Academic

Integrating Explainable Machine Learning and Mixed-Integer Optimization for Personalized Sleep Quality Intervention

arXiv:2603.16937v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Sleep quality is influenced by a complex interplay of behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors, yet most computational studies focus mainly on predictive risk identification rather than actionable intervention design. Although machine learning models can accurately predict subjective sleep outcomes, they rarely translate predictive insights into practical intervention strategies. To address this gap, we propose a personalized predictive-prescriptive framework that integrates interpretable machine learning with mixed-integer optimization. A supervised classifier trained on survey data predicts sleep quality, while SHAP-based feature attribution quantifies the influence of modifiable factors. These importance measures are incorporated into a mixed-integer optimization model that identifies minimal and feasible behavioral adjustments, while modelling resistance to change through a penalty mechanism. The framework achieves strong

arXiv:2603.16937v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Sleep quality is influenced by a complex interplay of behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors, yet most computational studies focus mainly on predictive risk identification rather than actionable intervention design. Although machine learning models can accurately predict subjective sleep outcomes, they rarely translate predictive insights into practical intervention strategies. To address this gap, we propose a personalized predictive-prescriptive framework that integrates interpretable machine learning with mixed-integer optimization. A supervised classifier trained on survey data predicts sleep quality, while SHAP-based feature attribution quantifies the influence of modifiable factors. These importance measures are incorporated into a mixed-integer optimization model that identifies minimal and feasible behavioral adjustments, while modelling resistance to change through a penalty mechanism. The framework achieves strong predictive performance, with a test F1-score of 0.9544 and an accuracy of 0.9366. Sensitivity and Pareto analyses reveal a clear trade-off between expected improvement and intervention intensity, with diminishing returns as additional changes are introduced. At the individual level, the model generates concise recommendations, often suggesting one or two high-impact behavioral adjustments and sometimes recommending no change when expected gains are minimal. By integrating prediction, explanation, and constrained optimization, this framework demonstrates how data-driven insights can be translated into structured and personalized decision support for sleep improvement.

Executive Summary

This article presents a novel framework integrating explainable machine learning and mixed-integer optimization to design personalized sleep quality interventions. By leveraging supervised classification and feature attribution, the framework predicts sleep quality and identifies modifiable factors influencing it. A mixed-integer optimization model then generates minimal and feasible behavioral adjustments to improve sleep quality, while accounting for resistance to change through a penalty mechanism. The framework demonstrates strong predictive performance, achieving a test F1-score of 0.9544 and accuracy of 0.9366. The research showcases the potential of data-driven insights in translating predictive models into actionable interventions, with applications in various fields beyond sleep quality improvement.

Key Points

  • The framework integrates explainable machine learning and mixed-integer optimization to design personalized sleep quality interventions.
  • Supervised classification and feature attribution are used to predict sleep quality and identify modifiable factors.
  • A mixed-integer optimization model generates minimal and feasible behavioral adjustments to improve sleep quality.

Merits

Strength in Interdisciplinary Approach

The framework successfully integrates insights from machine learning, optimization, and behavioral science to design personalized interventions, demonstrating a strengths in interdisciplinary research.

Strong Predictive Performance

The framework achieves strong predictive performance, with a test F1-score of 0.9544 and accuracy of 0.9366, showcasing its potential in real-world applications.

Demerits

Limited Generalizability

The framework's performance may not generalize to other populations or sleep quality metrics, limiting its broader applicability.

Complexity of Optimization Model

The mixed-integer optimization model may be computationally intensive, making it challenging to implement in real-time applications.

Expert Commentary

This research is a significant contribution to the field of sleep medicine and personalized interventions. The framework's integration of explainable machine learning and mixed-integer optimization demonstrates a strong understanding of the complex interplay between behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors influencing sleep quality. While the framework's performance is impressive, it is essential to consider its limitations and potential applications in real-world settings. The research highlights the need for continued innovation in personalized medicine and public health, with a focus on data-driven decision support and transparency in AI decision-making.

Recommendations

  • Future studies should explore the framework's generalizability to other populations and sleep quality metrics.
  • Developing more efficient optimization models and user-friendly interfaces will be crucial for implementing the framework in real-time applications.

Sources