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In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Vermont have discovered a link between changes in stress levels and sleep patterns, using data collected from wearable devices. Published in PLOS Digital Health, this research marks a significant advancement in the quest to identify biomarkers that can signal individuals in need of mental health support.
Lead author Laura Bloomfield, a research assistant professor of mathematics and statistics at UVM, explains the significance of their findings. “Changes in stress are visible,” she says, emphasizing the observable impact on sleep metrics.
The study, part of the Lived Experience Measured Using Rings Study (LEMURS), analyzed data from hundreds of first- and second-year college students. Participants wore Oura ring biosensors, which collected data on sleep duration, heart rate, respiratory rate, and other vital signs. Additionally, participants completed regular surveys about their well-being.
The researchers found consistent associations between perceived stress scores and various sleep metrics, such as total sleep time and resting heart rate. Notably, for every additional hour of sleep recorded, the likelihood of reporting moderate-to-high stress decreased by 38%. Conversely, an increase of just one beat per minute in nightly resting heart rate was associated with a 3.6% increase in the odds of experiencing stress.
Bloomfield, who is also the principal investigator of LEMURS, underscores the potential implications of their findings. “If we can identify increased stress in real-time, there may be opportunities to offer helpful interventions,” she explains. This could lead to more timely support for individuals experiencing heightened stress levels.
The LEMURS project, conceived by Professor Chris Danforth and Bloomfield, aims to leverage wearable technologies to improve the health and well-being of young people. By tracking participants’ biometric data and subjective responses, the researchers seek to understand how interventions such as exercise, nature exposure, and group therapy can mitigate stress and improve overall health.
Mikaela Fudolig, a research assistant professor of mathematics and statistics and co-author of the study, highlights the comprehensive nature of the data collected. “We have several sources of data…combining them is the most exciting thing,” she remarks, emphasizing the potential insights gained from analyzing multiple dimensions of participants’ experiences.
The study’s findings come at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges among young adults. Bloomfield emphasizes the need for better support systems during this transitional period. “There is a high burden of stress in this population,” she says, noting the importance of accessible resources for college students facing various stressors.
While interpreting stress signals from biometric data poses challenges, Bloomfield believes their research can ultimately contribute to better support for individuals experiencing mental health issues. By understanding the connection between sleep patterns and stress levels, interventions can be tailored to provide timely assistance to those in need.
The study, titled “Predicting stress in first-year college students using sleep data from wearable devices,” offers valuable insights into the relationship between sleep and stress, paving the way for future research and interventions aimed at promoting mental health among young adults.
Reference:
Predicting stress in first-year college students using sleep data from wearable devices, PLOS Digital Health (2024).
