Study Finds Explosion In Demand For Sleep Disorder Diagnostics Tech

The market for sleep disorder diagnostic devices is showing strong growth, earning revenue of $95.6 million (£60m) in 2013 and estimated this to reach $125.8 million in 2017, according to a report from research firm Frost & Sullivan.

The diagnostic devices covered in the research included clinical polysymnogram (PSG) and ambulatory PSG systems. PSG is a type of sleep study, a multi-parametric test used in the study of sleep and as a diagnostic tool in sleep medicine.

Sleep device demand

The PSG monitors many body functions including brain (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity or skeletal muscle activation (EMG) and heart rhythm (ECG) during sleep.

“There is a growing demand for devices that offer integration and connectivity in sleep centres and home settings,” Frost & Sullivan health care research analyst Akanksha Joshi said in a statement. “In this environment, cloud-based services could very likely change the dynamics of the market.”

The report noted a large pool of undiagnosed patients and the growing population of the elderly in both Europe and North America point to a rapidly growing end-user market for sleep disorder diagnostics devices.

In addition, the market is drawing investors due to the visible tilt in preference from drugs to home care sleep tests that are more convenient and lack side effects.

“Vendors that offer self-help devices have the potential to erode the share of sleep centres that offer sleep tests, as self-help technology can decrease the number of visits to physicians and overnight stays in clinics,” Joshi continued. “Overall, a manufacturer that offers accurate data through real-time device connectivity involving the insurer and physicians as well as a precise predictive model for better patient outcomes will elicit greater interest in its product line.”

IT and sleep disorder treatment

Information technology is playing an increasingly important role in the transformation of the sleep disorder treatment market, the report said.

For instance, user-friendly disruptive technologies that are easy to operate and safe are finding considerable uptake among elderly patients considering their interest in alternatives to medications and traditional sleep disorder tests.

Another factor that could tip the balance in favour of home care devices is the limited availability of technicians, which leads to long waiting hours.

The lower rate of specialised physicians also reduces the total number of tests being conducted, thus reducing the number of sleep centres present.

Furthermore, the market is grappling with the issue of inadequate numbers of technically sound sales personnel, which lowers the number of units sold.

“Despite these considerable challenges, participants can shore up their sales by addressing the specific needs of the elderly,” the report concluded. “Manufacturers are already collaborating with sleep centres, primary care physicians, and third-party companies that facilitate the renting of devices to satisfy market needs and build robust relations with customers.”

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Originally published on eWeek.