Home sensors can detect opioid withdrawal signs at night, according to a new study.
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that a sensor placed on the chest can detect changes in heart rate and respiration that are associated with opioid withdrawal.
The sensor, known as a Zephyr Bioharness, is a wearable device that is often used to monitor heart rate and respiration.
Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology placed the sensors on 10 patients who were undergoing detoxification from opioids.
The sensors were worn for 24 hours, and the data was collected and analyzed.
The researchers found that the sensors were able to detect changes in heart rate and respiration that were associated with opioid withdrawal.
The findings suggest that home sensors could be used to monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal and to notify caregivers if withdrawal symptoms are present.
The study is small and further research is needed to confirm the findings, but the results suggest that home sensors could be a valuable tool for detecting and managing opioid withdrawal.
opi-witness is a home sensor that can detect opioid withdrawal signs at night. It was developed by researchers at Brown University and is currently being piloted in Rhode Island.
The sensor is designed to be placed under a mattress, and it uses sensors to monitor movement and respiration. data from the sensor is transmitted to a smartphone app, where it can be used to track patterns of withdrawal and to provide reminders to take medication.
The idea for the sensor came from the fact that many people who struggle with opioid addiction also have trouble staying compliant with their medication regimen. By providing a way to track withdrawal symptoms, the hope is that people will be more likely to take their medication and avoid relapse.
So far, the sensor has been shown to be accurate in detecting withdrawal symptoms, and the app has been well-received by users. The team is now working on integrating the sensor into a wearable device, which would make it even more convenient for people to use.
With the opioid epidemic showing no signs of abating, opi-witness has the potential to help many people struggling with addiction. By providing a way to monitor withdrawal symptoms and promote compliance with medication, it could make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.
