ARLINGTON, VA. — The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) are working together to explore technology standards that will aid the development of consumer sleep technology.
The project was announced during the annual CEA Technology & Standards Forum, held last month in Seattle.
The collaboration includes the formation of a new wearable sleep monitors working group that will develop standards, bulletins and other documents addressing wearable sleep monitoring equipment. The group will include leading sleep experts as well as technology manufacturers.
The news follows CEA’s announcement earlier this month regarding the formation of a new health and fitness technology division, led by such industry leaders as FitBit, Qualcomm Life and Jawbone.
“The goal of CEA’s new health and fitness division is to promote consumer electronics that help consumers take control of their personal health and change their lives for the better,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “Over the last several years, consumer electronics have helped revolutionize how we monitor our personal activity and eating habits. Sleep is a frontier for consumer health technology.”
David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation, said, “Sleep is as vital to our health as eating right and exercise. We know that getting enough sleep and getting quality sleep have amazing health benefits, including improved mood, concentration, memory and productivity, and the ability to maintain a healthy weight. For the vast majority of people, what happens when they sleep is largely a mystery.”
Cloud continued, “However, given the technology to properly monitor their own sleep quality, consumers can better understand the link between their sleep and their health, and set goals for improvement. The National Sleep Foundation is thrilled to work with CEA to help make this a reality for consumers everywhere.”
