Sleep assessment using a home sleep system

Abstract

A sleep assessment device is provided for, including biometric sensors for detecting a heart rate, respiration, or movement of a user. The device detect a user's sleep state by reading signals from the biometric sensor and logs detected information in a sleep record. The device then compares the logged information to a thumbprint of sleep patterns indicative of sleep disorders and outputs an indication of potential sleep disorders based on the comparison.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sleep assessment system comprising:
 at least one biometric sensor for detecting at least one of a heart rate, respiration, or movement of a first user, the at least one biometric sensor;   a microphone configured to use beamforming to detect sound emanating from the first user;   at least one speaker;   a processor; and   memory;   wherein said processor is configured to detect the first user's sleep state based on signals from said at least one biometric sensor;   wherein said processor is further configured to log information in a sleep record, including biometric information detected during the period the first user is sleeping;   wherein said processor is configured to compare said logged information in said sleep record to a thumbprint of sleep patterns and output an indication of potential sleep disorders based on said comparison; and   wherein said processor is further configured to generate a noise-masking sound based on sounds emanating from the first user that are detected by said microphone, and said at least one speaker is configured to play said noise-masking sound, and   wherein said at least one speaker is one of a pair of headphones for a second user to wear or a pair of earbuds for the second user to wear.   
     
     
         2 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 1 , wherein the thumbprint is a thumbprint of a normal sleep pattern. 
     
     
         3 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 1 , wherein the thumbprint is a thumbprint of a known sleep disorder. 
     
     
         4 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 3 , wherein the sleep disorder is one of: sleep apnea, sleep talking, sleep walking, and snoring. 
     
     
         5 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to output a notification of a potential sleep disorder. 
     
     
         6 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 5 , further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the notification of a potential sleep disorder. 
     
     
         7 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one biometric sensor comprises at least one direct biometric sensor, wherein said processor is configured to detect the first user's sleep state based on signals from said at least one direct biometric sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one direct biometric sensor is a blood oxygen sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is further configured to detect sound while the first user is sleeping and log sound information into said sleep record. 
     
     
         10 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 1 , wherein said speakers are further configured to play noise-canceling sounds. 
     
     
         11 . The sleep assessment system of  claim 10 , wherein said noise-canceling sounds are modified according to said noise-masking sound 
     
     
         12 . A method for providing an indication of a potential sleep disorder comprising:
 providing at least one biometric sensor for detecting at least one of a heart rate, respiration, or movement of a first user,   providing at least one microphone and using beamforming to detect sound emanating from the first user;   providing at least one speaker;   detecting the first user's sleep state based on signals from said at least one biometric sensor;   logging information in a sleep record, including biometric information relating to the quality of the first user's sleep;   comparing said logged information in said sleep record to a thumbprint of sleep patterns;   determining whether a potential sleep disorder exists based on said comparison;   providing an indication that a potential sleep disorder exists;   generating a noise-masking sound based on noises that are detected by said at least one microphone; and   playing said noise-masking sound through said at least one speaker;   wherein said noise-masking sound is determined based on detected sounds emanating from the first user,   wherein said at least one speaker is one of a pair of headphones for a second user to wear or a pair of earbuds for the second user to wear.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one biometric sensor comprises at least one direct biometric sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said at least one direct biometric sensor is a blood oxygen sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 reading signals from said at least one microphone; and   logging sound information in said sleep record.