Roles and features of smart control and sensing applications for sleep quality improvement: a scoping review.

Abstract

This scoping review synthesises evidence on the measures and characteristics of the components of combined smart control and sensing technologies, and their impact on sleep quality. Scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reports using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data and VIP Information from the inception of the databases to November 2024 following the PRISMA-ScR statement and updated in June 2025. This review included peer-reviewed studies evaluating smart home products integrating smart control and sensing technologies to improve sleep quality, with outcomes focused on sleep duration, efficiency or satisfaction. Two independent reviewers screened the title, abstracts and full texts of the selected studies based on the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The data were summarised in tabular format and a narrative summary. All original studies (N=13) investigated the role and features of these technologies. Seven types of sensors and five smart control methods were identified. These were: biosignal, environmental, chemical sensors, contact and motion sensors, imaging and vision sensors, integrated smart sensors and specialised sensors, along with audio-based, pressure-based, temperature-based, vibration-based and physician-guided control methods. These technologies improved sleep-related health metrics including total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, deep sleep percentage and subjective sleep quality. The findings highlight the potential of these technologies for improving sleep, emphasising the role and usability. Future research and product development can build on these insights to design sleep improvement products to innovative, personalised smart home solutions for better sleep. As a review, ethical approval is not required. The results from this study will be presented at international conferences and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Patients and the public will be involved in the dissemination plans. The Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/FC236).