You are here

Technologies to Target Circadian Rhythm Disruption in PTSD

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W81XWH-16-C-0152
Agency Tracking Number: A16A-014-0117
Amount: $149,998.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: A16A-T014
Solicitation Number: 2016.0
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2016
Award Year: 2016
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2016-09-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2017-04-27
Small Business Information
678 Mass. Ave., Suite 904
Cambridge, MA 02139
United States
DUNS: 802270988
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dr. Ariel Dowling, PhD
 (888) 589-6213
 ariel.dowling@biosensics.com
Business Contact
 Neda Movaghar
Phone: (888) 589-6213
Email: neda.movaghar@biosensics.com
Research Institution
 The Birgham and Women's Hospital
 Neda Movaghar
 
75 Francis St \N
Boston, MA 02115
United States

 (888) 589-6213
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Circadian rhythm disruption misalignment causes fatigue and a variety of physical and mental ailments, and is a clinical feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); it is also closely linked to the severity of PTSD. BioSensics, in collaboration with the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Womens Hospital, will develop a circadian rhythm and sleep coach, Rhythm Sleep, to monitor circadian rhythms, measure sleep, and identify daytime napping, and provide interventions including appropriately-timed light-dark exposure and targeted biofeedback to promote habits that lead to a more consolidated and healthy sleep-wake rhythm. Rhythm Sleep measures physiological signals to identify circadian rhythms, physical activity patterns, and daytime napping. These data then inform a biofeedback system that will reduce day-to-day fluctuations in sleep patterns through light stimulus, activity suggestions, heart rate biofeedback, and disruption of daytime napping. Rhythm Sleep consists of three interconnected modules: 1) A wearable wireless sensor module, worn over the ear, that contains physiological and environmental sensors; 2) a light modulation unit to provide customized, adjustable light therapy, and 3) a smartphone app to integrate all the sensor signals, modify the daily light therapy, provide coaching to encourage healthy sleep, and provide stimulation to deter daytime napping.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government