WO2018208608A1

WO2018208608A1 - Method and system for enhanced sleep guidance

Info

Publication number: WO2018208608A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/031153
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher T. Crowley; David R. Tobler; Craig A. PICKERILL
Original assignee: Somno Health Incorporated
Priority date: 2017-05-12
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2018-11-15

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed to provide enhanced sleep guidance to a user via the obtainment of physiological monitoring indication(s) in relation to a given user sleep period, and the association of the physiological monitoring indication(s) with user information received from the user prior to the given sleep period. The user information includes predetermined types of sleep-related information that are specific to and non-specific to the given user sleep period. A predetermined data structure is utilized in the association to determine a sleep guidance output(s) from a plurality of predetermined sleep guidance outputs, in unique relation to the given sleep period. The sleep guidance output(s) are provided to the user in relation to the given sleep period, typically immediately thereafter, thereby providing a dynamic tool for enhanced sleep guidance and remedial user response thereto.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED SLEEP GUIDANCE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/505,742 filed May 12, 2017, entitled "METHOD TO DERIVE "COACHING" FROM PHYSIOLOGIC SLEEP MEASUREMENTS AND QUESTIONNAIRE," which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sleep enhancement, and more particularly, to a method and system for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being. Getting adequate quality sleep can help protect mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. The way a person feels while awake depends in part on what happens during periods of sleep. During sleep, the body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health.

Adverse implications from sleep deficiency may be evidenced by specific events (e.g. in the case of an accident) or over time. In the later regard, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise the risk of chronic health problems. It also can affect how well one thinks, reacts, works, learns, and interacts with others.

Recent trends indicate an increased awareness of the benefits of adequate sleep. In turn, consumers are increasingly seeking sleep guidance counseling. Unfortunately, access to such counseling can be expensive and time-consuming, and often such counseling fails to yield temporal consumer connection between the cause and effect aspects of sleep-related issues, thereby making possible solutions more difficult to identify and implement. The present invention addresses such problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment an automated method for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user is disclosed that includes obtaining at least one physiological monitoring indication in an automated manner (e.g. obtaining the indication at a mobile computing device and/or at a remote server operably interconnected to a mobile computing device) , wherein the at least one physiological monitoring indication is based at least in part upon at least one

physiological monitoring output of at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user. The method further includes receiving user information from a user in an automated manner (e.g. receiving sleep-related information prior to the sleep period that is specific and/or non-specific to the sleep period at a user interface of a mobile computing device), and associating the at least one physiological monitoring indication and the user information in an automated manner (e.g. via a processing unit configured by a software application at a mobile computing device and//or via processing at a remove server operably interconnected to a mobile computing device), utilizing a predetermined data structure to determine at least one sleep guidance output from a plurality of predetermined sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user. In turn, the method may include providing the at least one sleep guidance output in an automated manner to the user (e.g. at a user interface of a mobile computing device) in relation to the sleep period of the user (e.g. after the sleep has ended).

As may be appreciated, the disclosed method advantageously allows a given user to directly obtain sleep guidance in an automated and timely manner (e.g. immediately after a sleep period) in unique relation to a given sleep period of the user, based upon an association between a sleep-related physiological parameter monitored during the sleep period and sleep- related information provided by the user prior to the sleep period utilizing a predetermined data structure. Such an arrangement yields a powerful, consumer-driven and user-enabled, bedside tool that provides enhanced sleep guidance and facilitates the realization of improved sleep.

In contemplated implementations, the obtaining step includes the utilization of a plurality of physiological monitoring data, obtained utilizing the physiological monitoring output in relation to at least partially non-overlapping time intervals of the sleep period, to determine the physiological monitoring indication in an automated manner. The partially non-overlapping time intervals may advantageously extend in a spaced, periodic and/or continuous manner across a majority or substantial entirety of the sleep period, thereby facilitating the obtainment of a physiological monitoring indication reflective of an overall sleep experience during the sleep period.

One or more physiological monitoring indications relating to sleep may be obtained via use of one or more of the following physiological monitoring sensors:

a photoplethysmographic sensor for monitoring at least one of blood oxygen saturation of the user and pulse rate of the user;

a snoring sensor for monitoring snoring of the user;

a motion sensor for monitoring motion of the user;

an electrocardiography sensor for monitoring heart activity of the user;

an electroencephalography sensor for monitoring brain activity of the user;

an electromyography sensor for monitoring muscle activity of the user;

a resistance impedance pneumography sensor for monitoring respiratory chest movement of the user;

a body position sensor for monitoring bodily position of the user;

a body temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the user;

an airway temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of air passage to/from the lungs of the user; and

an airflow sensor for monitoring a flow rate of air passage to/from the lungs of the user.

Such sensor(s) may be operatively interconnected to, or otherwise located on or in near proximity to a user during monitored sleep periods.

In some embodiments, the obtaining may include obtaining a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications in an automated manner, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon different corresponding physiological monitoring outputs of different corresponding ones of a plurality of different physiological monitoring sensors associated with a user during a sleep period of the user. In turn, the associating may include associating each of the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and the user information in an automated manner, utilizing the predetermined data structure to determine a corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user. Additionally, the providing may include providing each of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in an automated manner to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user.

In some implementations, the obtaining may include obtaining a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and calculating another physiological monitoring indication based thereupon in an automated manner, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output of said at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user (e.g. a photoplethysmographic sensor for monitoring at least one of blood oxygen saturation of the user and pulse rate of the user). In turn, in some embodiments, the associating may include associating each of the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and the user information in an automated manner, utilizing the predetermined data structure to determine a corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user. Further, the providing may include providing each of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in an automated manner to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user.

As will be further described, the determination of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs to be provided to the user may include selecting from a plurality of candidate sleep guidance outputs utilizing a predetermined guidance algorithm. The predetermined guidance algorithm may be provided to prioritize, avoid repetition, establish a frequency of and/or otherwise limit the total number of sleep guidance outputs provided in relation to any given sleep period of the user.

As noted, in some arrangements, at least one additional physiological monitoring indication may be based at least in part upon two different ones of said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications. For example, in contemplated embodiments, the additional physiological monitoring indication may be based at least in part on two or more, or all of the following: a pulse rate-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor; a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor; a motion-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a motion sensor; and, a snoring-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a snoring sensor. More particularly, a fragmented sleep calculation may be performed to provide a measure indicative of sleep quality for a given sleep period, wherein the measure decreases in relation to sleep interruptions occurring during the sleep period, e.g. sleep interruptions caused by autonomic nervous system interruptions, including pulse rate "spikes", involuntary movements, and sleep apnea and hypopnea events. In the later regard, such autonomic events often result in the individual reverting to an early stage of the commonly-recognized four stages of sleep, i.e. light sleep, medium sleep, rapid-eye- movement (REM) sleep, and deep sleep.

In some implementations, the obtaining may include obtaining a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and calculating another physiological monitoring indication based thereupon in an automated manner, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output of said at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user (e.g. a photoplethysmographic sensor for monitoring blood oxygen saturation of the user and/or pulse rate of the user). In some arrangements, the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications may be based at least in part upon a plurality of physiological monitoring outputs of a plurality of

physiological monitoring sensors. In turn, in some embodiments, the associating may include associating each of the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and the user information in an automated manner, utilizing the predetermined data structure to determine a corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user. Further, the providing may include providing each of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in an automated manner to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user. As noted, the determination of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs to be provided to the user may include a selecting from a plurality of identified sleep guidance outputs (e.g. identified by associating the physiological monitoring indications(s) and user information) utilizing a predetermined guidance algorithm that prioritizes, avoids repetition, establishes a frequency and/or otherwise limits the total number of sleep guidance outputs provided in relation to any given sleep period of the user.

As indicated, at least one additional physiological monitoring indication may be based at least in part upon two different ones of said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications. For example, in contemplated embodiments, the additional physiological monitoring indication may be based at least in part on two or more, or all of the following: a pulse rate-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor; a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor; a motion-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a motion sensor; and, a snoring-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a snoring sensor.

In some embodiments, the receiving may include prompting the user in an automated manner (e.g. at a user interface of a mobile computing device) to provide the user information. In that regard, the user information may comprise at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

non-period-based user information that is not specific to the sleep period of the user; and, period-based user information that is specific to the sleep period of the user.

By way of example, non-period-based user information may be received from the user (e.g. at a user interface of a mobile computing device) during an initial user set-up session, at any time prior to the user sleep period. On the other hand, period-based user information may be received from a user (e.g. at a user interface of a mobile computing device) at a time immediately preceding the user sleep period. Typically, the receiving includes receiving both non-period-based user information and period-based user information.

In some implementations, the user information may comprise non-period-based user information that is not specific to the sleep period of the user, including at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

user profile information, including one or more of gender, height, and weight information;

user sleep-related practices information (e.g. usual bedtime, total time in bed goal, etc.);

user sleep-related prior occurrences information;

user medical diagnosis information;

user medication-usage practices information; and,

user sleep-enhancement practices information, including information identifying prior/potential use of one or more of sleep therapy devices and sleep therapy supplements.

In some embodiments, the user information may comprise period-based user information that corresponds in time to the sleep period of the user, including at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

user lifestyle information that is specific to behavior of the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user, including one or more of caffeine consumption information, alcohol consumption information, food consumption information, and physical activity information;

user medications usage information that is specific to medications taken by the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user;

user sleep-enhancement practices information that is specific to the sleep period of the user, including one or more of information identifying one or more sleep therapy devices to be used by the user during the sleep period of the user, and information identifying one or sleep therapy supplements taken by the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user; and,

user sleeping conditions information that is specific to the sleep period of the user, including information identifying one or more of ambient temperature information, ambient light information, and ambient sound information.

In some arrangements, non-period-based user information and period-based user information may be received that are corresponding in type (e.g. user medication-usage practices information and user medications usage information that is specific to medications taken by the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user).

In contemplated embodiments, for each predetermined type of user information, the prompting may include supplying a corresponding predetermined plurality of input options for selection by the user in an automated manner (e.g. selective input at a user input of a mobile computing device), wherein only one of the predetermined plurality of input options is selectable for input by the user for the given predetermined type of user information. In that regard, the plurality of input options may be presented to the user in the form of questions with yes/no and/or multiple choice input options.

In some arrangements, for at least one predetermined type of non-period-based user information at least one predetermined one of the corresponding predetermined plurality of input options must be selected for input by the user in order for the supplying to be completed for a corresponding, predetermined type of period-based user information. For example, the supplying may be provided so that a user must first input a selection indicating a given user medication-usage practice (e.g. indicating the user takes a specific medication) in order for a predetermined plurality of input options to be supplied regarding corresponding user medications usage information that is specific to usage of the given medication taken by the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user (e.g. indicating whether the user has taken the specific medication in the predetermined period).

In some embodiments, one or more of the sleep guidance outputs may be provided to reference at least one of the above-referenced predetermined types of user information. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations one or more of the sleep guidance outputs may be provided to reference one or more of the obtained physiological monitoring indications, including for example, one or more physiological monitoring indications obtained and utilized in determining the given sleep guidance output.

In some implementations, and as noted above, the associating may include selecting the at least one sleep guidance output from a plurality of candidates comprising the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs in an automated manner utilizing a predetermined guidance algorithm. In that regard, the predetermined guidance algorithm may comprise one or more of the following:

a predetermined relative priority for each of the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs;

a predetermined limit on the number of times that a given one of the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs can be successively provided to the user;

a predetermined limit on the frequency at which a given one of the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs can be provided to the user;

a predetermined limit on a total number of sleep guidance outputs that can be provided to the user in relation to each of the plurality of non-overlapping sleep periods of the user; and/or,

a predetermined sequence of a plurality of reworded options for a given one of the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs.

In conjunction with the foregoing, at least the acquiring, associating and providing steps may be completed for each of a plurality of non-overlapping sleep periods of the user (e.g. successive nights). In turn, the method may further include storing an indication of one or more sleep guidance output(s) provided for each of the plurality of non-overlapping sleep periods of the user in an automated manner (e.g. storing indications of sleep guidance outputs in memory of a mobile computing device). In turn, such stored indication(s) may be employed in utilizing the predetermined guidance algorithm and/or in providing the sleep guidance output(s).

In additional embodiments, a system for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user is disclosed that includes at least one physiological monitoring sensor associable with a user for providing at least one physiological monitoring output during a sleep period of the user, and a computing device (e.g. a mobile computing device such as a smart phone). The computing device may include a user interface, and a processing unit communicably coupled to the user interface, and optionally, operably interconnectable to a remote server. The processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by a stored software application to:

obtain at least one physiological monitoring indication that is based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output for the sleep period of the user;

receive user information input by the user at the user interface; associate the at least one physiological monitoring data indication and the user information utilizing a predetermined data structure to determine at least one sleep guidance output from a plurality of a predetermined sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

provide the at least one sleep guidance output to the user interface for output to the user.

The stored software application may be stored in non-transitory memory of the computing device and/or remote server, together with the data structure and user information.

In some implementations, the processing unit and/or remote server may be further configurable by the stored software application to utilize a plurality of physiological monitoring data, obtained utilizing the physiological monitoring output in relation to at least partially non- overlapping time intervals of the sleep period, to determine the physiological monitoring indication.

In contemplated embodiments, the at least one physiological monitoring sensor may include one or more of the following physiological monitoring sensors:

a snoring sensor for monitoring snoring of the user;

a motion sensor for monitoring motion of the user;

an electrocardiography sensor for monitoring heart activity of the user;

an electroencephalography sensor for monitoring brain activity of the user;

an electromyography sensor for monitoring muscle activity of the user;

a body position sensor for monitoring bodily position of the user;

a body temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the user;

Such sensor(s) may be operatively located on or in near proximity to a user during monitored sleep periods.

In some arrangements, the processing unit may be further configurable by the stored software application to obtain a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output of said at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user. In turn, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to:

associate each of the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and the user information utilizing the predetermined data structure to determine a corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

provide one or more of the corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs to the user interface for output to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one physiological monitoring indication may be based at least in part upon at least two different ones of a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications. For example, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the software application to apply a predetermined algorithm to two or more different physiological monitoring indications to obtain the physiological monitoring indication that is associated with the user information to determine a sleep guidance output.

In some implementations the at least one physiological monitoring sensor comprises two or more of the following:

a photoplethysmographic sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes at least one of a pulse rate-related indication and a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon said physiological monitoring output of the

photoplethysmographic sensor;

a motion sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a motion- related indication based at least in part upon the physiological monitoring output of the motion sensor; and,

a snoring sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a snoring- related indication based at least in part upon physiological monitoring output the snoring sensor.

In other implementations, the at least one physiological monitoring sensor comprises all of the following:

a photoplethysmographic sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a pulse rate-related indication and a blood oxygen saturation-related indication each based at least in part upon said physiological monitoring output of the

photoplethysmographic sensor;

In turn, in some embodiments the system may further include a module associable with the user during the sleep period of the user, and operable to:

utilize the physiological monitoring output of the photoplethysmographic sensor to obtain a first plurality of physiological monitoring data in relation to at least partially non- overlapping time intervals of the sleep period; and,

utilize the physiological monitoring output of the motion sensor to obtain a second plurality of physiological monitoring data in relation to at least partially non-overlapping time intervals of the sleep period.

Relatedly, the computing device may be communicably coupleable to the module via a wireless connection to receive the first plurality of physiological monitoring data and second plurality of physiological monitoring data, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to obtain the pulse rate-related indication and the blood oxygen saturation-related indication each based at least in part upon said first plurality of physiological monitoring data, and wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to obtain the motion-related indication based at least in part upon said second plurality of physiological monitoring data.

In some embodiments, the processing unit and/or remote server may be further configurable by the stored software application to obtain another physiological monitoring indication based at least in part on two or more of said pulse-rate indication, said blood oxygen indication and such motion indication. As noted, a predetermined, stored algorithm may be applied to the indications to obtain the additional physiological monitoring indication, which in turn may be used to determine a sleep guidance output.

In some arrangements, the computing device may include a microphone

communicably coupled to the processing unit to define said snoring sensor, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is further configurable by the stored software application to utilize the physiological monitoring output of the snoring sensor to obtain a third plurality of physiological monitoring data in relation to at least partially non- overlapping time intervals of the sleep period. Additionally, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to obtain the snoring- related indication based at least in part upon said third plurality of physiological monitoring data.

In contemplated embodiments, the processing unit and/or remote server is also configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide the user information at the user interface. In that regard, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide at least one of the following types of information at the user interface:

period-based user information that is specific to the sleep period of the user; and, non-period-based user information that is not specific to the sleep period of the user.

For example, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide at least one of the following predetermined types of non-period-based user information:

user sleep-related occurrences information;

user medical diagnosis information;

user medication-usage practices information; and,

user sleep-enhancement practices information, including information identifying use of one or more of sleep therapy devices and sleep therapy supplements.

Further, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide at least one of the following predetermined types of period-based user information:

In some arrangements, for each predetermined type of user information the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to supply a predetermined plurality of input options to the user interface for selective input by the user, wherein only one of the predetermined plurality of input options is selectable for input by the user for the given type of user information. More particularly, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application so that, for at least one predetermined type of non-period-based user information at least one predetermined one of a corresponding predetermined plurality of input options must be selected for input at the user interface by the user in order for the processing unit to supply a predetermined plurality of input options to the user interface for selective input by the user in relation to a

corresponding type of period-based user information.

In some arrangements, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application so that one or more one sleep guidance output references one or more of the predetermined types of user information. Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application so that one or more one sleep guidance output references one or more of the physiological monitoring indications. In contemplated implementations, the processing unit and/or remote server may be configurable by the stored software application to determine the sleep guidance output(s) by selecting the sleep guidance output(s) from a plurality of candidates comprising

predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs based upon a predetermined guidance algorithm of the software application and any related preferences relating thereto established by the user at the user interface. In that regard, the predetermined guidance algorithm may comprise one or more of the following:

a predetermined limit on a total number of sleep guidance outputs that can be provided to the user in relation to each of the plurality of non-overlapping sleep periods of the user; and,

The system components may be further operable to perform the various method features described herein. In turn, numerous additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the embodiment descriptions provided hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user.

Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a data structure comprising the system embodiment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a method providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system 1 for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user U. The system 1 includes one or more physiological monitoring sensors 10 (e.g. PMS¹ - PMSⁿ in Fig. 1) associable with the user U to monitoring sleep-related, physiological parameters of the user U and to provide corresponding physiological monitoring outputs. In one arrangement, a first physiological monitoring sensor 10a may comprise a photoplethysmographic sensor and a second physiological monitoring sensor 10b may comprise a motion sensor, each of which may be selectively interconnected to a user U prior to a sleep period of the user and disconnected from the user U at the end of the sleep period.

System 1 may further include a computing device 20 comprising a processing unit 22

(e.g. a microprocessor) that is configurable by a software application (e.g. an application stored in non-transitory memory associated with the processing unit 22) to obtain and/or to operably interconnect with a remote server 50 (e.g. a cloud-based server) that obtains one or more physiological monitoring indications that are based at least in part on the physiological monitoring outputs of the physiological monitoring sensors 10. For example, in one embodiment, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable to obtain a blood oxygen saturation-related indication and a pulse rate-related indication based at least in part on the physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor 10a, a motion-related indication based at least in part on the physiological monitoring output of a motion sensor 10b, and optionally another indication based upon two or more of the blood oxygen saturation-related indication, pulse rate-related indication, and motion-related indication (e.g. utilizing a stored, predetermined algorithm having variable components populated by the physiological monitoring indications).

Computing device 20 further includes a user interface 24 communicably coupled to the processing unit 22 and operable (e.g. via communication signals provided by processing unit 22) to receive user information from a user U (e.g. prior to a sleep period) and to provide sleep guidance output to the user U (e.g. at the end of the sleep period), as will be further described. By way of example, the user interface 24 may comprise a touch screen display and/or audible output/input functionality. In the later regard, computing device 20 may also include a microphone 28 interconnected to the processing unit 22. In turn, processing unit 22 may be configurable by the stored software application to utilize the microphone 28 as an additional physiological monitoring sensor 10c, i.e. a snoring sensor, during sleep periods of the user U. The physiological monitoring sensors 10 may be operably interconnected to the computing device 20, either directed or indirectly, via one or more hardwire connection 12 and/or via one or more wireless connection 14. In the later regard, computing device 20 may include a transceiver 26 communicably coupled to the processing unit 22 and operable for wireless communications, either directly or indirectly, with the physiological monitoring sensors 10.

In one approach, each of the physiological monitoring sensors 10 may be configured to provide a corresponding plurality of physiological monitoring data, obtained utilizing the corresponding physiological monitoring output, in relation to each of a corresponding plurality of at least partially non-overlapping time intervals extending periodically or continuously over a majority or substantial entirety of the sleep period. For example, each of the plurality of corresponding physiological monitoring data may comprise an average, median, peak, percent of total or other statistical value for a monitored physiological parameter/time interval.

In another approach, and as shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 may include at least one module 16 comprising a processing unit (e.g. a microprocessor) coupled to the physiological monitoring sensors 10a, 10b (e.g. via hardwire connections 18) to receive corresponding physiological monitoring outputs, and operable to provide a plurality of corresponding physiological monitoring data, obtained utilizing the physiological monitoring output, in relation to each of a plurality of at least partially non-overlapping time intervals extending periodically or continuously over a maj ority or substantial entirety of the sleep period. For example, each of the plurality of corresponding physiological monitoring data may comprise an average, median, peak, percent of total or other statistical value for a monitored physiological parameter/time interval. The processing unit of module 16 may operably interconnected to the processing unit 22 of computing device 20 via one or more hardwire connection 12 and/or via one or more wireless connection 14 to provide the plurality of physiological monitoring data (e.g. on predetermined periodic basis during or after completion of each given sleep period). In the later regard, module 16 may include a transceiver that is communicably coupled to the processing unit of module 16 and that is adapted for wireless communications with the transceiver 26 of computing device 20 (e.g. via a Bluetooth pairing connection ). In contemplated embodiments, the module 16 may include a power source (e.g. a rechargeable battery), and the processing unit of the module 16 may be operable to provide power/control signals to and receive the physiological monitoring signals from the physiological monitoring sensors 10.

In some implementations, at least one physiological monitoring sensor (e.g. first sensor 10a or second sensor 10b) may located, or housed, in module 16 together with the processing unit, transceiver and power source of module 16. For example, in one arrangement a motion sensor 10b may be included in module 16 (e.g. a motion sensor 10b may be fixedly interconnected to a housing of module 16 and operably interconnected to the processing unit of module 16), wherein the module 16 may be provided with an attachment member (e. g. an elastic loop strap or complimentary hook and loop straps) for selective attachment to and detachment from a predetermined location on a user (e.g. at a wrist/forearm location on an arm of the user). In turn, a photoplethysmographic sensor 10a may be provided for selective attachment to and detachment from a predetermined location on a user that is complimentary to the predetermined location of the module 16 (e.g. on a finger of the user on the same arm to which the motion sensor 10b is attached). In contemplated arrangements, the motion sensor 10b may comprise an accelerometer, and the photoplethysmographic sensor 10a may comprise at least one light source, and more typically two light sources (e.g. a red LED and an infrared LED), and a photodetector, for transmitting light signals into a tissue measurement site and detecting the light signals at the tissue measurement site, respectively.

As noted, the user interface 24 of computing device 20 is communicably coupled to the processing unit 22 of computing device 20 and operable (e.g. via communications signals provided by processing unit 22) to receive user information from a user U (e.g. prior to a sleep period) and to provide sleep guidance output to the user U (e.g. at the end of the sleep period). In the later regard, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the referenced, stored software application to:

obtain at least one physiological monitoring indication that is based at least in part upon the physiological monitoring output of the physiological monitoring sensor(s) 10 for the sleep period of the user;

receive user information input by the user at the user interface 24;

associate the at least one physiological monitoring data indication and the user information utilizing a pre-determined data structure 30 of the stored software application to determine at least one sleep guidance output from a plurality of pre-determined sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

provide the at least one sleep guidance output to the user interface 24 for output to the user.

In some arrangements, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be further configurable by the stored software application to obtain a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon one or a plurality of physiological monitoring output of the physiological monitoring sensor(s) 10. In turn, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to:

associate each of the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and the user information utilizing the pre-determined data structure to determine a corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

provide one or more of the corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs to the user interface 24 for output to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user.

The processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be provided so that one or more of the physiological monitoring indication(s) are stored with and/or otherwise in association with the predetermined data structure 30 in relation to each given sleep period of the user U. Further, one or more of the indications may be included with one or more of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs provided to the user at the user interface 24.

In some embodiments, at least one physiological monitoring indication may be based at least in part upon at least two different ones of a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications. For example, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server may be configurable by the software application to apply a predetermined algorithm to two or more different physiological monitoring indications to obtain the physiological monitoring indication that is associated with the user information to determine a sleep guidance output.

In some implementations, the physiological monitoring sensor(s) 10 may comprise two or more of the following:

a photoplethysmographic sensor 10a for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications obtained by processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 include at least one or both of a pulse rate-related indication and a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon said physiological monitoring output of the photoplethysmographic sensor 10a;

a motion sensor 10b for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications obtained by processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 include a motion-related indication based at least in part upon the physiological monitoring output of the motion sensor; and,

a snoring sensor 10c (i.e. comprising microphone 28) for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications obtained by processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 includes a snoring-related indication based at least in part upon physiological monitoring output the snoring sensor 10c.

In contemplated embodiments, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 is also configurable by the stored software application to provide communication signals to prompt the user at the user interface 24 to provide the user information at the user interface 24. In that regard, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user to provide at least one of the following types of information at the user interface 24:

period-based user information that is specific to the sleep period of the user; and, non-period-based user information that is not specific to the sleep period of the user. For example, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface 24 to provide at least one of the following predetermined types of non-period-based user information prior to an initial sleep period of a given user, wherein such user information will be employed by data structure 30 in relation to all subsequent sleep periods of the user unless otherwise modified by the user:

user sleep-related occurrences information;

user medical diagnosis information;

user medication-usage practices information; and,

The processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be provided so that the user information is stored with and/or otherwise in association with the pre-determined data structure 30 in relation to each given sleep period of the user U.

Further, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface 24 to provide at least one of the following predetermined types of period-based user information prior to each given sleep period of a given user, wherein such user information will be employed by the data structure 30 in relation to the sleep period of the user:

In some arrangements, for each predetermined type of user information the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to supply a predetermined plurality of input options to the user interface 24 for selective input by the user, wherein only one of the predetermined plurality of input options is selectable for input by the user for the given type of user information. In that regard, the plurality of input options may be presented to the user in the form of questions with yes/no and/or multiple choice input options. The processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application so that, for at least one predetermined type of non-period- based user information at least one predetermined one of a corresponding predetermined plurality of input options must be selected for input at the user interface by the user in order for the processing unit to supply a predetermined plurality of input options to the user interface 24 for selective input by the user in relation to a corresponding type of period-based user information.

In some arrangements, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application so that one or more one sleep guidance output(s) references or otherwise includes one or more of the predetermined types of user information. Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application so that one or more one sleep guidance output(s) references or otherwise includes one or more of the physiological monitoring indications.

In contemplated implementations, prior to a given sleep period for which a user wishes to use system 10 to provide sleep guidance output, the user may selectively access, or open, the stored software application utilizing the user interface 24 of computing device 20. In turn, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user to position the physiological monitoring sensors 10 as appropriate, to answer one or more questions to supply the period-based user information, and to provide an input indication of the "start" of the given sleep period. Further, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application to receive input from the user that indicates the "end" of a given sleep period, and optionally, to automatically determine if a given sleep period has ended.

Further, the computing device 20 and/or remote server 50 may be configured by the stored software application to automatically store the sleep period start time and durations of time periods thereafter, prior to and between sleep interruptions, until the end of the given sleep period. Such sleep start time and time period durations may be stored with or in association with the data structure 30 for use by processing unit 22 in obtaining one or more of the physiological monitoring indications. In addition, the computing device 20 and/or remote server 50 may be configured by the stored software application so that, between the start and end of a given sleep period, data indicative of the duration, number and/or magnitude of predetermined event occurrences may be determined and stored in specific relation to the physiological monitoring output of each physiological monitoring sensor 10, wherein such data may be utilized as and/or to obtain the corresponding physiological monitoring indication for given monitored physiological parameter. In the later regard, for a given monitored physiological parameter the corresponding data may be processed to obtain one or more statistical value(s) as the corresponding physiological monitoring indication(s). In contemplated implementations, the processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configurable by the stored software application, to determine the at least one sleep guidance output by selecting the at least one sleep guidance output from a plurality of sleep guidance outputs based upon a predetermined guidance algorithm of the software application and any related preferences relating thereto established by the user at the user interface 24. In that regard, the predetermined guidance algorithm may comprise one or more of the following: a predetermined relative priority for each of the plurality of sleep guidance outputs; a predetermined limit on the number of times that a given one of the plurality of sleep guidance outputs can be successively provided to the user;

a predetermined limit on the frequency at which a given one of the plurality of sleep guidance outputs can be provided to the user;

a predetermined sequence of a plurality of reworded options for a given one of the plurality of sleep guidance outputs.

As noted above, pre-determined data structure 30 is utilized to associate the physiological monitoring indication(s) obtained by processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 with user information input at user interface 24 to determine sleep guidance output(s). In that regard, the pre-determined data structure 30 may be maintained as a multi-dimensional data array, a flat-file database, linked data list(s), a tree-structure database, a relational database, etc. at computing-device 20 and/or remote server 50. For purposes of description, reference is now made to Fig. 2 which illustrates one embodiment of a spreadsheet, or matrix, implementation of data structure 30.

As shown in Fig. 2, the data structure 30 may comprise header column 32 having a plurality of rows 34 corresponding with different types of non-period-based user information (e.g. NPBUI^NPBUI" in Fig. 2) as described above, and a plurality of rows 36 corresponding with different types of period-based user information (e.g. PBUI^PBUI" in Fig. 2) as described above. In that regard, user information rows 34, 36 may include user information established pursuant to multiple choice and/or yes/no questions supplied to the user interface 24 and with respect to which the user has provided a selection input that such user information is applicable to the user. Data structure 30 may also include a header row 38 having a plurality of columns corresponding with a plurality of different types of

physiological monitoring indications (e.g. PMI^PMI" in Fig.2) as described above.

For example, in relation to row 34a, the corresponding non-period-based user information may indicate that the user answered yes to the following question: "I have a CPAP machine" (i.e. NPBUI² applies). In turn, because of the yes answer, in relation to row 36a the corresponding period-based user information may indicate that the user was prompted to and answered a question confirming use of a "CPAP Machine" for the given sleep period (i.e. PBUI¹ applies). Additionally, in relation to row 34b, the corresponding non- period-based information may indicate that the user answered yes to the following question: "Doctor has diagnosed me with Insomnia."

As indicated, for each given sleep period the software application is operable to configure processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 to obtain one or more physiological monitoring indication(s).In turn, to determine which column(s) of the header row 38 each given physiological monitoring indication corresponds with, e.g. which row or header column 36 identifies a predetermined range of values or a condition that encompasses the given physiological monitoring indication. In turn, for each given physiological monitoring indication obtained for a given sleep period, the software application may configure processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 to identify one or more cells of the data structure 30 that is in a user information row 34, 36 comprising user information that has been predetermined as having a potential sleep-related relationship to the given physiological monitoring indication. In turn, such identified cell(s) may each comprise a corresponding, predetermined index indication (e.g. "###" and "##*" in Fig. 2) that may be employable by the software application to retrieve a corresponding sleep guidance output (e.g. textual sleep guidance outputs 40a and 40b in Fig. 2) In particular, the predetermined index indications may be employed to obtain the corresponding sleep guidance output(s) from an associated look-up table, or coaching matrix, comprising data structure 30.

For example, a physiological monitoring indication may be obtained that is a snoring- related indication and such indication may be determined to correspond with column 36e: "SNORE 10-30: 10%-30% snore minutes, as percent of total sleep time (not total time in bed)". That is, the snoring-related indication indicates that, of the total time a given user is determined to have been asleep during a given sleep period, 10%-30% of such period the user was determined to be snoring. In turn, the non-period-based user information of row 36a (i.e. corresponding with "I am using a CPAP machine tonight") may be predetermined to have a potential sleep relationship to the snoring-related indication, and a predetermined index indication "##*" may be employed to obtain a corresponding sleep guidance output 40a that states: "Try to give yourself enough time in bed! Don't cheat yourself out of a full night of sleep. Plan on at least [insert Sleep Goal] hours in bed" .

In another example, a physiological monitoring indication may be obtained that is a time-in-bed (TIB) indication that is based upon the times at which a user initiates and terminates a given sleep period, or study period (e.g. via input at user interface 24), as described above. In turn, the TIB indication may be determined to correspond with column 36a: "TIB FAIL: Time in Bed<Sleep Goal (Total time from study start to study stop)". In turn, the non-period-based user information of row 34b (i.e. "Doctor has diagnosed me with Insomnia") may be predetermined to have a potential sleep relationship to the TIB indication, and a predetermined index indication "###" may be employed to obtain a corresponding sleep guidance output 40b that states: "You had some snoring last night, but you said you used your CPAP machine. Talk to your doctor, the CPAP may need adjustment. "

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which illustrates steps of one embodiment of a method (100) for providing sleep guidance to a user. As will be appreciated, a number of the steps of the method may be completed in an automated manner, wherein remaining steps may be performed by the user.

The method may include receiving user information from the user prior to a sleep period of the user (110) (e.g. receiving sleep-related information from the user prior to the user sleep period at user interface 24 of computing device 20), and obtaining one or more physiological monitoring indication(s) in relation to the sleep period (120) (e.g. obtaining the physiological monitoring indication(s) at computing device 20 and/or remote server 50 based at least in part upon one or more physiological monitoring output(s) of one or more physiological monitoring sensor(s) 10 associated with the user during the user sleep period). In turn, the method may include associating the physiological monitoring indication(s) and user information utilizing a predetermined data structure to determine one or more sleep guidance output(s) from a plurality of predetermined sleep guidance outputs for the sleep period (130) (e.g. associating via processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 configured by a software application at computing device 20), and providing the sleep guidance output(s) to user in relation to the sleep period (140) (e.g. at user interface 24 of computing device 20).

To complete the receiving (1 10), the user may download and open a software application at a user interface of a computing device at any time prior to the sleep period

(1 12) (e.g. user interface 24 of computing device 20). In that regard, the software application may configure a processing unit at the computing device and/or an interconnected remote server to prompt the user to select and input non-period-based user information at the user interface (e.g. processing unit 22 may provide predetermined communication signals to user interface 24 to supply predetermined input options for selective input by user at user interface 24). Further, the software application may configure the processing unit at the computing device and/or to the remote server to prompt the user to select and input period-based user information at the user interface immediately prior to the sleep period (e.g. processing unit 22 may provide predetermined communication signals to user interface 24 to supply

predetermined input options for selective input by user at user interface 24).

In conjunction with the obtaining (120), the user may position one or more physiological monitoring sensor(s) for monitoring one or more physiological attributes of the user in relation to the sleep period (e.g. one or more sensor(s) 10 may be interconnected to or located in close proximity to the user). In turn, the obtaining (120) may entail utilizing one or more plurality of monitoring data, obtained utilizing the physiological monitoring output(s) of the physiological monitoring sensor(s) in relation to at least partially non-overlapping intervals of the sleep period, to determine one or more corresponding physiological monitoring indication(s) (e.g. processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configured by software application to apply predetermined algorithm(s) to the one or more plurality of monitoring data to determine the physiological monitoring indication(s)). The obtaining (120) may further entail utilizing two or more physiological monitoring indication(s) to determine one or more additional physiological indication(s) (e.g. processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configured by software application to apply predetermined algorithm(s) to utilizing two or more physiological monitoring indication(s) to determine the additional physiological monitoring indication(s)). All or a portion of the obtaining (120) may be completed after the sleep period.

Similarly, all or a portion of the associating (130) may be completed after the sleep period. In that regard, the obtaining (120) and associating (130) may be completed upon a termination of monitoring by the physiological monitoring sensor(s) (142) (e.g. processing unit 22 and/or remote server 50 may be configured by software application to terminate monitoring upon disconnection/disassociation of physiological monitoring sensor(s) 10 from the user and/or upon receipt of user input at user interface 24 of computing device 20).

The associating (130) may entail utilizing the predetermined data structure to associate one or more of the physiological monitoring indication(s) with one or more types of the user information predetermined to have a potential predetermined sleep relationship thereto, whereupon the data structure may comprise one or more corresponding,

predetermined indication(s), or index(s), to identify corresponding sleep guidance output(s). The associating (130) may further include selecting the sleep guidance output(s) from the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs utilizing a predetermined guidance algorithm.

As may be appreciated, method (100) may further include additional features as otherwise described above.

EXAMPLE I: As noted, one or more physiological monitoring indication(s) may be obtained utilizing two or more other physiological monitoring indications. In particular, an indication may be determined that may referenced as a "Sleep Fragmentation Calculation". For such purposes, "sleep fragmentation" may be viewed as the number of minutes of sleep lost each sleep period due to movement events, ODI (oxygen desaturation index) events, and pulse rate excursion events. In turn, "sleep fragmentation" may be subtracted from actual sleep time, not from total time in bed, and not including any actual "awake" time like trying to fall asleep, waking in the middle of the night, or waking up too early.

Sleep time is "lost" because even a short sympathetic nervous system arousal interrupts your sleep cycles, and it takes a few seconds or minutes to get your brain waves "back to sleep", although you are not truly "waking up" and becoming aware of your surroundings.

One arousal is a combination of all three events happening, i.e. one ODI and one pulse rate event and one movement event is called one arousal. Each event type contributes one third of the "sleep lost" per arousal.

See the table below. Note: the amount of sleep lost changes based on the number of arousals per hour. If you have many arousals per hour, then you lose more total sleep time, but not at such a high rate of minutes per arousal. From the table, if you have 1 arousal per hour, you "lose" 3 minutes of sleep for that hour. From the table, if you have 30 arousals per hour, you lose 60 seconds per arousal, rather than 3 minutes per arousal. Still, you lose 60 seconds x 30 arousals = 30 minutes of total sleep time "lost" for that hour.

TIB=Total time in bed = total study time

ODI= total number of ODI3 events, summed from the oximetry raw data

PRV=total number of pulse rate events, summed from the oximetry raw data MFI=total number of motion events, summed from the oximetry data

WASO=time lost to insomnia after falling asleep (per Cole-Kripke)

SOL=time lost to insomnia trying to get to sleep (per Cole-Kripke)

EAI=time lost to insomnia from waking up too early (per Cole-Kripke)

Total Sleeping Time (in hours) = TIB-SOL-WASO-EAI

Fragmentation (in minutes) = LOOKUP TABLE: [((ODI+PRV+MFI)/3)/TOTAL SLEEP TIME]. Your total quality sleep is: TIB-SOL-WASO-EAI-FRAG.

An additional physiological monitoring indication may be determined in relation to airway disturbances. To calculate a percentage of airway disturbances associated PRV and MFI events, we need to know what percentage of all sleep interruption events in each minute (Pulse Rate Variability (PRV6), Motion Function Index (MFI), or Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) events) are associated with Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) events.

This is a strange statement, because "of course" the ODIs are associated with ODIs. But we are going to count them anyway. We sum these for the night and provide specific coaching.

We have "minute packages" of data that let us extract this information.

In each minute package, the 3 possible cases are:

1. No ODI, no PRV6, no MFI=no interruptions this minute

2. PRV6 *or* MFI event with ODI = event related to ODI

3. PRV6 *or* MFI event with no ODI = some other autonomic response

4. ODI, without PRV or MFT = ODI sleep loss is *of course* related to ODI To associate the number of ODIs causing the PRV6's or MFI's in each minute, use the following formula:

Percent of events related to ODI this minute = #ODIs/(the larger of #PRV6 or MFI)

There are 4 possible outcomes:

1. Denominator = 0 = undefined division error - 100%

2. Result between 0.000 - 1.000 - Result% (i.e. 0.65=65%)

3. Result greater than 1 - 100%

4. Result = 0 - 0%

Consider these minute data package cases:

MINUT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SUM E

ODI 2 0 2 3 2 2 4 0

PRV 2 2 2 0 4 0 2 0

MFI 2 2 3 0 1 2 0 0

RESULT 1 0 .66 1 .5 1 1 0 5.16

Percentage = 5.16/8 = 0.645. In turn, 64% of tonight's fragmentation is associated with ODIs. EXAMPLE II: A user decides to monitor their sleep one evening.

1. The user wears an electronic sensor device to bed to monitor their snoring.

2. The user runs an "app" on their mobile phone.

3. The mobile phone and the snoring monitor are connected via Bluetooth.

4. The app asks several questions to the user.

5. The user answers "Yes" to "Did you have an alcoholic drink before bed?"

6. The user then goes to sleep.

7. During the night, the device measures increased snoring in the user.

8. That increased snoring measurement from the evening is transmitted to the app on the mobile phone.

9. In the morning, the app analyzes the Sleep Matrix (e.g. spread sheet of data structure 30) and finds an entry in the header row for "increased snoring". The app also analyzes the "yes" entry for "alcohol before bed" in the header column. The app now looks at the cell at the intersection of that row and column. That cell contains the index number 17.

10. Next the app analyzes the Sleep Coaching table (e.g. look up table or data structure 30) and finds row 17. That coaching is then delivered to the user via the mobile phone. The coaching says "Alcohol before bed can increase snoring. Try another evening without alcohol and see if your snoring is reduced."

11. This process can be repeated for as many physiologic measurements and/or health questions as needed to provide complete coaching for the user. EXAMPLE: Using the exact scenario above, the user may have answered "No" to the alcohol question, but may have answered "Yes" to the question about "Did you suffer allergies today". In that case, the index at the row/column intersection would be #28. The coaching #28 then would be "Try an anti -histamine before bed, your allergies caused snoring."

12. A "mechanism" may be employed to put a high or low priority on these coachings, or to ensure that this particular "alcohol" coaching isn't delivered again for several days or several sessions. The user may generate 9 such coachings, but a mechanism may limit the session to only 4 coachings so as not to overwhelm the user. Other "mechanisms" are possible.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain known modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include altemative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An automated method for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user, comprising:

obtaining at least one physiological monitoring indication in automated manner, wherein the at least one physiological monitoring indication is based at least in part upon at least one physiological monitoring output of at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user;

receiving user information from a user in an automated manner;

associating the at least one physiological monitoring indication and the user information in an automated manner, utilizing a predetermined data structure to determine at least one sleep guidance output from a plurality of predetermined sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

providing the at least one sleep guidance output in an automated manner to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user.

2. A method as recited in Claim 1, wherein said obtaining comprises:

utilizing a plurality of physiological monitoring data, obtained utilizing the physiological monitoring output in relation to at least partially non-overlapping time intervals of the sleep period, to determine the physiological monitoring indication in an automated manner.

3. A method as recited in Claim 2, wherein said at least one physiological monitoring sensor comprises one of the following:

a snoring sensor for monitoring snoring of the user;

a motion sensor for monitoring motion of the user;

an electrocardiography sensor for monitoring heart activity of the user;

an electroencephalography sensor for monitoring brain activity of the user;

an electromyography sensor for monitoring muscle activity of the user;

a resistance impedance pneumography sensor for monitoring respiratory chest movement of the user; a body position sensor for monitoring bodily position of the user;

a body temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the user;

4. A method as recited in Claim 2, wherein said obtaining further comprises:

obtaining a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications in an automated manner, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output of said at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user.

5. A method as recited in Claim 4, wherein said associating comprises:

associating each of the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications and the user information in an automated manner, utilizing the predetermined data structure to determine a corresponding plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

wherein the providing comprises:

providing each of the plurality of different sleep guidance outputs in an automated manner to the user in relation to the sleep period of the user.

6. A method as recited in Claim 4, wherein said at least one physiological monitoring indication is based at least in part upon two different ones of said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications.

7. A method as recited in Claim 6, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications comprise two or more of the following:

a pulse rate-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor;

a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor; a motion-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a motion sensor; and,

a snoring-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a snoring sensor.

8. A method as recited in Claim 2, wherein said obtaining comprises:

obtaining a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications in an automated manner, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are each based at least in part upon different corresponding physiological monitoring outputs of different corresponding ones of a plurality of different physiological monitoring sensors associated with a user during a sleep period of the user;

wherein said associating comprises:

wherein the providing comprises:

9. A method as recited in Claim 8, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications comprise two or more indications of the following:

a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a photoplethysmographic sensor;

a motion-related indication based at least in part upon a corresponding physiological monitoring output of a motion sensor; and,

10. A method as recited in Claim 9, wherein said obtaining further comprises:

obtaining another physiological monitoring indication in an automated manner, wherein said another physiological monitoring indication is based at least in part upon said two or more indications.

11. A method as recited in Claim 1, wherein said receiving comprises:

prompting the user in an automated manner to provide the user information.

12. A method as recited in Claim 11, wherein the user information comprises at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

period-based user information that is specific to the sleep period of the user; and,

non-period-based user information that is not specific to the sleep period of the user.

13. A method as recited in Claim 12, wherein the user information comprises non-period-based user information that is not specific to the sleep period of the user, including at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

user profile information, including one or more of gender, height, and weight information; user sleep-related practices information;

user sleep-related occurrences information;

user medical diagnosis information;

user medication-usage practices information; and,

14. A method as recited in Claim 12, wherein the user information comprises period-based user information that corresponds in time to the sleep period of the user, including at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

user lifestyle information that is specific to behavior of the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user, including one or more of caffeine consumption information, alcohol consumption information, food consumption information, and physical activity information; user medications usage information that is specific to medications taken by the user in a predetermined period prior to the sleep period of the user;

15. A method as recited in Claim 12, wherein for each predetermined type of user information said prompting includes:

supplying a corresponding predetermined plurality of input options for selective input by the user in an automated manner, wherein only one of the predetermined plurality of input options is selectable for input by the user for the given type of user information.

16. A method as recited in Claim 15, wherein for at least one predetermined type of non-period- based user information at least one predetermined one of the corresponding predetermined plurality of input options must be selected for input by the user in order for the supplying to be completed for a corresponding, predetermined type of period-based user information.

17. A method as recited in Claim 12, wherein said at least one sleep guidance output references said at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

18. A method as recited in Claim 1, wherein said associating comprises:

selecting said at least one sleep guidance output from the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs in an automated manner utilizing a predetermined guidance algorithm.

19. A method as recited in Claim 18, wherein at least said acquiring, associating and providing are completed for each of a plurality of non-overlapping sleep periods of the user, and further comprising:

storing the at least one sleep guidance output for each of the plurality of non-overlapping sleep periods of the user in an automated manner.

20. A method as recited in Claim 19, wherein the predetermined guidance algorithm comprises at least one of the following:

21. A system for providing enhanced sleep guidance to a user, comprising:

at least one physiological monitoring sensor associable with a user for providing at least one physiological monitoring output during a sleep period of the user;

a computing device, comprising:

a user interface; and,

a processing unit communicably coupled to the user interface, and operably

interconnectable to a remote server, the processing unit and/or remote server being configurable by a stored software application to:

obtain at least one physiological monitoring indication that is based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output for the sleep period of the user; receive user information input by the user at the user interface; associate the at least one physiological monitoring data indication and the user information utilizing a predetermined data structure to determine at least one sleep

guidance output from a plurality of a predetermined sleep guidance outputs in unique relation to the sleep period of the user; and,

22. A system as recited in Claim 21, wherein said processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to:

utilize a plurality of physiological monitoring data, obtained utilizing the physiological monitoring output in relation to at least partially non-overlapping time intervals of the sleep period, to determine the physiological monitoring indication.

23. A system as recited in Claim 22, wherein said at least one physiological monitoring sensor comprises one of the following:

a snoring sensor for monitoring snoring of the user;

a motion sensor for monitoring motion of the user;

an electrocardiography sensor;

an electroencephalography sensor;

an electromyography sensor;

a resistance impedance pneumography sensor;

a body position sensor;

a body temperature sensor;

an airway temperature sensor; and

an airflow sensor.

24. A system as recited in Claim 22, wherein said processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to: obtain a plurality of different physiological monitoring indications, wherein the plurality of different physiological monitoring indications are based at least in part upon said at least one physiological monitoring output of said at least one physiological monitoring sensor associated with a user during a sleep period of the user.

25. A system as recited in Claim 24, wherein said processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to:

26. A system as recited in Claim 24, wherein said at least one physiological monitoring indication is based at least in part upon two different ones of said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications.

27. A system as recited in Claim 24, wherein said at least one physiological monitoring sensor comprises two or more of the following:

a photoplethysmographic sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes at least one of a pulse rate-related indication and a blood oxygen saturation-related indication based at least in part upon said physiological monitoring output of the photoplethysmographic sensor; a motion sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, a wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a motion-related indication based at least in part upon the physiological monitoring output of the motion sensor; and,

a snoring sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a snoring-related indication based at least in part upon physiological monitoring output the snoring sensor.

28. A system as recited in Claim 24, wherein said at least one physiological monitoring sensor comprises the following:

a photoplethysmographic sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a pulse rate-related indication and a blood oxygen saturation-related indication each based at least in part upon said physiological monitoring output of the photoplethysmographic sensor;

a motion sensor for providing a corresponding physiological monitoring output, wherein said plurality of different physiological monitoring indications includes a motion-related indication based at least in part upon the physiological monitoring output of the motion sensor; and,

29. A system as recited in Claim 28, further comprising:

a module associable with the user during the sleep period of the user, and operable to:

utilize the physiological monitoring output of the motion sensor to obtain a second plurality of physiological monitoring data in relation to at least partially non-overlapping time intervals of the sleep period;

wherein the computing device is communicably coupleable to the module via a wireless connection to receive the first plurality of physiological monitoring data and second plurality of physiological monitoring data, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to obtain the pulse rate-related indication and the blood oxygen saturation-related indication each based at least in part upon said first plurality of physiological monitoring data, and wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to obtain the motion-related indication based at least in part upon said second plurality of physiological monitoring data.

30. A system as recited in Claim 28, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to obtain another physiological monitoring indication based at least in part on two or more of said pulse-rate indication, said blood oxygen indication and said motion indication.

31. A system as recited in Claim 28, said computing device further comprising:

a microphone communicably coupled to the processing unit to define said snoring sensor, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to utilize the physiological monitoring output of the snoring sensor to obtain a third plurality of physiological monitoring data in relation to at least partially non-overlapping time intervals of the sleep period, and wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is

configurable by the stored software application to obtain the snoring-related indication based at least in part upon said third plurality of physiological monitoring data.

32. A system as recited in Claim 21, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to:

prompt the user at the user interface to provide the user information at the user interface.

33. A system as recited in Claim 32, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide at least one of the following types of information at the user interface:

34. A method as recited in Claim 33, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide at least one of the following predetermined types of non-period-based user information:

user sleep-related occurrences information;

user medical diagnosis information; user medication-usage practices information; and,

35. A method as recited in Claim 33, wherein the processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to prompt the user at the user interface to provide at least one of the following predetermined types of period-based user information:

36. A system as recited in Claim 33, wherein for each predetermined type of user information said processing unit is configurable by the stored software application to:

supply a predetermined plurality of input options to the user interface for selective input by the user, wherein only one of the predetermined plurality of input options is selectable for input by the user for the given type of user information.

37. A system as recited in Claim 36, wherein said processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application so that, for at least one predetermined type of non-period-based user information at least one predetermined one of a corresponding predetermined plurality of input options must be selected for input at the user interface by the user in order for the processing unit to supply a predetermined plurality of input options to the user interface for selective input by the user in relation to a corresponding type of period-based user information.

38. A system as recited in Claim 33, wherein said processing unit is configurable by the stored software application so that said at least one sleep guidance output references said at least one of the following predetermined types of user information:

39. A system as recited in Claim 21, wherein said processing unit and/or remote server is configurable by the stored software application to:

to determine the at least one sleep guidance output by selecting the at least one sleep guidance output from the predetermined plurality of sleep guidance outputs based upon a predetermined guidance algorithm of the software application and any related preferences relating thereto established by the user at the user interface.

40. A system as recited in Claim 39, wherein said predetermined guidance algorithm comprises at least one of the following: