Technology-Enabled Behavioral Intervention for Drowsiness: A Non-Intrusive Real-Time Monitoring System

Drowsy as a result of sleep deprivation, extended exposure to a screen, sedentary lifestyles, and urbanity working conditions has become a large concern to the general public health and safety. The overall objective of this study was to create a non-invasive, real-time monitoring system that can detect early fatigue signs and give real-time feedback to minimize the hazards of health, productivity, and safety. There was a behavioral and human approach. The system used a Web-based set up to monitor visual indications of fatigue. The most important indicators were the long state of eye closure, the long-time of blink duration, and yawning. When it was identified, auditory and visual cues were activated so as to prompt restorative behavior, i.e. change of posture or taking of short pauses before the performance declined. The prototype potential was shown as an effective and affordable solution relative to the traditional methods, i.e. manual tracking and wearables, which can be limited by cost, inconvenience, and less realistic use in the field. The combination of visual pattern recognition with real time feedback proved effectiveness of the visual pattern recognition in alertness facilitation and mitigation of fatigue related risks. The results show the applicability of technology-based behavioral interventions to establish optimal work and driving conditions in the form of safer environments. In addition to the personal advantages to health, there is a potential of the system to be integrated into occupational safety programs, organizational health strategies, and broader community-wide health promotion and enhancement of healthier, safer, and more productive communities.