Why use sensors to make passive and objective measurement?

Sensors provide an efficient way to monitor key behaviors that are critical for understanding bipolar disorder, including sleep, activity and daily routines. Research has increasingly demonstrated the importance of these factors in mood regulation and relapse prevention for individuals with bipolar disorder.

Measuring Sleep

Sleep disturbances are one of the most common prodromes of mood episodes in bipolar disorder (Harvey et al., 2009). Specialized sensors can measure sleep duration, sleep stages, and consistency. This is crucial, as disrupted sleep—whether it’s insufficient or excessive—can often precede both manic and depressive episodes (Steardo et al., 2021). Sensors provide objective data that may be more accurate than self-reported sleep durations, which have been found to be inconsistent in individuals with bipolar disorder (Kaufmann et al., 2019). This data allows clinicians and patients to adjust interventions, like sleep hygiene strategies, before sleep disturbances escalate into mood episodes.

Measuring Activity

Regular physical activity has been shown to positively affect mood stability in individuals with bipolar disorder. Studies, such as those by Sun et al. (2020), have identified a genetic link between physical activity and reduced risk of bipolar episodes. Phones and other devices offer continuous, objective monitoring of physical activity levels, capturing data such as step counts. This data can be used to ensure people meet recommended activity levels, which can help reduce depressive symptoms and stabilize mood (Lafer et al., 2023). A drop in activity could serve as an early warning sign for impending depressive episodes, allowing for timely interventions.

Measuring Routine

Circadian rhythm disruptions are closely tied to bipolar disorder, and maintaining a stable daily routine can help stabilize mood. Devices that track behavioral patterns, such as sleep and activity, provide real-time feedback on routine consistency. Studies, such as Romo-Nava et al. (2020), highlight that disruptions in routine and circadian rhythms can be particularly problematic for individuals with an evening chronotype, who are more vulnerable to mood swings. By using phones and sensors to measure and maintain your routine, individuals with bipolar disorder can help regulate their circadian rhythms and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Clinical Implications and Utility of Measurement

Data from phones and sensors can offer a non-invasive, continuous method of monitoring behaviors that are critical to managing bipolar disorder. Studies indicate that tracking physical activity and sleep can provide early warning signs of impending mood episodes (Kaufmann et al., 2019). By integrating data from sensors into clinical practice, healthcare providers can offer personalized, data-driven interventions that are responsive to the patient’s real-time needs. This approach moves beyond subjective self-report and enables more precise monitoring, potentially improving outcomes for those with bipolar disorder.