Design Interactive, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF191-005

Description

Sleep disturbances are very common during military deployment, due to hazardous work conditions, inconsistent hours, crowded sleep spaces, exposure to loud noises, and the proliferation of night missions. Disruption of normal sleep routines affects an individual’s circadian rhythms, causes stress and cognitive decrements such as increased reaction time, and causes psychological effects including depression, which put an individual at higher risk for self-harm. SHARPR: Sleep Homeostasis Acuity Readiness Program is a wearable and mobile technology ecosystem designed to provide actionable, individualized information to optimize mental acuity. Design Interactive Inc. integrated a commercial Fitbit device, cognitive assessment games, and physiological sensing algorithms of individual resilience to fatigue. The system outputs individualized, actionable information to optimize mental acuity through evidence-based sleep, activity, and nutrition analytics as well as educational information on both Android and iOS mobile platforms. SHARPR has shown commercial viability with professional athletics organizations (Brooklyn Nets, Canadian Olympic teams) as well as automotive companies. During the proposed phase 1 effort, Design Interactive will assess the feasibility for SHARPR use with the Air Force BATDOK and Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) programs as well as other groups.