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SleepSENSENCT06670287

The Use of Multiple Sensors to Track Sleep in Nightshift Workers

A study testing Single-Sensor Tracking (In-Lab), Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (In-Lab) and Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (At-Home) in people with Sleep and Nightshift Work, run by Henry Ford Health System at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Sleep is often a challenge for nightshift workers because their work and sleep schedules are inverted. Sleep is commonly measured using actigraphy, which is the standard measure of objective sleep in the general population; however, this method has substantial limitations for nightshift workers because the standard… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Sleep, Nightshift Work
What is being tested?
Single-Sensor Tracking (In-Lab), Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (In-Lab) and Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (At-Home)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
100 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
23 Feb 2026to 30 Jun 2031
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants must be working a fixed nightshift schedule, operationalized as: a) working at least three night shifts a week, b) shifts must begin between 18:00 and 02:00, and last between 8 to 12 hours, and c) must also plan to maintain the nightshift schedule for the duration of the study
  • Participants must have worked the nightshift for at least six months
  • Must plan to maintain the nightshift schedule for the duration of the study
  • Participants must be at least 18 years old

Who cannot join

  • Termination of nightshift schedule or planned travel during the study period
  • Does not have at least an average of 8-hour time bed opportunity per 24-hour period
  • Unwilling to integrate the study smart sensors in their bedroom environment
  • Illicit drug use via self-report and urine drug screen
  • History of neurological disorders
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Pregnancy

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Philip Cheng, PhD contact

248-344-7361

pcheng1@hfhs.org

Elle M Wernette, PhD contact

2483442409

ewernet1@hfhs.org

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center

    Novi, Michigan, 48377

    Philip Cheng, PhD, 248-344-7361, pcheng1@hfhs.org

    Elle M Wernette, PhD, 2483442409, ewernet1@hfhs.org

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Multi-Sensor Machine Learning Approach to Precision Sleep Tracking for Nightshift Workers

Sleep is often a challenge for nightshift workers because their work and sleep schedules are inverted. Sleep is commonly measured using actigraphy, which is the standard measure of objective sleep in the general population; however, this method has substantial limitations for nightshift workers because the standard legacy algorithms only correctly identify 50.3% of daytime sleep. This significantly reduces the validity for nightshift workers. The purpose of this study is to test a novel method to expand actigraphy by using 1) a multi-sensor approach that 2) uses machine learning (ML) algorithms to increase the accuracy of detecting daytime sleep.

Read the detailed description

The first aim of this study is to establish an open-source machine learning algorithm for sleep tracking that outperforms legacy actigraphy algorithms in detecting daytime sleep periods. The second aim is to enhance tracking of sleep continuity variables by adding multiple sensors. The final aim is to identify facilitators and barriers of at-home implementation of multi-sensor sleep tracking. Our central hypothesis is that a multi-sensor ML approach will outperform legacy algorithms against gold-standard polysomnography (PSG).

This study will be type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial that 1) validates the proposed multi-sensor ML approach using in-lab polysomnography, and 2) examines implementation of the multi-sensor ML approach in an ecologically valid setting via an at-home implementation for four weeks. A sample of nightshift workers will be enrolled in the in-lab validation portion of the study and will be hooked-up to PSG with continuous data collection for the duration of the lab visit to capture five planned sleep opportunities at varying lengths (4 hr, 2 hr, 1.5 hr, and two 30-minute naps; 8 hrs total). For each participant, sensor data will be processed using two separate methods. For the legacy actigraphy algorithm method, only raw accelerometer data will be processed. For the multi-sensor machine learning method, accelerometer data from the watch along with additional sensors will be processed using a machine learning algorithm. Some participants who complete the in-lab portion of the study will be asked to complete the at-home portion of the study, which includes 4 weeks of at-home sleep tracking using the multi-sensor approach. Participants will receive the sensor kit and will have an at-home appointment with study staff to aid with sensor set-up, which will then be collected again at the end of the 4-week period. Daily sleep diaries will also be collected during the 4 weeks to enable data quality check.

Being tested
Single-Sensor Tracking (In-Lab), Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (In-Lab), Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (At-Home)
Keywords
Sleep tracking, Actigraphy, Nightshift work, Sleep, machine learning

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Single-Sensor Tracking (In-Lab)Other

    In-lab sleep tracking using only raw accelerometer data from a single sensor collected and processed with legacy actigraphy algorithms.

  • Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (In-Lab)Other

    Also called Multi-sensor ML, Multi-Sensor Machine Learning

    In-lab sleep tracking using raw accelerometer data and additional sensors collected and processed with machine learning.

  • Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (At-Home)Other

    At-home sleep tracking using raw accelerometer data and additional sensors collected and processed with machine learning.

Study groups in NCT06670287
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Single vs Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking In-LabExperimentalIn Part 1 of the study, all participants' data will undergo two separate methods for analyzing sleep. The legacy actigraphy algorithm methods will use only raw accelerometer data from a single sensor collected and processed using legacy actigraphy algorithms. The legacy algorithm is comprised first of reducing accelerometer data into activity counts per epoch, which will then be categorized into sleep or wake in accordance with the Cole-Kripke algorithm. The multi-sensor machine learning (ML) method will use raw accelerometer data in addition to data from additional sensors from the watch, phone, and other smart sensors in the sleeping environment. These data will be processed using a machine learning algorithm.
Receives: Other: Single-Sensor Tracking (In-Lab); Other: Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (In-Lab)
Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking At-HomeOtherThis condition includes 4 weeks of at-home sleep tracking using the multi-sensor approach. Daily sleep diaries will also be collected to enable data quality check. Once collected, all data will be processed with the same machine learning algorithm used in the in-lab experimental condition.
Receives: Other: Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (At-Home)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Sleep Continuity- Time in Bed

    The amount of time (in minutes) a participant spends in bed from lights out to their final awakening time. All PSG variables will use standard American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) sleep scoring rules. Data from the Apple Watch will have non-PSG inputs from the multi-sensor system to inform this sleep continuity variable.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks

  2. Sleep Continuity- Sleep Onset Latency

    The amount of time (in minutes) a participant takes to fall asleep, from the time of lights out, or the amount of time spent awake but attempting sleep from lights out. All PSG variables will use standard AASM sleep scoring rules; indicated with "lights out" marker on a PSG, EEG scored as wake, accompanied with a prototypical sleep posture (e.g. supine) with eyes closed. Data from the Apple Watch will have non-PSG inputs from the multi-sensor system to inform this sleep continuity variable including dim lights or darkness with lux near zero, presence in bed, rare/interspersed motion from phone and watch.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks

  3. Sleep Continuity- Wake After Sleep Onset

    The amount of time (in minutes) a participant spends awake from the time they initially falling asleep, and excluding their final wake up. All PSG variables will use standard AASM sleep scoring rules; indicated with "lights out" marker on a PSG, electroencephalography (EEG) scored as wake, accompanied with a prototypical sleep posture (e.g. supine) with eyes closed. Data from the Apple Watch will have non-PSG inputs from the multi-sensor system to inform this sleep continuity variable.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks

  4. Sleep Continuity- Sleep Efficiency

    The proportion of the total amount of time a participant is asleep of the total amount of time in bed [(Total Sleep Time in minutes) / (Time in Bed in minutes)]. All PSG variables will use standard AASM sleep scoring rules. Data from the Apple Watch will have non-PSG inputs from the multi-sensor system to inform this sleep continuity variable, including dim lights or darkness, presence in bed, prolonged low motion from phone and watch, breathing rate changes, and heart rate (sleep staging).

    Measured: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks

  5. Wake

    The amount of time (in minutes) a participant is awake [or the absence of any type of sleep- Stage 1 (N1), Stage 2 (N2), Stage 3 (N3), Rapid Eye Movement (REM)]. All PSG variables will use standard AASM sleep scoring rules; represented on PSG by activities prior to "lights out" marker or video monitoring (eg, video monitoring showing scrolling on social media in bed). Data from the Apple Watch will have non-PSG inputs from the multi-sensor system to inform these sleep continuity variables including motion, lights on, high heart rate.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks

  6. Detection of Daytime Sleep Periods

    Any sleep periods between 6a and 6p will be designated as daytime sleep. A daytime sleep period from the Apple Watch will be considered successfully detected if it falls within ±30 minutes of the PSG start and end times, and is at least 50% the length of the actual sleep period.

    Measured: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks

  7. User experience

    This will be indexed with the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) that has been validated for evaluation of new products and has clear and well-established benchmarks. The UEQ includes items along six domains: 1) Attractiveness (overall likability or appeal), 2) Perspicuity (learning curve and ease of use), 3) Efficiency (speed and efficiency of interactions), 4) Dependability (predictability of system behaviors), 5) Stimulation (how exciting and motivating the product is), 6) Novelty (innovation and creativity of the product).

    Measured: Within two days of the at-home intervention

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Interviews

    These interviews will be semi-structured using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The moderator guide will solicit in-depth feedback on participants' experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. Key themes to be explored in the interviews include ease of use, comfort, perceived accuracy, and any barriers to regular use.

    Measured: Within one month of the at-home intervention

  2. Digital health technology literacy

    This will be measured using the Digital Health Technology Literacy scale (DHTL). This validated scale assesses degree of experience and skills in using digital health technology and services. The DHTL has strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and strong validity with completion of ten digital tasks such as connecting a device to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, downloading and installing an app, and entering weight data into an app.

    Measured: During screening before the in-lab intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 Nov 2024
  2. Study start23 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Nov 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2031 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Sequential
Model description
Type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial with two steps. Step 1: In-lab trial (with a sample of participants balanced on degree of technological literacy) comparing data processing using legacy actigraphy to multi-sensor machine learning. Step 2: At-home implementation of multi-sensor machine learning approach (balanced by technological literacy).
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
100 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06670287
Sponsor's protocol ID
17505
Acronym
SENSE
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
15 Oct 2024
Last updated
18 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Request for data sharing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Single-Sensor Tracking (In-Lab), Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (In-Lab) and Multi-Sensor Sleep Tracking (At-Home) in people with Sleep and Nightshift Work, run by Henry Ford Health System at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Philip Cheng, PhD (248-344-7361, pcheng1@hfhs.org), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Sleep Continuity- Time in Bed (time frame: Throughout study completion, up to 6 weeks). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Mar 2026.

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