Functional characteristics of sleep monitoring devices in China: A real-world cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Sleep monitoring devices present potential improvements to address the challenges of sleep disorders. However, systematic evaluations are lacking. This study investigates the functional characteristics of existing sleep monitoring devices in the Chinese market and delves into population preferences.

Objective: We aim to summarize the characteristics of mobile health devices with sleep monitoring function in China, analyzing product features and market prices, and collect population preferences for mobile health devices, providing a concrete basis for the ongoing development of mobile health technologies.

Methods: Data on 203 sleep devices were gathered from four major mobile shopping platforms (Tmall, JD.com, Pinduoduo, and Suning) using relevant keywords. A two-level variance model was employed to analyzed the link between device features and sales. Additionally, a structured questionnaire assessed public usage and attitudes towards these devices, with 167 responses collected via social networks.

Results: Our study found that smart bracelets, which make up 82.6% of sleep monitoring devices, effectively track heart rate, physical activity blood oxygen saturation, sleep duration, and assess sleep quality. Most devices cost under 500 RMB, influencing sales (β = -1.111 to -3.490, p < 0.001-.002). Features such as sleep quality assessment (β=0.520, p = 0.03), measuring physical activity (β=0.464, p = 0.03) and blood oxygen saturation (β=0.465, p = 0.02) are significantly associated with higher sales volumes. Usage peaks during and after exercise (41.0%) and during sleep (21.3%), with 60.4% preferring to spend under 500 RMB.

Conclusions: The study confirms a strong preference for smart bracelets with health tracking features, particularly for sleep monitoring, at a price point below 500 RMB. These findings highlight the potential of affordable, multifunctional devices to shape the future of smart healthcare, especially through cloud-based enhancements that improve doctor-patient communication.