Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a subject is described. A sensor monitors the subject during a sleeping session of the subject, and generates a sensor signal in response thereto. A control unit analyzes the sensor signal. In response to analyzing the sensor signal, the control unit performs an action selected from the group consisting of: identifying that the subject is currently undergoing an apnea episode, and predicting that the subject is going to undergo an apnea episode. In response thereto, the control unit changes a position of at least a portion of a body of the subject by activating a device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a subject is described. A sensor monitors the subject during a sleeping session of the subject, and generates a sensor signal in response thereto. A control unit analyzes the sensor signal. In response to analyzing the sensor signal, the control unit performs an action selected from the group consisting of: identifying that the subject is currently undergoing an apnea episode, and predicting that the subject is going to undergo an apnea episode. In response thereto, the control unit changes a position of at least a portion of a body of the subject by activating a device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for predicting an onset of a clinical episode. The apparatus includes a sensor, configured to sense at least one parameter of a subject substantially continuously during a period having a duration of at least one hour, and a control unit, configured to predict, at least one hour prior to the onset of the clinical episode, the onset at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for predicting an onset of a clinical episode. The apparatus includes a sensor, configured to sense at least one parameter of a subject substantially continuously during a period having a duration of at least one hour, and a control unit, configured to predict, at least one hour prior to the onset of the clinical episode, the onset at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for treating a clinical episode. The method comprises sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, analyzing the parameter, detecting the clinical episode at least in part responsively to the analysis, and responsively to detecting the clinical episode, treating the clinical episode using a device implanted in the subject. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for monitoring an onset of a respiratory episode in a subject. A plurality of respirations of the subject are sensed without contacting the subject, and a plurality of respiration signals corresponding to the plurality of respirations are generated. The plurality of respiration signals are combined to provide a characteristic respiration parameter of the subject. The onset of the respiratory episode is predicted from the characteristic respiration parameter. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for treating a clinical episode. The method comprises sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, analyzing the parameter, detecting the clinical episode at least in part responsively to the analysis, and responsively to detecting the clinical episode, treating the clinical episode using a device implanted in the subject. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for monitoring an onset of a respiratory episode in a subject. A plurality of respirations of the subject are sensed without contacting the subject, and a plurality of respiration signals corresponding to the plurality of respirations are generated. The plurality of respiration signals are combined to provide a characteristic respiration parameter of the subject. The onset of the respiratory episode is predicted from the characteristic respiration parameter. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided including sensing at least one parameter of a subject while the subject sleeps. The parameter is analyzed, and a condition of the subject is determined at least in part responsively to the analysis. The subject is alerted to the condition only after the subject awakes. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring a subject, including setting respective first and second thresholds that are different from one another, sensing at least one parameter of the subject, and analyzing the parameter to generate a score. If the score is between the first and second thresholds, an alert that is indicative of a condition of the subject is generated only after the subject awakes. If the score passes the second threshold, an alert that is indicative of the subject's condition is generated immediately. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided including sensing at least one parameter of a subject while the subject sleeps. The parameter is analyzed, and a condition of the subject is determined at least in part responsively to the analysis. The subject is alerted to the condition only after the subject awakes. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for measuring a heartbeat of a fetus in a pregnant subject. A motion-related parameter of the pregnant subject is sensed without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing. The fetal heartbeat is derived from the motion-related parameter, and an output is generated in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring vital signs for the prediction and treatment of physiological ailments are provided. The methods and systems may be applied to the monitoring of a broad range of physiological ailments or “episodes,” including, but not limited to, asthma, hypoglycemia, coughing, edema, sleep apnea, labor, and REM sleep stages, among others. The methods employ sensors, for example, non-contact sensors, adapted to detect vital signs, such as heart rate or respiration rate, to produce signals that can be analyzed for trends, for deviations, or for comparison to prior conditions or criteria. The sensors may be positioned whereby the subject need not be viewed by the health care provider. Some methods and systems employ the use of “scores” based upon the combination of sensed vital signs or based upon a comparison of the vital signs to criteria.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.