Novel applications of technology for ecologically valid assessment of sleep and circadian function in youth with mental health disorders

In clinical and research settings, measuring sleep is an important goal; sleep data can inform diagnosis, influence treatment decisions, and provide insights about the mechanisms of mental health. Unfortunately, most methods for assessing sleep have limitations. Sleep diaries, which are low cost and easy to use, can be unreliable and impractical for long-term use. In contrast, sleep lab studies are accurate, but require significant resources and may not be ecologically valid. Innovative technologies have the potential to address the limitations of existing sleep assessment methods, enabling accurate, low-burden, long-term monitoring of sleep. This Symposium will describe technologies used in novel ways to assess sleep in youth with mental health concerns.