Illuminating sleep research studies at Torrens University and AIRO

At Torrens University’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Optimisation (AIRO) Dr Ganesh Naik is leading innovative efforts to understand sleep through advanced biomedical signal processing.

Dr Naik’s work integrates biomedical engineering expertise with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, paving the way for major advancements in health services.

Dr Ganesh Naik is recognised in the top 2% for global biomedical engineering research, with over 200 published papers. He emphasises sleep’s impact on health - “Insufficient sleep is linked to diabetes, hypertension, and productivity loss.”

Dr Naik’s recent work has been published in prestigious journals like Nature Digital Medicine and the IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics.

The role of AI in sleep research

“Previously, we analysed sleep data with regression and statistical methods,” he says. “Now, with AIRO’s machine learning expertise at Torrens University, we can predict and optimise sleep patterns integrating data using wearables like Fitbits and trackers.”

This innovation could revolutionise health services by offering continuous at-home monitoring, surpassing single lab visits.

“One night in a hospital bed provides limited data,” Dr Naik explains. “AI reveals night-to-night variability, providing richer insights into sleep disorders.”

The impact and importance of sleep research

Dr Naik’s passion for sleep research is driven by its potential to improve lives.

“Poor sleep affects not only physical health but mental well-being, relationships, and workplace productivity,” he says. “A sleepy driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver, and the ripple effects of sleep deprivation are profound.”

He emphasises the importance of sleep habits - “Sleep patterns require consistency and psychological readiness. It’s not just about quantity, but quality and stability over time.”

Professor Tony Jan, AIRO Centre Director, sees Dr Naik’s work as pivotal for AIRO’s future.

“Sleep is a critical component of well-being, and Ganesh’s research is pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve,” he says.

“Our goal is to find ethical and innovative use of AI in biomedical engineering, making these innovations accessible, benefiting individuals and healthcare systems alike, by democratising the health services.”

Synergy across AI and biomedical engineering disciplines

Dr. Naik’s contributions go beyond sleep research. As a recent recipient of the prestigious UK fellowship in biomedical engineering, Ganesh also leads innovations in sensor-based systems that detect early signs of medical conditions like heart attacks or apnoea – possibly preventing serious health crisises before they escalate.

“These small, intelligent devices can prevent major health issues,” Dr Naik said.