Device to help a user fall asleep.

Abstract

This device (10) includes a main light source with a tunable light spectrum designed to emit light that promotes the user's sleep. The main light source (300) comprises a first white light source (100) whose light spectrum (100) extends mainly in a wavelength range between 400 nm and 800 nm and a second light source (200) whose light spectrum (200) is relatively enriched in wavelengths above 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths below 560 nm. This device (10) includes a control unit for the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) independently of each other in order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources (100, 200), variable as a function of time, by varying the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) between maximum and minimum values.

Description

Title of the invention: Device to help a user fall asleep. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of sleep aids and, more particularly, to sleep aid devices that emit light. More specifically, the invention relates to a sleep aid device for a user comprising a light source designed to emit light that promotes the user's sleep.

[0002] It is known that white light has a significant influence on the human circadian rhythm, and in particular on sleep. Thus, the natural human sleep rhythm is closely aligned with that of the sun, with a wakefulness cycle coinciding with day and a sleep cycle coinciding with night. In particular, a key hormone, melatonin, regulates chronobiological rhythms as well as numerous hormonal secretions. Following the decrease in daylight, this hormone is secreted in the brain by the pineal gland, the retina, as well as by bone marrow cells, lymphocytes, and epithelial cells.

[0003] Before the arrival of electricity and the appearance of artificial domestic lighting, the rhythm of the day was generally linked to the solar rhythm and the circadian rhythm was thus respected.

[0004] The development of artificial lighting has enabled humans to remain awake and active even after sunset. Furthermore, the development of tablet and computer screens has more recently created new sources of indirect artificial lighting.

[0005] However, it is known that certain spectral components of visible light, particularly blue light, can disrupt the proper functioning of the pineal gland and, in particular, block the production of melatonin. This blue light is present in many sources of artificial light, especially screens and tablets regularly used by people late at night.

[0006] All these sources of artificial light significantly disrupt the natural circadian rhythm of humans, and one of the consequences is an increase in more or less severe sleep disorders, particularly difficulty falling asleep. Prior art

[0007] A device for helping a user fall asleep, comprising a light source designed to emit substantially monochromatic light, is already known from the prior art, in particular from patent application FR 3 056 408 Red or near-monochromatic light promotes sleep. This sleep aid device operates on the principle of a predefined law whereby the light intensity emitted by the light source gradually decreases over time, automatically fluctuating between a maximum and a minimum power level.

[0008] However, this sleep aid device has the drawback of being a light source dedicated exclusively to falling asleep due to its red color. Red light subjects the user to a highly artificial atmosphere that may be detrimental to their well-being and prevent them from relaxing.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for a device to promote the initial onset of sleep itself, that is to say, to contribute directly and effectively, in a positive way, to the transition from the waking state to the unconscious sleep state, in particular at the beginning of the night sleep phase in the most natural way possible. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a device to aid a user to fall asleep, comprising a light source with a tunable light spectrum designed to emit light promoting the user's sleep, characterized in that the light source comprises a first light source whose light spectrum is substantially white in a range of wavelengths between 400 nm and 800 nm and a second light source whose light spectrum is relatively enriched in wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths less than 560 nm and in that the device comprises a control unit for the light power of each of the two sources independently of each other in order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources that varies over time by varying the light power of each of the two sources between maximum and minimum values.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, the device makes it possible to obtain a quantity of blue light from low to zero according to a predefined program varying the power weighting of the light sources and makes it possible to illuminate the user's home without disturbing the biological rhythm of the users.

[0012] The use of increasingly amber light in the evening naturally accompanies the body to the secretion of melatonin, which will promote sleepiness.

[0013] A device according to the invention may further include one or more of the following characteristics.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light spectrum of the second source follows a curve substantially representing a Gaussian function centered on a wavelength greater than 560 nm, preferably centered around the wavelength 590 nm.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Gaussian function has a full width at half maximum between 20 nm and 50 nm.

[0016] Preferably, the light spectrum of the first source follows a curve having a first narrow peak whose summit is between 400 nm and 500 nm and a second broad peak whose summit is between 500 nm and 700 nm.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a base and a tubular lighting body mounted vertically from the base.

[0018] Preferably, the tubular body includes a housing delimiting a compartment to receive the light source.

[0019] Preferably, the device comprises a printed circuit board carrying a plurality of light-emitting diodes forming the main light source.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of light-emitting diodes comprises a first group of diodes capable of emitting white light and a second group of diodes capable of emitting amber light.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to vary the melanopic ratio of the main light source between 0 and 1, preferably between 0 and 0.5.

[0022] The invention also relates to a sleep aid system for a user comprising a device according to the invention and a remote control terminal for the device to control the switching on, switching off and tuning of the light source of the device.

[0023] The invention further relates to a method of putting a user to sleep by means of the sleep aid device according to the invention, during a sleep phase, the light power of the first light source is reduced to a power substantially zero and the light power of the second light source is maintained at a non-zero value.

[0024] A method according to the invention may also optionally include the step in which a melanopic ratio of the main light source (300) is varied from a ratio value between 0.5 and 1 until reaching a ratio value of about 0.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1

[0026] [Fig.1] represents a schematic perspective view of a sleep aid device according to the invention; Fig. 2

[0027] [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of the device of the [Fig.1] from another point of view; Fig.3

[0028] [Fig.3] represents a schematic perspective view of the device of [Fig.1] in in which the device is partially assembled; Fig. 4

[0029] [Fig.4] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of [Fig.1]; Fig. 5

[0030] [Fig.5] represents an exploded schematic view of the device of [Fig.1]; Fig. 6

[0031] [Fig.6] represents a schematic view of ocular function; Fig. 7

[0032] [Fig.7] represents a graph comprising a curve showing the evolution of sensitivity visual as well as a spectrum of a light source of the device in [Fig.1]; Fig. 8

[0033] [Fig.8] represents a graph comprising a curve of the evolution of sensitivity mealnospine receptor cells and a spectrum of a light source from the device in [Fig.1]; Fig. 9

[0034] [Fig.9] represents a graph comprising a set of curves; Fig. 10

[0035] [Fig.10] represents a spectral curve of the light source of the device of the [Fig.l] with a melanopic ratio of 0.4; Fig. II

[0036] [Fig. 11] represents a spectral curve of the light source of the device of the [Fig.l] with a melanopic ratio of 0.3; Fig. 12

[0037] [Fig.12] represents a spectral curve of the light source of the device of the [Fig.l] with a melanopic ratio of 0;

[0038] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a sleep aid device for a user according to the invention. This device is designated by the general reference numeral 10. This device 10 comprises a main light source having a tunable light spectrum 300 designed to emit light that promotes the user's sleep.

[0039] Preferably, as illustrated in figures 1 to 5, the device 10 comprises a base 14 and a tubular lighting body 16 mounted on the base 14.

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the tubular lighting body 16 comprises a tubular housing 18 having an elongated axis and first 18A and second 18B ends at opposite ends. This tubular housing 18 defines a tubular cavity for receiving the main light source 300. This tubular housing 18 is formed at least partially, for example, with a light-diffusing material to form at least one transparent or translucent region.

[0041] Furthermore, the device 10 includes a longitudinal support 20 for supporting the light source 300. Such a support 20 is shown in detail in [Fig. 4]. This support 20 includes at least one face carrying a plurality of semiconductor lighting elements 22 forming the light source 300. Preferably, these semiconductor elements 22 are mounted on at least one printed circuit board 24 supported in this example by the support 20.

[0042] Furthermore, preferably, the support 20 includes a heat dissipation element for the heat generated by the plurality of lighting elements 22. For this purpose, the support 20 is formed, for example, by an aluminum profile with a circular or semi-circular cross-section. In addition, for example, the heat sink is formed by cooling fins extending from the profile 20.

[0043] Preferably, the device 10 comprises two printed circuit boards 24, each carrying a plurality of semiconductor elements such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), the boards 24 being, for example, glued to the profile 20 on the same face of this profile 20. In the case of a profile 20 with a semi-circular cross-section, the two printed circuit boards 24 are arranged on the flat face of the profile 20. The two printed circuit boards 24 each comprise, for example, a group of light-emitting diodes of different colors, as will be detailed below, to form respectively first and second light sources.

[0044] For example, this profile 20 is made of extruded aluminum and is provided with rear fins that allow it to dissipate up to thirty watts. In addition, the profile 20 preferably includes two grooves adapted to receive a light-diffusing element 26 along the profile. Finally, preferably, the device 10 includes an end cap 28 for mounting on the upper free end of the profile 20. The element 26 light diffusion in this example has a semi-cylindrical half-envelope form which, by joining with the profile 20, forms the tubular housing 18 ([Fig.5]).

[0045] In this example, the base 14 is formed by several elements assembled successively. In the example described, and as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the profile 20 is fixed to the base 14 by screwing. Furthermore, the base 14 forms a structural foot connecting the profile 20, an electrical control unit 30 (more commonly referred to as the "driver"), a control and regulation unit 36, and a cover piece 32. The base 14 includes, in particular, a hollow tubular element 44 adapted to hold the profile 20 and the light-diffusing element 26 together by fitting the profile 20 and the light-diffusing element 26 inside this element 44.

[0046] Optionally, to reduce manufacturing costs, the tubular element 44 into which the profile 20 is inserted is preferably welded to the base 14. For this purpose, for example, the base 14 is made of sheet metal and at least one cutout 34 of a geometric shape, for example a triangle, is made in a base plate 40 of the base 14 and then bent to allow the tubular element 44 to be welded to this or these mounting triangles. In this example, the base 40 also serves to support the control unit 36 ​​and the pilot unit 30. Furthermore, the pilot unit 30 is attached to the base plate 40 of the base 14.

[0047] Preferably, the base 14 further comprises a steel cover 32 forming the cover piece, which provides aesthetics, strength and weight for the stability of the luminaire 10. The base 14 also comprises, for example, a finishing base plate 46 allowing the base 14 to be completely closed underneath and all openings formed to allow the fixing of the various elements composing the luminaire 10 to be sealed.

[0048] Furthermore, the device 10 preferably includes a backlighting element 50 to indicate the operating status of the luminaire 10. This backlighting element 50 comprises a painted sheet metal plate designed to be slipped around the tube 44 and fitted with a relatively opaque diffuser to prevent the appearance of hot spots. This backlighting element 50 further includes, in this example, a low-power light-emitting diode 52, preferably located a few centimeters from the diffuser to obtain good uniformity.

[0049] This backlighting is independent of the light generated by the profile. This backlighting is designed to illuminate when the luminaire 10 is switched on, while the groups of light-emitting diodes are additionally controlled by the remote control.

[0050] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system visible in [Fig. 3] comprising the device 10 and a remote control terminal 30 for controlling the device 10 the switching on, switching off and wavelength tuning of the light source 300 of device 10.

[0051] As is known in itself, in the classic diagram of the eye and retina 50 shown in [Fig. 6], there are two retinal systems for transmitting light information to the brain: the visual system 52 comprising cones and rods, and the non-visual system 54 comprising melanopsin ganglion cells. Melanopsin cells are intrinsically photosensitive. Light is perceived by the cones and rods located in the retina, which project towards the visual structures (visual pathway), but is also perceived by the melanopsin ganglion cells, which project towards structures involved in the regulation of biological rhythms (non-visual pathway).

[0052] Numerous studies have shown that rods are very sensitive to light and function at relatively low light levels, while cones function at higher light levels, such as daylight. Melanopsin-containing ganglion cells are particularly sensitive to light with wavelengths around 480 nanometers, which corresponds to blue light.

[0053] According to the invention, the light source 300 of the device 10 comprises a first light source 100 whose light spectrum corresponds to a white color light in a range of lengths between 400 nm and 800 nm.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a graph comprising a curve 100 representing the spectral evolution as a function of the wavelength of the first light source 100. This spectral curve 100 includes a narrow main peak 110 in the blue around 450 nm and a wider secondary peak 120 in the range from 550 nm to 650 nm.

[0055] In this same [Fig. 7], the graph also includes a spectral curve 150 representing the evolution of visual sensitivity. As is clear from this graph, the first light source 100 is suitable for activating the visual system by activating the photoreceptor cells of the eye thanks to a relatively broad spectrum covering the range from 400 nm to 800 nm and a rendering close to that of natural sunlight. This first source 100 thus makes it possible to activate both the classical visual system 52 and the non-visual system 54.

[0056] Furthermore, the main light source 300 also includes a second light source 200 whose light spectrum is relatively enriched with wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths less than 560 nm, capable of limiting the activation of melanopsin cells.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a graph comprising a spectral curve 200 of the second light source 200. In the example described, this second curve 200 represents a peak roughly in the shape of a Gaussian function centered on a wavelength greater than 560 nm, preferably centered on 590 nm, corresponding to an amber color. Furthermore, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the peak is between 20 nm and 50 nm.

[0058] Furthermore, on this same [Fig. 8], the graph also includes a spectral curve 250 representing the evolution of the sensitivity of the melanopsin glands as a function of wavelength. It can be seen that the maximum sensitivity of these non-visual receptor cells is indeed located around the wavelength 460 nm.

[0059] It follows that this second light source 200, being captured by the visual receptors around 590 nm, activates the visual system 52 but has no effect on the melanopsin cells of the non-visual system 54 of the eye 50. The second light source 200 therefore allows the body to secrete melatonin naturally by inhibiting the melanopsin cells.

[0060] In order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources 100 and 200 which varies over time, the device 10 includes a control unit for the light power of each of the two sources 100 and 200 independently of each other, allowing the light power of each of the two sources 100 and 200 to be varied between maximum and minimum values.

[0061] The advantage of the device 10 according to the invention lies in the power weighting of these two lights 100 and 200, one adapted to daily tasks, and the other allowing one to see when the biological clock is already in optimal sleep conditions, which optimizes the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

[0062] In the graph of [Fig. 9], m(X) corresponds to the melanopic sensitivity curve referenced 250, v(X) corresponds to the visual sensitivity curve referenced 150, and SPD(X) corresponds to the distribution curve of the luminaire's spectrum at time t referenced 300. The melanopic ratio of a light source is defined as the quotient of the melanopic flux received by the eye (melanopic response represented by curve 260) to the visual flux received by the eye (visual response represented by curve 160). This ratio is calculated as follows:

[0063] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0064] . Melanopic flux ILpCO Ratio - Fhtx visud - £. ^spo^^X)

[0065] This melanopic ratio makes it possible to define the impact of the light used on our biological clock and more particularly on the secretion of melatonin.

[0066] As a reference point, the sun has a melanopic ratio of 1.1 at its zenith, allowing for the maximum inhibition of melatonin in the body, and therefore associated with a greater alertness effect. Conversely, at the end of the day, the melanopic ratio of The sun will go below 0.5, this light will allow the natural secretion of melatonin and therefore the natural accompaniment to sleep.

[0067] In the case of the sleep-inducing device 10 of the invention, the control unit preferably follows a temporal variation program of the melanopic ratio between, for example, 0.5 and 0. This program follows, for example, four distinct scenarios L1, L2, L3, L4 described in Table (1) below.

[0068] [Tables 1] PROGRAMME Scenario CCT (K) Flux (1m) Power (W) CRI Melanopic Ratio L1 2425 1390 26 83 0.4 L2 2130 980 27 76.7 0.3 L3 1840 715 27 67 0.15 L4 1640 600 29 58 0

[0069] This table 1 presents for four scenarios L1, L2, L3 and L4 of operation of the main light source, the corresponding correlated color temperature (CCT) in Kelvin, the luminous flux in lumen, the luminous power in Watt, the color rendering index (CRI) as well as the melanopic ratio.

[0070] We will now describe the main aspects of operation of a sleep aid device according to the invention with reference in particular to Table 1 above.

[0071] The luminaire 10 of the invention will allow the melanopic ratio to be managed between 0.5 and 0, and thus the lighting environment and its impact on the body to be adapted at the time of evening. For example, the melanopic ratio of the main light source 300 is varied from a value between 0.5 and 1 until reaching a value of approximately 0.

[0072] As an example, the user will start his evening on the Ll light, at 2425K with a melanopic ratio of 0.4, allowing him to carry out daily tasks with good color perception (“CRI”, color rendering index equal to 83) and yet already a light that is not very activating for the biological clock ([Fig. 10]).

[0073] Next, it will gradually pass through the lights L2 (2130K, melanopic ratio 0.3) and L3 (1840K, melanopic ratio 0.15) represented by [Fig.11], to use, thirty minutes before bedtime, the light L4 (1640K, melanopic ratio zero), represented by [Fig. 12].

[0074] To achieve this reduction in the melanopic ratio, during a sleep onset phase, the light intensity of the first source is reduced. luminous to a power substantially zero and the luminous power of the second light source is maintained at a non-zero value.

[0075] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments within the grasp of a person skilled in the art may also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (10) for assisting a user in falling asleep, comprising a main light source with a tunable light spectrum designed to emit light that promotes the user falling asleep, characterized in that the main light source (300) comprises a first light source (100) of white color whose light spectrum (100) extends mainly in a wavelength range between 400 nm and 800 nm and a second light source (200) whose light spectrum (200) is relatively enriched with wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths less than 560 nm and in that the device (10) comprises a unit for controlling the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) independently of each other in order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources (100, 200), variable as a function of the time,by varying the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) between maximum and minimum values.,

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the light spectrum (200) of the second source (200) follows a curve substantially representing a Gaussian function centered on a wavelength greater than 560 nm, preferably centered around the wavelength 590 nm.

3. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the Gaussian function has a width at half-maximum of between 20 nm and 50 nm.

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light spectrum (100) of the first source (100) follows a curve having a first narrow peak (110) whose summit is between 400 nm and 500 nm and a second broad peak (120) whose summit is between 500 nm and 700 nm.

5. A device (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a base (14) and a tubular lighting body (16) mounted vertically from the base (14).

6. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the tubular body (16) comprises a housing (18) delimiting a housing for receiving the light source (300).

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one printed circuit board (24) carrying a plurality of light-emitting diodes (22) forming the main light source (300).

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes (22) comprises a first group of diodes capable of emitting warm white light and a second group of diodes capable of emitting amber light.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to vary the melanopic ratio of the main light source (300) between 0 and 1, preferably between 0 and 0.

5.

10. System for assisting a user in falling asleep comprising a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a remote control terminal of the device (10) for controlling the switching on, switching off and tuning of the light source of the device (10).

11. Method for inducing a user to fall asleep by means of a sleep aid device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which, during a sleep phase, the light power of the first light source (100) is reduced to a substantially zero power and the light power of the second light source (200) is maintained at a non-zero value.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, in which a melanopic ratio of the main light source (300) is varied starting from a ratio value of between 0.5 and 1 until reaching a ratio value of approximately 0.

Images