Non-invasive monitoring device to evaluate sleep quality at mining facilities

The mining industry is constantly looking for improvements to the safety of the mine operators and productivity. Sleep quality of mine workers is an important issue related to both goals. Miners are usually exposed to hard working shifts in a hostile environment, without specialized medical supervision. Deficient rest during shifts is related to fatigue and risk of accidents. Sleep quality is usually evaluated through polysomnography by measuring apneas, body movements and time in bed among other parameters, trying to determine sleep depth. We present a non-invasive sleep evaluation device based on pressure sensors on the bed that can be used to measure relevant parameters to estimate sleep quality. This device can be easily installed unobtrusively at mining facilities and provide time in bed, respiration frequency, body movements, apnea events and sleep depth. We present preliminary results that validate the device for future studies at mining sites, as a possible hazard control mechanism.