereitschaftsaktivierung der Hirnrinde zum tieferen Schlaf
• 7. Spindeln (Frequenz 13–15 Hz), Serien von bilateralen Wellen

It is known from sleep research that human sleep undergoes different phases of sleep. During sleep, many motor and sensory nerve cells are blocked, at least for the higher brain functions. Closing the eyes supports this feature. To maintain sleep, the functional systems of the brain or the depth of sleep vary at intervals. Deep sleep phases alternate with less deep sleep phases. By deriving electrical currents by means of an EEG (electroencephalography), these rhythms can be measured and visualized. According to the frequency and amplitude of these "inner rhythms", the following measurable waves are distinguished in the context of the solution discussed here, also called grapho elements:

• 1. Alpha waves (frequency: 8-13 Hz) dominate as a basal activity in healthy adults
• 2. Beta waves (frequency: 14-40 Hz), when awake
• 3. Theta waves (frequency: 4.5-6.5 Hz), in the light sleep phase
• 4. Delta waves (frequency 0.5-3 Hz), during dreamless deep sleep
• 5. Vertices, steep waves with an amplitude maximum
• 6. K complexes (frequency 0.8-2 Hz, amplitudes 100-150 microvolt), biphasic waves with negative and positive parts, signs of ready activation of the cerebral cortex for deeper sleep
• 7. Spindles (frequency 13-15 Hz), series of bilateral waves

• Stadium 1: Im EEG herrscht eine Thetaaktivität vor, gelegentlich noch Alphawellen, es treten Vertexzacken auf. Im EOG werden langsame Augenbewegungen registriert, das EMG zeigt einen relativ hohen Muskeltonus, aber niedriger als im Wachzustand.
• Stadium 2: Im EEG dominieren Thetaaktivität, Schlafspindeln und K-Komplexe. Es werden keine Augenbewegungen registriert, abnehmender Muskeltonus im EMG.
• Stadium 3: Über 20% der EEG-Aktivitäten besteht aus Deltawellen. Weiterhin keine Augenbewegungen, niedriger Muskeltonus.
• Stadium 4: Mehr als 50% der EEG-Aktivität besteht aus hohen Deltawellen, Augenbewegungen werden nicht registriert, im EMG ist kaum Muskeltonus erkennbar.
• REM-Schlaf (in 3 schwarz ausgefüllt): Im EEG findet sich eine regelmäßige Thetaaktivität (Sägezahnwellen), im EOG werden rasche konjugierte Augenbewegungen registriert, im EMG herrscht ein sehr niedriger Tonus vor, der phasisch aktiviert wird.

These grapho elements, in conjunction with the findings of the electrooculogram (EOG: measurement of eye movements) and the electromyogram (EMG: recording of muscle activities, eg on the chin muscle or lower leg muscle), determine the classification of the sleep stages (see 3 : Normal Night Sleep Hypnogram):

• Stage 1: In the EEG there is a theta activity, occasionally alpha waves, there are vertex spikes. In the EOG slow eye movements are registered, the EMG shows a relatively high muscle tone, but lower than in the waking state.
• Stage 2: The EEG is dominated by theta activity, sleep spindles and K complexes. There are no eye movements registered, decreasing muscle tone in the EMG.
• Stage 3: Over 20% of EEG activities are delta waves. Still no eye movements, low muscle tone.
• Stage 4: More than 50% of the EEG activity consists of high delta waves, eye movements are not registered, hardly any muscle tone is seen in the EMG.
• REM sleep (in 3 black filled): In the EEG there is a regular theta activity (sawtooth waves), in the EOG rapid conjugated eye movements are registered, in the EMG there is a very low tone, which is activated phasic.

During sleep, there is a cyclical course of sleep stages. The stage REM is reached earliest after 60 to 90 minutes. In total sleep, the individual stages of sleep have as a guide the following:
Stage 1: 5%
Stage 2: 49%
Stage 3: 8%
Stage 4: 13%
REM: 24%
Awake: 1%

The Sleep stages 3 and 4 are considered deep sleep and should be at least a fifth make up for the night-sleep. When towards the end of sleep, after several hours, these sleep phases alternate in shorter and shorter intervals, the sleeping person awakes.

At the so-called daytime sleep, which last between 5 and 90 minutes can, the body is regenerated, increased Vigilance / alertness produced, concentration, performance and responsiveness rebuilt. Colloquially, this is referred to as naps, nap, Nap, catnap or super sleep. The one called power-napping performance-enhancing Short sleep is an average of 10 to 30 minutes.

2

The short sleeping place consists of a silenced mobile (car / truck) or stationary cabin 5 with a comfortable adjustable reclining seat / bench 6 , On the glasses 11 are measuring equipment 8th , the sound transmission and headphone system 7 and the data communications ports 9 to an evaluation unit 12 , as well as the wake-up and time display system 10 appropriate. The measuring equipment 8th are made up of connecting lines, not shown here, to the electrode measuring points (EMG, A1, A2, C3, C4, EOG1, EOG2 and Ed), which are connected to the head 4 the person, as symbolically represented, are appropriate. The electrode connection to the scalp takes place in the described solution by pressing metal cap or / and Saugnäpfen. Different and evaluable brain waves, eye movements and muscle contractions on the chin are recorded, recorded and evaluated as waves with amplitudes and frequencies via the circuit, not shown, of the electrodes.

In the 3 to 5 solutions for the evaluation and timing of short sleep are presented.

3

The idealized hypnogram shows the normal (night) sleep in comparison for a quick nap. At night-sleep the condition "awake" becomes periodic the sleep stages 1 to 4 and the stage REM (black filled) with short-term wake-up phases in the time sequence until waking up run through. In the case of short sleep, after the falling asleep "E" takes place with the first reaching sleep stage 2, the wake-up signal "W".

4 :

The metrological signals of sleep detection are measured by EEG (electroencephalography), in which the electrical activity of the brain via measured potential differences in microvolts between the electrodes of the measuring points (here between C4 and A1 or C3 and A2, see 2 ) are represented as waves with amplitudes of the so-called grapho elements and recorded.

Of Further are in a similar way via EOG (electrooculogram) the electrical activities at Eye movements left (EOG 1: A1) and right (EOG 2: A1) measured and recorded as grapho elements.

Of Further are analogously by means of EMG (electromyogram) the muscle activities measured on the chin muscle and recorded as grapho elements.

The potential changes measured on a person are in 4 presented as waves with amplitude excursions on projected scale scales of +/- 50 microvolts idealized. characteristic Time epochs (here 15 seconds) in the phases i = 0 = awake, i = 1 = stage 1 and i = 2 = stage 2 are highlighted in an idealized manner from the illustrated 20-minute short sleep area zoomed (stretched).

The grapho elements show significant differences in the amplitudes and frequencies between the three phases. These average values of the amplitudes / frequency ranges can be assigned. Of course, the measured values fluctuate and are averaged within given time periods (epochs). In addition, the values vary individually with respect to the person, especially after their age. The zero point is set via the ground electrode Ed. For this example, see 4 are the following averaged readings in microvolts / hertz. Table 1: measuring point symbol awake stages 1 Stage 2 K v. St. 2 S v. St 2 Dim. EEG C4: A1 hL 56 20 20 125 20 microvolts EEG C3: A2 Mr 54 24 22 130 22 microvolts frequency f 8-40 4.5-6.5 4.5-6.5 0.8-2 13-15 hertz EOG1: A1 aL 71 34 12 12 12 microvolts EOG2: A1 aR 67 32 14 14 14 microvolts EMG m 34 16 8th 8th 8th microvolts

5

This in 4 Simplified Stage 2 is depicted in detail as a raw data record of a 15-second epoch. For the EEG (C4: A1 and C3: A2), three typical K complexes are clearly visible as amplitudes of approx. 125 to 130 microvolts and frequencies of approx. 0.8 Hz (K1 + K2 + K3 = 3K) and three spindles with Frequencies of 13-15 Hz (S1 + S2 + S3 = 3S) recognizable and marked.

The mode of action 2 to 5 is the following:
The person lies down in the cabin 5 in a comfortable position on the sunbathing area 6 ( 2 ). The sound transmitter and headphone system 7 gets on the head 4 created, the measuring equipment 8th with glasses 11 placed. To the in 2 marked measuring points, the electrodes are attached. In this example, this is done by a trained operator.

By turning on the so-called sleep control, not shown here, soothing music is delivered through the headphones 7 recorded. About the control of the evaluation unit 12 By means of adjustment via the electrode Ed, the individual 0-potential adjustment of the brain waves of the person takes place.

The person tries to calm down and fall asleep. About the glasses 11 and those on the head 4 attached electrodes 8th Signals are registered via brainwaves via EEG, eye movements by means of EOG, muscle activities on the chin by means of EMG and to the evaluation unit 12 transmitted.

Due to the tiredness occurs in the person after a few minutes, the short sleep, which idealized accordingly 3 , as an overview accordingly 4 , is registered as waves with amplitude fluctuations and frequencies of the measuring points in the measuring device.

On the hand of the hypnogram of 4 the mode of operation of the evaluation unit for sleep detection and wake-up is explained.

In the phase i = 0 (more fatigued Wakefulness) the amplitudes hL0 = hR0 = 54-56, aL0 = aR0 = 67-71 and m0 = 34 microvolts. Typical for the waking state are strong Fluctuations of these waves, so that the amplitude excursion of the individual 15-sec epochs also vary greatly.

If the person enters the phase i = 1, the brain waves, eye movements and muscle contractions are reduced. This is registered by the reduction of the potential excursions with the amplitudes of hL1 = hR1 = 20-24, aL1 = aR1 = 32-34, m1 = 16 microvolts. This trend signals the evaluation unit that Sleep stage 1.

To reached an individually different time in the minute range the sleepy person sleep stage with the phase i = 2. The muscle contraction m2 = 8 and eye movements with aL2 = aR2 = 12-14 Microvolts continue to decrease while in the EEG the basic activity the waves hL2 = hR2 = 20-22 hardly changes.

Characteristic for the Sleep phase 2 in the EEG is the occurrence of so-called spindles S and K complexes K. These are used in this example for the wake-up mechanism. Since the spindles relatively high-frequency waves of 13-15 Hz over the normal waveform from 4.5 to 6.5 Hz of sleep stages 1 and 2 can own they are filtered during the measurement and counted in their sequence. In this example, the count is made from S1 + S2 + S3 = 3S = W. If three spindles are measured, the wake-up signal W.

In this solution, occurring as a further alarm K-complexes are used. They are registered if the measured amplitudes are larger by a factor of 4 than the normal waves of sleep stages 1 and 2: hL (K) 2> / = 4 × hL2 or / and hR (K) 2> / = 4 × hR2).

As in the hypnogram of 4 K complexes also occur in triplicate, with the count K1 + K2 + K3 = 3K = W also the wake-up signal.

As soon as the person comes to sleep stage 2 during sleep medical monitoring, acoustic, visual and mechanical wake-up signals set in. (See signal W in 3 and 4 ).

At the Short sleep is the sleeping phase only a few minutes. Mostly the short sleep lasts until the transition from sleep stage 1 to sleep 2 about 10 to maximum 30 minutes. The user is immediately wide awake and can control the success carry out.

The Time of falling asleep depends on waking state and constitution different from the people. The same applies to the achievement the sleep stages too. In this example, the person gives at the evaluation unit an individual maximum time value, for example 30 minutes. Is according to the analysis in the evaluation unit sleep stage 2 is not reached until the maximum time is reached Nevertheless, the wake-up signal W. This is the user security given, his personal To comply with scheduling despite failed sleep attempt. at Missing measurements are thus minimized the achievement of deep sleep stages.

at another solution In the case of problems falling asleep, the person can repeat the "start" with the push of a button. Thus, the measurement starts again, so that the specification of the maximum Time from here 30 minutes for the achievement of sleep stage 2 is redefined.

The solution of 2 to 5 illustrates the manifold possibilities of measurement and evaluation methods. Thus, alternatively, other of the described frequency and amplitude measurements can be used separately or combined. The 4 shows that there are marked differences between the sleep stages.

Thus, in another simplified solution, only muscle contraction, preferably on the chin and / or calf muscle of the legs, is measured. To 4 the wake-up signal will be given to reduce the muscle contraction of the chin when, after sleep stage 1 with m1 = 16, the halved amount m2 = 8 microvolt has been reached.

at another solution becomes additionally / for the frequency used the muscle contraction.

6

In another solution, muscular tonus losses are used to determine the state of fatigue of a person leading a vehicle with signals for the need for a short sleep, then muscle tone losses occurring during the short sleep as a sure sign of the sleep stage 2 for determining wake-up signals of this person in the vehicle explained in more detail.

In the driver's cabin 5 a truck or a passenger car is located in the housing area above the windscreen a measuring device, preferably in a known manner a camera 8.1 which are in the direction of the head 4 the person in the driver's seat 6 is set. In the foot area of the person to the left of the clutch, brake and throttle levers is a measuring device 8.2 , which is designed as a footrest, receives a movement / pressure sensor in it.

In the backrest area of the driver's door, left, is a hand rest 8.3 with motion sensor, in the grip 8.4 the shift lever, right of the driver, also installed a motion sensor and / or sensor for recording the Tonusverlustes the hand muscles. In the dashboard is the evaluation unit 12 installed, which with the sound sending system 7 and the wake-up and time display system 10 is coupled to the car radio system.

The mode of action is the following:
The vehicle leading person switches the evaluation device at the push of a button when it comes to signs of fatigue 12 one. This is with the camera 8.1 and / or the measuring device 8.2 coupled for the footrest (in figure, marked black above). The camera 8.1 optionally registers eye, in particular pupil movements and / or fatigue movements of the head 4 , The systems 8.1 and 8.2 complement each other so that when clutch and brake operation of the left foot, only the camera 8.1 and with monotone driving on highways and country road additionally the left foot on the footrest with measuring system 8.2 Report slackening reactions. These are in the evaluation unit 12 used to determine signs of fatigue and signals of a required short sleep. If the short sleep signal occurs via a display of the evaluation unit 12 or the sound-sending system 7 , the person will drive to a parking space, pause, the driver's seat 6 in a comfortable sleeping position for a short sleep 3 set and at the push of a button on the evaluation device 12 put the short sleep device into operation.

About the sound transmission system 7 Soothing, sleep promoting music is recorded. The person takes a comfortable sleeping position and puts his right hand on the handle 8.4 , the left hand on the hand rest 8.3 , which with armrest at the (in 6 not shown) driver's door is attached (in figure, below, marked in black). Handle 8.4 and / or hand rest 8.3 are designed such that muscle contraction movements and / or relaxation movements and / or tone losses of the musculature and / or via sensors amplitudes of muscle contraction m, as already at 2 . 4 and 5 be described, registered and evaluated analogously for the chin. For the sensor of muscle contraction m of the hand rest 8.3 is via a signal system, which with a display of the evaluation unit 12 is coupled, the hand rest so controllable that visually on the display, the optimum contact of hand and sensor is controlled.

If the person has reached the short sleep phase, there is a relaxation of the hand muscles, ie a loss of muscle tone, the hand loosens the contact or falls from the handle and / or via the sensor of the hand rest 8.3 will decrease the mean amplitude of muscle contraction m, as already at 2 . 4 and or 5 described reached. The evaluation device 12 evaluates these signals and passes through the sound-sending system 7 the awakening.

For the installation of the short sleep device 3 Other solutions are possible: the handle 8.4 is replaced by an extra fold-up hand rest, a kind of "joy stick" with corresponding electrodes. The footrest 8.2 takes over the task of the hand rest 8.3 with their measuring device or this task is realized by a provided with sensors Velcro, which is attached to the calf of the left leg and has contact with muscle contractions. The short sleep station is installed in the passenger seat or in a sleeper cab of a trailer. The camera 8.1 is integrated into the hinged sun visor above the front wheel. The connecting cables between the evaluation unit 12 and electrodes / sensors for measuring points of the EMG, EOG or EEG of the 2 be pulled out in the ceiling area and / or in the back of the car seats protected when not in use. The coupling of the evaluation unit is, as with 1 described as connected with control centers and / or central systems of hauliers, which can influence the execution and the evaluation of short sleep.

The Measuring methods already described can be so arbitrarily with each other coupled or decoupled, as the measurement with evaluation the signals reaching the short sleep, especially the sleep stage 2, for the alarm signal secures.

So will be in another solution all for the implementation and monitoring short sleep required measuring, signal, sound and Auswerteinrichtungen installed in a pair of glasses that the person puts on.

at another solution will be the raw data in the local Evaluation unit only for their transmission to one for several short sleep places competent Central computer prepared and transmitted for example via VPN data tunnel or wirelessly and the result back again sent. This solution will delete the evaluated data if required data protection. in the In other case, the storage of the individual sleep characteristic takes place of the person, allowing repeated use of short sleep by this person's already existing data whose sleep behavior is used to preset the new sleep process.

at another solution is the couch without cabin, for that like a capsule in its entirety or only at the head, lockable. Optionally, all signal, time, measuring and evaluation devices integrated into the capsule.

at Another technique is the glasses by a hood or a Helmet and / or an arm and / or foot band or a so-called replaced headset.

Of Practice further Light and color effects in the asleep calming and relaxing Effect and / or facilitate in the wake-up phase by glaring stimulating light the awakening and the re-achievement of one quick alertness and concentration.

at another solution Be hypnotic and / or medical means of securing and / or Acceleration of falling asleep used or administered.

at another solution become visually and / or verbally behavioral indications to promote of the person's process of falling asleep.

Of course it is the universal application of all solutions described possible. This applies in particular Use in outpatient and inpatient medical and / or psychological facilities and laboratories.

By the solutions described it comes with persons after the use of the Kurzschlafplatzes an extension alertness, an enhancement of the ability to concentrate and the efficiency and not least to subjective well-being. Chronic fatigue and associated drowsiness and This reduces microsleep, risks of accidents, damage and Mistakes are minimized. The number of dead and injured in traffic is lowered, billions can cost the economy directly and indirectly spared. By using short sleep places is with flanking sleep medicine and telemedicine measures the health status of the population considerably improved and / or evaluated.

The Advantages of short sleep in addition to "refreshment", d. H. the objective improvement of the condition are raised by worldwide Data sufficient known. The ability, Judging decisions correctly increases by about 50%. An improved Processing of information is achieved and an overload (burn-out syndrome) is counteracted. The effects arise a few minutes after waking up and last for several hours at. It is crucial that the short sleep with the achievement of the Sleep Stage 2 (light deep sleep) ends, which is usually between 10 and 20 minutes after falling asleep. After that there is a risk of entering deeper sleep phases, the one fast and restful regeneration and immediate mental and physical Prevents freshness after sleep. After a 2-hour afternoon nap For example, the cycle takes another 2 hours to get back to work to reach its peak performance. Otherwise, the short sleep should at least 10 minutes for the recovery effect to occur. Due to comfortable body position, Reduction of external influences and a corresponding ambience can the positive effects are still optimized.

It is possible, Include the breaks in short sleep in the logistics of transport and traffic. Likewise, the rest breaks in the working time regulations / workflow of production and services. The receipt for the rest breaks is in connection with the tachograph and / or workflow recorder as a bonus for Insurance and tax services, as well as criminal offenses usable.

1

Highway road system

2

service areas

2.1

Service Area

2.2

Service Area

2.3

Service Area

2.4

Service Area

3

Short roost

4

head of the persons

4.1

person

4.2

person

4.3

person

4.4

person

5

Cabin, Vehicle, driver's cab

6

Liege Bank, Lounger, seating device, seat

7

Sound transmission and headphone system

8th

Measurement devices / sensors / electrodes

8.1

Measuring device, Camera / sensors / radiation receiver

8.2

footrest with measuring equipment / sensors

8.3

palmrest with measuring equipment / sensors

8.4

Handle with measuring equipment / sensors / electrodes, shifter

9

Data transmission connection / connecting lines

10

wake-up and time display system

11

glasses

12

evaluation

EMG

measuring points on the chin

A1

measuring point behind the ear, left

A2

measuring point behind the ear, right

C3

measuring point on the center of the head, left

C4

measuring point on the center of the head, right

EOG1

Measuring point above the Eye, right

EOG2

measuring point behind the eye, left

Ed

measuring point on the middle of the head, in front

e

falling asleep

W

reveille

i

Awake / sleep cycles

hL

middle Amplitude of the brain waves, Left

Mr

middle Amplitude of the brain waves, Right

aL

middle Amplitude of eye movements, left

aR

middle Amplitude of eye movements, right

m

middle Amplitude of muscle contraction on chin, calf, foot, hand

S

spindles

K

K complexes

Claims (18)

A method for maintaining, regaining or increasing the alertness and alertness of a fatigued person and for preventing accidents, damage or bad decisions due to fatigue, mainly in prolonged monotonous activities, characterized in that the person in a stationary or mobile device from a fatigued awake state by technical and / or medically and / or behavioral supportive measures in a short sleep offset, sleep medical measurements of eye movements and / or muscle and / or brain activities evaluated and after reaching the short sleep, especially the sleep stage 2 of sleep physiology, the person with a generated by this evaluation Wake-up signal is affected. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wake-up signal by evaluation of measurement data upon reaching a predetermined number of spindles and / or K-complexes and / or other predetermined signals to amplitude and / or frequency ranges of brain activities, in particular Electroencephalography, and / or eye movements, in particular via electrooculography, and / or muscle contractions, in particular electromyography, and / or muscular slackening of the limbs, head and / or body is generated. Method according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized that the measurement data is recorded as grapho elements of waves, evaluated and / or stored online. Method according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized that when falling asleep the short sleep process is restarted and / or the wake-up signals after reaching a given maximum short sleep regardless of the evaluation of the measured data is generated. Method according to Claims 1 to 4, characterized that the alertness of the person visually and / or by means of sensors and / or Measurement muscular Slimming reactions / muscle tone loss monitored fatigue reactions registered and / or evaluated and / or signals for the need the implementation a brief sleep communicated and / or registered at an evaluation unit become. Method according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized that short sleep for Road users nationwide initiated on national and / or international transport networks becomes. Method according to Claims 1 to 6, characterized that short sleep for People in all sectors of the economy, industry, commerce and Sport is initiated. Method according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized that short sleep for Persons in medical and psychology institutions for examination and / or treatment of sleep and / or sleep disorders. Method according to Claims 1 to 8, characterized that the evaluation of the measurements registered individually and / or centrally and / or as proof of the proof of the alertness increasing measure and / or for central statistical evaluations and / or research and / or medical and / or physiological examination is used and / or the Raw data for transmission only to one for several beds competent Central computer prepared, there evaluated and the result transmitted the short sleep place is and / or by the evaluation for the next use of a short sleep place the Person whose individual sleep program is preset. Method according to Claims 1 to 9, characterized that the short sleep process is initiated against fees and / or centrally is billed. Method according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that that the short sleep process for a bonus system, preferably in conjunction with tachograph for insurance, Criminal proceedings and taxes is used. Process according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that that the sleep stages are recorded and / or evaluated and / or transmitted as a document to the person and / or central processing units and / or as a receipt for the increased Alertness of the person and / or for their individual presetting for repeated use of sleeping space is used. Device for conservation, recovery or increase the attention and alertness of a fatigued person and for prevention of accidents, damage or wrong decisions due to fatigue, predominantly for longer monotonous activities, characterized in that one for the initiation of a short sleep, especially the sleep stage 2 of sleep physiology, the person isolated against external disturbances mobile or stationary Furnishing, in particular cabin with seat, chair or couch, and / or a helmet or / and a hood and / or glasses is / are provided optionally with ear protection and / or PA systems, is equipped, as well as Measuring and evaluation devices for determining the short sleep phase have, which are coupled to wake-up signaling devices. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that parts of the measuring device as a front and / or Fußband and / or touch and / or motion sensors and / or visual observation or radiation receiving facilities formed and / or on a m attachable glasses, helmet and / or head protection and with receivers / sensors / electrodes for registration / determination of brain waves and / or eye movements and or muscle contractions / muscle tone loss Head and / or body and / or limbs are provided. Device according to Claims 13 and 14, characterized that the device is designed as a standardized system. Device according to claim 13 to 15, characterized that the facility nationwide national and international transport networks and / or inland, Air, sea or special service vehicles, in public or private objects, at transport hubs and / or urban Centers is set up. Apparatus according to claim 13 to 16, characterized that the institution is active in all sectors of the economy, industry, Trade and sports is provided. Apparatus according to claim 13 to 17, characterized that device in medicine and / or psychology for examination and / or treatment of sleep and / or sleep disorders.