Patent attributes
Disclosed are techniques for operation of neurostimulation or drug delivery devices to stop treatment therapy during times when the patient does not need to be treated. Advantageously, the present invention reduces battery usage and/or drug dosage during periods when treatment therapy need not be provided. Further, the present invention slows or reduces the tolerance the patient may develop from the electrical stimulation or treatment therapy. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a timer or a real time clock for shutting off the device during periods when the patient is sleeping in accordance with a preset schedule. The present invention preferably turns off after the patient has fallen asleep and right before the patient has awakened. Alternatively, the invention may include a sensor for sensing conditions indicative of whether the patient is awake or asleep. This sensed information may also be used to determine whether the treatment therapy should be delivered or stopped.
