Article

Sleep as an Early Warning System: Detecting Hidden Health Risks Like Urinary Tract Infections

2 min read

Introduction

A recent study published in Frontiers in Digital Health by Capstick et al. (2024) underscores an emerging insight in connected care: our sleep may hold the earliest signs of illness. The researchers explored how continuous, contactless sleep monitoring using the Withings Sleep Analyzer can be used to detect acute conditions, focusing particularly on urinary tract infections (UTIs) before patients even recognize symptoms.

Why UTIs Matter

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections and can have serious consequences, especially for older adults. Elderly patients are often less likely to recognize or report early symptoms, as infections may present atypically with fatigue, confusion, or subtle behavioral changes rather than the classic urinary urgency or burning. Cognitive decline, sensory changes, and overlapping chronic conditions can further delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of severe complications such as sepsis or hospitalization (National Institute on Aging).

Sleep as a Source of Early Clues

The study found that changes in nocturnal physiology such as altered heart rate, respiratory rate, movement patterns, and restlessness can signal infection onset days before clinical diagnosis. These signals are detectable through non-contact sensors that monitor sleep continuously in the home environment.

 

Capstick and colleagues demonstrated that automated analysis of nightly biometric data could identify deviations associated with early infection, including UTIs. Because sleep reflects autonomic nervous system activity and systemic inflammation, subtle physiological disruptions during rest can serve as early indicators of infection or other health deterioration.

Implications for Remote Monitoring

These findings highlight how sleep monitoring could serve as a low-burden, scalable screening tool for early infection detection, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, individuals in long-term care, or patients with chronic diseases. Integrating this capability into remote monitoring programs could help clinicians:

  • Detect infections earlier and initiate treatment sooner.
  • Reduce emergency visits and hospitalizations linked to delayed diagnosis.
  • Monitor recovery and flag recurrence through ongoing nocturnal data.

A New Frontier for Preventive Care

The study reinforces the growing role of connected devices in transforming passive observation into proactive health surveillance. By continuously analyzing sleep patterns, care teams can detect not only chronic deterioration but also acute, time-sensitive conditions like UTIs.

As the authors note, sleep monitoring technologies offer “an opportunity to identify clinically significant events earlier than would otherwise be possible.” For connected health innovators, this opens a new frontier: turning nightly rest into a source of life-saving insight.

Reference:
Capstick A, et al. Digital remote monitoring for screening and early detection of disease using nocturnal physiological signals. Frontiers in Digital Health. 2024. Available via PMC.

Interested in partnering with us?

Don’t miss out,  subscribe to get the latest content updates.  

Related Content

WP_Query Object ( [query] => Array ( [post_type] => post [post_status] => publish [orderby] => post__in [order] => DESC [ignore_sticky_posts] => 1 [post__not_in] => Array ( [0] => 2064 ) [post__in] => Array ( [0] => 1275 [1] => 1045 ) [posts_per_page] => 2 ) [query_vars] => Array ( [post_type] => post [post_status] => publish [orderby] => post__in [order] => [ignore_sticky_posts] => 1 [post__not_in] => Array ( [0] => 2064 ) [post__in] => Array ( [0] => 1275 [1] => 1045 ) [posts_per_page] => 2 [error] => [m] => [p] => 0 [post_parent] => [subpost] => [subpost_id] => [attachment] => [attachment_id] => 0 [name] => [pagename] => [page_id] => 0 [second] => [minute] => [hour] => [day] => 0 [monthnum] => 0 [year] => 0 [w] => 0 [category_name] => [tag] => [cat] => [tag_id] => [author] => [author_name] => [feed] => [tb] => [paged] => 0 [meta_key] => [meta_value] => [preview] => [s] => [sentence] => [title] => [fields] => all [menu_order] => => [category__in] => Array ( ) [category__not_in] => Array ( ) [category__and] => Array ( ) [post_name__in] => Array ( ) [tag__in] => Array ( ) [tag__not_in] => Array ( ) [tag__and] => Array ( ) [tag_slug__in] => Array ( ) [tag_slug__and] => Array ( ) [post_parent__in] => Array ( ) [post_parent__not_in] => Array ( ) [author__in] => Array ( ) [author__not_in] => Array ( ) [search_columns] => Array ( ) [suppress_filters] => [cache_results] => 1 [update_post_term_cache] => 1 [update_menu_item_cache] => [lazy_load_term_meta] => 1 [update_post_meta_cache] => 1 [nopaging] => [comments_per_page] => 50 [no_found_rows] => ) [tax_query] => WP_Tax_Query Object ( [queries] => Array ( ) [relation] => AND [table_aliases:protected] => Array ( ) [queried_terms] => Array ( ) [primary_table] => wp_posts [primary_id_column] => ID ) [meta_query] => WP_Meta_Query Object ( [queries] => Array ( ) [relation] => [meta_table] => [meta_id_column] => [primary_table] => [primary_id_column] => [table_aliases:protected] => Array ( ) [clauses:protected] => Array ( ) [has_or_relation:protected] => ) [date_query] => [request] => SELECT SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS wp_posts.ID FROM wp_posts WHERE 1=1 AND wp_posts.ID IN (1045,1275) AND wp_posts.post_type = 'post' AND ((wp_posts.post_status = 'publish')) ORDER BY FIELD(wp_posts.ID,1275,1045) LIMIT 0, 2 [posts] => Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1275 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 14:03:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 14:03:17 [post_content] =>

What is Electrochemical Skin Conductance?

Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) 
is a non-invasive measurement of the sudomotor function. It measures sweat gland nerve supply and assesses disorders of the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system.

Why is ESC important?

A significant number of diabetes patients will be affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in their lifetime, and the percentage of diabetes patients who might develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is also considerable. In addition, studies have shown that the 5-year mortality rate of DFU is comparable to cancer mortality. Given these urgent concerns, electrochemical skin conductance is a crucial tool for health care providers.

But this key measurement doesn’t just provide an essential health care solution. Consider the increased average medical costs 
for patients with diabetes, the billions of dollars in costs for patients with DFU in addition to the costs of the diabetes itself, and the tens of thousands of dollars in per-patient Medicare reimbursement and reimbursement per patient with diabetes-related foot amputation. It’s clear that electrochemical skin conductance can reduce the costs of diabetes patient care, as well as many of the risks to patient health. 

Unfortunately, the current diabetes patient journey presents significant roadblocks, including the low percentage of diabetes patients who actually have an annual foot exam, the number of patients who are misdiagnosed due to unreliable tools, and the lack of patient monitoring. These issues highlight the need for connected health products that can measure ESC and other key biomarkers. These devices and systems can empower patients to take charge of their home health monitoring and motivate them to make beneficial lifestyle changes. They can provide care teams the consistent, accurate data they need to make the right treatment decisions, elevating overall care and improving health outcomes. And of course, they can lower care costs. The health risks to diabetes patients are real and significant — but real and significant solutions exist that can create positive impacts all around.

Click the button below to download the infographic. 

Download Now [post_title] => What is Electrochemical Skin Conductance? [post_excerpt] => Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) 
is a non-invasive measurement of the sudomotor function. It measures sweat gland nerve supply and assesses disorders of the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => what-is-electrochemical-skin-conductance [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-12-12 21:11:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-12 21:11:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://withingshealthsolutions.com/?p=1275 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1045 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-01-09 19:08:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-01-09 19:08:17 [post_content] =>
Partner

HabitNu

Challenge

Meet targeted 5% weight loss goal per member with a connected scale that would seamlessly integrate into existing workflow.

Solution

Withings Body Scale

Results

57% of active participants had a 5% of more weight loss and achieved a group weight loss of 11.8%

‘‘Ongoing participant engagement is key to the success of the HabitNu program, and the Withings scale is an essential component. We value the top-of-the-line scale and the support our participants receive from Withings Health Solutions.’’

Dr. Sindhu Rajan, CEO of HabitNu

BACKGROUND

HabitNu is a digital health company that provides Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognized lifestyle modification programs designed to help members with diabetes prevention and chronic disease management. As part of delivering a successful program, HabitNu required to achieve a targeted 5% weight loss for each member. As a result, the company needed a best-in-class and trusted scale vendor to partner with to ensure members could easily and consistently track their weight throughout the program.

CHALLENGE

HabitNu sought an accurate and automated way to collect members’ weight data and demonstrate the targeted 5% or more weight loss for each member. They were also looking for a connected scale vendor that would seamlessly integrate with their existing workflow and provide them with extensive technical and member troubleshooting support.

 

SOLUTION

HabitNu partnered with Withings Health Solutions to provide the Wifi-based Body scale, along with the Withings HealthMate app that syncs seamlessly with HabitNu’s app. Once the member steps on the Body scale, the data is captured by the Withings HealthMate app and flows directly to HabitNu’s app. Members can track their meals, physical activity, as well as their daily weigh-in data. With the help of Withing’s onboarding team, HabitNu had their app sync with Withings devices in a matter of days. 

 

The sleekly-designed connected scale instantly provides HabitNu with accurate weight and BMI data from its members. The member’s data is then analyzed and displayed for HabitNu health coaches to assess and guide each member’s progress along their health journey. 

 

The scale’s intentionally designed habit-forming features, like displaying the weather forecast when a member steps on the scale, seamlessly becomes part of their daily routine. Members are also empowered to make healthier choices when seeing their weight trends over time and not just the latest number at weigh in. 

‘‘The scale provides awesome features. I am so grateful for not only being able to continually see my weight loss progress in terms of pounds and the decreased BMI, but the icing on the cake is the weather notification.’’

- HabitNu member

‘‘The Withings scale was quick and easy to set up. It syncs easily with my phone and the HabitNu app. I also like that it shows gains and losses each time I weigh myself.’’

- HabitNu member

Withings dropships the scales directly to HabitNu members via an API integration, streamlining the logistics process and removing the headache and cost of operating a fulfillment center. “Having a smooth workflow is very important to us,” said Dr. Rajan. “With Withings, we can place orders for new members with just a click of a button. The whole process is very easy.”

RESULTS

Since 2017, HabitNu has offered a Withings Body scale to each of their new members, resulting in healthier life choices and increased program engagement. “The data we’re collecting demonstrates high levels of member adherence and improved health outcomes,” said Dr. Rajan. 

 

In fact, a recent study of a year-long HabitNu Diabetes Prevention Program consisting of 4635 participants using the Withings Body scale showed that 79% of the participants actively engaged with the scale and the HealthMate app. With this program, HabitNu effectively demonstrated that 57% of the active participants had a 5% or more weight loss, and achieved a total group weight loss of 11.8%.

5%

more weight loss among participants actively engaged with the Withings Body Scale

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact Us [post_title] => Improving Program Adherence and Operational Efficiency to Help Drive Target Weight Loss for a Diabetes Prevention Program [post_excerpt] => HabitNu partnered with Withings Health Solutions to provide the Wifi-based Body scale, along with the Withings HealthMate app that syncs seamlessly with HabitNu’s app. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => improving-program-adherence-and-operational-efficiency-to-help-drive-target-weight-loss-for-a-diabetes-prevention-program [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-06-26 14:18:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-06-26 14:18:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://withingshealthsolutions.com/?p=1045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 2 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1275 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 14:03:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 14:03:17 [post_content] =>

What is Electrochemical Skin Conductance?

Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) 
is a non-invasive measurement of the sudomotor function. It measures sweat gland nerve supply and assesses disorders of the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system.

Why is ESC important?

A significant number of diabetes patients will be affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in their lifetime, and the percentage of diabetes patients who might develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is also considerable. In addition, studies have shown that the 5-year mortality rate of DFU is comparable to cancer mortality. Given these urgent concerns, electrochemical skin conductance is a crucial tool for health care providers.

But this key measurement doesn’t just provide an essential health care solution. Consider the increased average medical costs 
for patients with diabetes, the billions of dollars in costs for patients with DFU in addition to the costs of the diabetes itself, and the tens of thousands of dollars in per-patient Medicare reimbursement and reimbursement per patient with diabetes-related foot amputation. It’s clear that electrochemical skin conductance can reduce the costs of diabetes patient care, as well as many of the risks to patient health. 

Unfortunately, the current diabetes patient journey presents significant roadblocks, including the low percentage of diabetes patients who actually have an annual foot exam, the number of patients who are misdiagnosed due to unreliable tools, and the lack of patient monitoring. These issues highlight the need for connected health products that can measure ESC and other key biomarkers. These devices and systems can empower patients to take charge of their home health monitoring and motivate them to make beneficial lifestyle changes. They can provide care teams the consistent, accurate data they need to make the right treatment decisions, elevating overall care and improving health outcomes. And of course, they can lower care costs. The health risks to diabetes patients are real and significant — but real and significant solutions exist that can create positive impacts all around.

Click the button below to download the infographic. 

Download Now [post_title] => What is Electrochemical Skin Conductance? [post_excerpt] => Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) 
is a non-invasive measurement of the sudomotor function. It measures sweat gland nerve supply and assesses disorders of the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => what-is-electrochemical-skin-conductance [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-12-12 21:11:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-12 21:11:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://withingshealthsolutions.com/?p=1275 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 2 [max_num_pages] => 1 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => 1 [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 890464ee2650f5acd9c05b0cddb83dcd [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:111b3a7428d65ecb2357d25535fe9dd8:0.12600200 1766750322 )
Infographic

What is Electrochemical Skin Conductance?

Read More
Case Study

Improving Program Adherence and Operational Efficiency to Help Drive Target Weight Loss for a Diabetes Prevention Program

Read More

Withings On-The-Go

Our patient-centric care solution utilizes portable Withings cellular devices that are not tied to a single patient. Instead, care teams can use one device to collect and transmit data for an unlimited number of individuals. The integrated cellular connectivity automatically directs the data into the correct patient’s medical record, simplifying data collection and improving care delivery regardless of the setting.