4924results about "Sleep inducing/ending devices" patented technology

A device and a method for waking a user in a desired sleep state. The device may predict an occurrence when the user will be in the desired sleep state, such as light sleep, and wake the user during that predicted occurrence. In one embodiment, a user may set a wake-up time representing the latest possible time that the user would like to be awakened. The occurrence closest to the wake-up time when the user will be in light sleep may be predicted, thereby allowing the user to sleep as long as possible, while awakening in light sleep. To predict when the user will be in the desired sleep state, the user's sleep state may be monitored during the night or sleep experience and the monitored information may be used in predicting when the user will be in the desired sleep state.

A sleep efficiency monitor and methods for pacing and leading a sleeper through an optimal sleep pattern. Embodiments of the present invention include a physiological characteristic monitor for monitoring the sleep stages of a sleeper, a sensory stimulus generator for generating stimulus to affect the sleep stages of a sleeper, and a processor for determining what sleep stage the sleeper is in and what sensory stimulus is needed to cause the sleeper to move to another sleep stage. A personalized sleep profile may also be established for the sleeper and sleep guided in accordance with the profile parameters to optimize a sleep session. By providing sensory stimulus to a sleeper, the sleeper may be guided through the various sleep stages in an optimal pattern so that the sleeper awakens refreshed even if sleep is disrupted during the night or the sleeper's allotted sleep period is different than usual. Embodiments of the invention also involve calibration of the sleep guidance system to a particular sleeper.

Devices, systems and methods to modify memory and/or cognitive function by delivering a sensory stimulus paired with learned material at opportune physiological periods during sleep. Described herein are systems, methods and devices to enhance a user's cognitive function in memorization and learning. A machine (e.g., a system or device) may be used to identify opportune periods of the sleep cycle and to deliver a stimulus during specific phases of the sleep cycle to facilitate or interrupt memory consolidation. The machine may record ambient sensory inputs during awake acquisition or reinforcement/relearning and replay all or an extracted form of the ambient sensory stimuli during a specified portion of the user's sleep. A stimulus may be delivered to a user to affect brain activity during sleep to modulate the phase of a user's sleep, quality of sleep, and/or quality or intensity of brain rhythms during a particular phase of sleep.

A tinnitus masking system for use by a person having tinnitus The system comprises a sound delivery system having left and right ear-level audio delivery devices and is configured to deliver a masking sound to the person via the audio delivery devices such that the masking sound appears to originate from a virtual sound source location that substantially corresponds to the spatial location in 3D auditory space of the source of the tinnitus as perceived by the person. The masking sound being represented by left and right audio signals that are converted to audible sound by the respective audio delivery devices.

A method for operating a sleep phase actigraphy synchronized alarm clock that communicates with a remote sleep database, such as an internet server database, and compares user physiological parameters, sleep settings, and actigraphy data with a large database that may include data collected from a large number of other users with similar physiological parameters, sleep settings, and actigraphy data. The remote server may use “black box” analysis approach by running supervised learning algorithms to analyze the database, producing sleep phase correction data which can be uploaded to the alarm clock, and be used by the alarm clock to further improve its REM sleep phase prediction accuracy.

Apparatus (20) for use with a subject (30) is provided, including a memory, storing a set of computer instructions, the memory adapted to have stored therein an initial form of a multi-phase biorhythmic activity pattern and an indication of a desired form of the multi-phase biorhythmic activity pattern, wherein a ratio of durations of two phases in the desired form is different from a ratio of durations of the respective phases in the initial form, and wherein at least one phase of the multi-phase biorhythmic activity pattern corresponds to a respective phase of a multi-phase biorhythmic activity of the subject (30). The apparatus (20) further includes a stimulus unit (38), adapted to execute the stored instructions and to generate responsive thereto a time-varying stimulus that: (a) is substantially not responsive to ongoing measurement of the multi-phase biorhythmic activity during generation of the time-varying stimulus, and (b) has a multi-phase pattern that is characterized by a series of transitional forms intermediate the initial form and the desired form that guide the subject (30) to modify the biorhythmic activity.

Disclosed is an oxygen delivery device for regulating the flow of oxygen from an oxygen source to a respiratory cannula located on the face of a patient. A host controller coupled to the oxygen delivery device accepts an input from a medical monitor relating to the blood oxygen saturation percentage of the patient. The host controller then regulates the rate of oxygen supplied to the patient based in part upon the blood oxygen saturation percentage of the patient. A high rate of oxygen is supplied to the patient when the controller detects a blood oxygen saturation level below a predetermined percentage and a low rate of oxygen is supplied when the controller detects a blood oxygen saturation level above a predetermined percentage in an order to minimize wasted oxygen.

A sleep assist system to monitor and assist the user's sleep, comprising a bedside device positioned near the user's bed, the bedside device comprising a loudspeaker and a light source and optionally a microphone, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a control unit, an air quality sensor, a display unit, a user interface. The sleep assist system further comprises a first sensing unit positioned in the user's bed and comprising one or more sensors adapted to sense at least pressure and/or changes in pressure exerted by the user lying in the bed. The system monitors the user's sleep, assesses the user's sleep cycles and the phase of sleep cycle, and provides the user with at least one light and sound program, the light and sound program being based on the assessment of the user's sleep cycles and the phase of sleep cycle.

A system and a method are proposed for controlling at least one physical property of a bed based on the state of a person staying in the bed. A lying part in the bed is provided with a plurality of sensors adapted to continuously measure physical magnitudes as a measurement of the person's state. Measured values from the sensors are received, processed and analysed by a registration unit, for controlling physical properties of the bed.

A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

A non-invasive electrical stimulator shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve. The stimulator is configured to produce a peak pulse that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie in the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin.

The invention concerns a medical device for implantation in a body, comprising a stimulation unit, a sleep detector unit having at least one signal input which is adapted to detect a sleep condition of the body and to produce a sleep signal, an apnea detector unit which is adapted to detect sleep apnea in dependence on at least one body signal caused by the body and to produce an apnea signal, a therapy unit which is at least indirectly connected to the stimulation unit! the sleep detector unit and to the apnea detector unit and which is adapted to produce, in dependence on the apnea signal and the sleep signal, at least one apnea therapy signal which represents therapy information for preventing and/or for the treatment of sleep apnea, and to send same to the stimulation unit. The medical device has a position sensor, which is operatively connected to the signal input of the sleep detector unit and adapted in dependence on its inclination about at least one spatial axis extending through the position sensor in relation to the horizontal to alter at least one of its electrical properties.

An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve includes an energy source that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve and an attachment portion to secure the energy source in a mouth in proximity to the tooth. Stimulating the trigeminal nerve in this manner has been experimentally shown to induce and/or enhance relaxation and/or sleep without the adverse side effects associated with traditional drug therapies. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be realized as a “cap” having two legs that engage opposing sides of a tooth and a bridge portion spanning the occlusal surface of the tooth to link the legs.

Method and apparatus for determining the state of entrainment between biological systems which exhibit oscillatory behavior such as heart rhythms, respiration, blood pressure waves and low frequency brain waves based on a determination of heart rate variability (HRV) and an evaluation of the power spectrum thereof. Entrainment reflects a harmonious balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system within the body. This internal state of heightened physiological efficiency enhances health and promotes optimal performance. According to one embodiment a method is used to determine the entrainment level based on an entrainment parameter related to HRV. The method first determines the power distribution spectrum (PSD) and then calculates an entrainment parameter (EP), which is a measure of the power distribution in the HRV spectrum. High EP values occur when this power is concentrated within a relatively narrow range of frequencies, and lower values when the power is distributed over a broader range of frequencies. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for monitoring the heart beat and presenting this information via a personal computer, handheld device, or other processing means.

[OBJECTS AND PROBLEMS] Relating to a mist generator capable of emitting any of chemical substances used in life, such as perfumes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, in the form of fog or vapor. An object of the invention is to attain means for efficiently atomizing liquid, means for easily and rapidly switching the type of chemical substance emitted and a compact apparatus of good maintainability. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer; an ultrasonic propagation medium disposed so as to fill a plane of vibration of the transducer; liquid retaining means disposed so as to be in contact with an end face of the medium; and an ultrasonic focusing reflecting mechanism (concave reflection mirror) disposed in an ultrasonic propagation path, thereby the apparatus attains discharging into air and atomization of the liquid by means of ultrasonic waves. Atomization efficiency is enhanced by the use of an ultrasonic reflection tube, and mist emission is carried out. Use is made of a compact liquid container equipped at its bottom with an ultrasonic transmission membrane. Various types of liquids can be atomized by changing the direction of ultrasonic course. Mist can be emitted by means of a thermal current as heating means. IC tag is attached to the liquid retaining means or liquid injection means.

The invention relates to an alarm clock system. The system according to the invention comprises sensor means for measuring ambient parameters. In particular, a user's body parameters are monitored so as to determine in which stage of sleep he is. Properties of the wake-up stimulus, such as sound volume of the stimulus or moment of generation of the stimulus, are adjusted in dependence on the inferred stage of sleep.

The present invention comprises a user interface for systems and methods for sedation and analgesia delivery. The user interface receives input from a user of a sedation and analgesia delivery system and relays information regarding the system, the administration of sedation and analgesia, physiological conditions to the user in a context sensitive manner. The information relayed may be displayed to the user on a touch sensitive screen or multi-layer display device. The display may be segregated geographically or may be color coded on the display device where the geographic location and/or color of the displayed information relates further information to the user.

A medical sleep disorder arrangement integrates into current diagnosis and treatment procedures to enable a health care professional to diagnose and treat a plurality of subjects suffering from insomnia. The arrangement may include both environmental sensors and body-worn sensors that measure the environmental conditions and the condition of the individual patient. The data may be collected and processed to measure clinically relevant attributes of sleep quality automatically. These automatically determined measures, along with the original sensor data, may be aggregated and shared remotely with the health care professional. A communication apparatus enables the healthcare professional to remotely communicate with and further assess the patient and subsequently administer the treatment. Thus, a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment is provided while reducing the required clinician time per patient for treatment delivery.

An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.