Sleep is essential for overall health, yet millions of people worldwide struggle with sleep disorders. Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, weakened immunity, and mental health issues. Given its profound impact on well-being, sleep is an increasing focus in clinical trials, where researchers explore new treatments and interventions to improve sleep quality and address disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnoea, and restless leg syndrome.
Trends in Sleep-Tracking Technology and Its Impact on Research
With more people prioritising health and wellness, the demand for personalised health insights has surged. Individuals are increasingly using technology to track their fitness, nutrition, and sleep, aiming to optimise their overall well-being. This trend has driven the rise of wearable sleep-tracking technology, which is now transforming sleep research.
Devices such as the Oura Ring, Fitbit, and Apple Watch provide real-time data on sleep patterns, helping researchers collect objective sleep data outside of traditional lab-based studies. AI-powered sleep apps further enhance data collection by analysing breathing patterns, movement, and sleep quality over extended periods.
With AI advancing rapidly, sleep tracking is becoming more precise and insightful. AI algorithms can analyse vast sleep data in real time, identifying patterns and anomalies with greater accuracy. Machine learning enhances sleep staging, detecting disturbances and conditions like sleep apnoea with minimal user input. AI also personalises sleep recommendations by considering lifestyle, circadian rhythms, and external factors, helping users optimise their rest. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into wearable devices and mobile apps will enable more adaptive, user-centric sleep solutions, further bridging the gap between consumer wellness tracking and clinical research.
From a digital marketing perspective, these advancements offer new opportunities for recruitment. CROs and sponsors can target users of sleep-tracking devices, engaging with an audience already invested in monitoring and improving their sleep. As sleep-tracking technology continues to evolve, its integration into clinical trials could make participation more accessible, further driving engagement and compliance.
The Role of Clinical Trials in Advancing Sleep Apnoea Treatments
With obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide, research into effective treatments remains a critical priority¹. OSA leads to repeated airway collapse during sleep, causing oxygen deprivation, poor sleep quality, and increased risks of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Apnimed, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, is leading the way in developing innovative pharmacological treatments for OSA. Unlike existing therapies that focus primarily on mechanical airway support, Apnimed is pioneering oral medication solutions to address the neuromuscular dysfunction underlying OSA.
Their lead candidate, AD109, is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, offering a potential breakthrough for mild, moderate, and severe OSA patients. Apnimed continues to advance its research pipeline, focusing on developing accessible, patient-friendly treatment alternatives to improve sleep health.
With sleep disorders on the rise, effective patient recruitment and engagement strategies are more important than ever. By leveraging data-driven digital marketing, targeted outreach, and emerging technology, CROs and sponsors can improve study participation and enhance research outcomes.
Challenges in Recruiting for Sleep Studies
Recruiting participants for sleep trials presents unique challenges. Strict eligibility criteria often limit participant pools, while low public awareness about available sleep studies reduces engagement. Additionally, many potential participants hesitate due to the inconvenience of overnight studies, unfamiliarity with clinical trials, or concerns about the impact on their daily routines.
At Absolutely Health, we successfully support our international clients in overcoming their recruitment challenges through targeted, digital & social patient outreach campaigns. These efforts ensure that trial opportunities reach patients actively seeking support and wishing to participate in research for sleep related issues. Additionally, we develop dedicated websites and patient portals that clearly explain study designs, making participation easier to understand, easing potential concerns and driving efficiency for our clients recruitment initiatives. Our creative assets, including engaging video content and testimonials, help build trust and encourage sign-ups/registrations, data capture & patient referrals.
Sources
Benjafield AV, Ayas NT, Eastwood PR, Heinzer R, Ip MS, Morrell MJ, et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis. PubMed [Internet]. 2019 Aug [cited 2025 Mar 13]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31300334/
