Sleep Induction System Using Breathing-Synchronized Light Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems are inadequate in inducing sleep in subjects, particularly those experiencing pathologic insomnia, as they fail to effectively synchronize breathing rhythms with environmental cues to promote relaxation and reduce breathing frequency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light pattern generator and breathing rate measuring unit that synchronizes a time-varying light pattern with the subject's breathing frequency, gradually lowering it to a pre-selected frequency associated with natural sleep patterns, using a control loop and optional sound synchronization to facilitate relaxation and reduce breathing rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sleep inducing systems are used, then the subject may eventually fall asleep, but the system fails to effectively synchronize breathing rhythms with environmental cues to promote relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the subject's breathing rate using a breathing rate measuring unit and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the light pattern frequency. The control unit compares the measured breathing rate with a target breathing rate and modifies the light pattern accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the subject's physiological state in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic light patterns that oscillate at frequencies matching or slightly exceeding the subject's breathing frequency. This periodic visual stimulation is designed to entrain the subject's breathing rhythm through sensory-gated oscillation, gradually guiding it toward the target slower breathing rate associated with sleep onset.
2Reliability
If medication is used to induce sleep, then sleep induction is achieved, but repeated use is not necessarily beneficial to health
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces pharmacological intervention with a non-invasive optical stimulation approach. Instead of using chemicals to induce sleep, the system uses visual light patterns that interact with the subject's respiratory system to naturally promote relaxation and sleep onset through rhythmic entrainment, eliminating the harmful effects of repeated medication use.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pattern acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the subject's physiological state. Rather than directly administering sleep-inducing substances, the system uses light as a mediator to indirectly influence breathing rhythm and promote natural sleep onset through sensory processing and autonomic nervous system modulation.
3Ease of operation
If the light pattern frequency is set too far from the breathing frequency, then the subject may not synchronize, but if set too close, the frequency reduction effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light pattern frequency based on real-time measurements of the subject's breathing rate. Rather than using a fixed frequency, the control unit continuously modifies the light pattern frequency to maintain an optimal relationship with the subject's current breathing state, typically setting it slightly above the measured breathing frequency to ensure effective entrainment while facilitating frequency reduction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the subject's breathing frequency to a natural sleep range, improving sleep induction by synchronizing breathing rhythms with the light pattern, thereby enhancing sleep conditions without relying on medication.
Implementation Method 1
a light pattern generator for generating a time varying light pattern in view of the subject
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for inducing a subject to fall to sleep, comprising a light pattern generator (3) for generating a time varying light pattern in view of the subject. Further, the system comprises a breathing rate measuring unit (2) for measuring a breathing frequency of the subject. In addition, the system comprises a control unit connected to the breathing rate measuring unit and the light pattern generator, for controlling the light pattern generator (3), such that the generated light pattern has a pattern frequency (13) substantially between the measured breathing frequency (8) and a pre-selected desired frequency (5).