The ELEMENT study uses state-of-the-art methods to measure sleep patterns in Mexican adolescents. Our comprehensive approach combines objective measurements with validated questionnaires to provide accurate and detailed sleep data.
What is Actigraphy?
Actigraphy uses a small, watch-like device that participants wear on their wrist for 7 days. The device contains sensors that detect movement and light exposure, allowing researchers to determine when participants are asleep or awake.
Key Features:
- • Continuous 24/7 monitoring
- • Non-invasive and comfortable
- • Objective sleep measurement
- • Light exposure tracking
Data Collected
Sleep Duration
Total hours of sleep per night
Sleep Timing
Bedtime and wake time patterns
Sleep Quality
Sleep efficiency and fragmentation
Light Exposure
Daily light patterns and intensity
Sleep Midpoint
The middle point of the sleep period, calculated as the time halfway between sleep onset and wake time. This helps understand individual sleep timing preferences.
Social Jet Lag
The difference between sleep timing on school days versus weekends. Large differences can indicate misalignment between biological and social clocks.
Sleep Efficiency
The percentage of time spent asleep while in bed. Higher efficiency indicates better sleep quality with less time awake during the night.
Sleep Fragmentation
The degree to which sleep is interrupted by brief awakenings. Lower fragmentation indicates more consolidated, restful sleep.
Population-based
Representative of Mexico City adolescents from low to mid SES backgrounds
Longitudinal
Following participants over multiple years to track sleep pattern changes
Comprehensive
Combining sleep data with health, nutrition, and environmental measurements
Equipment
Actiwatch Spectrum Plus
Research-grade actigraphy device with light sensor
Sampling Rate
Data collected every 30 seconds for precise measurements
Data Processing
Algorithm
Validated sleep-wake detection algorithms
Quality Control
Manual review and validation of all sleep data