Sleep Mask Light Therapy for Circadian Rhythm Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light therapy devices for modifying circadian rhythms are either large and non-portable or head-mounted and uncomfortable, lacking the ability to provide effective therapy during sleep and being unsuitable for public use, with existing systems often causing discomfort and inefficiency in melatonin suppression.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising light sources that emit pulsed electromagnetic radiation of specific wavelengths to stimulate S-cone receptors, adjustable in intensity and duration, which can be worn as a sleep mask to provide light therapy to closed eyelids, allowing for different stages of therapy with varying parameters to modify circadian rhythms without substantial melatonin suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large floor or desk mountable light therapy devices are used, then light therapy effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light therapy system into separate functional modules: a head-mounted unit containing light sources and a separate control unit. This segmentation allows the light therapy functionality to be portable while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through controlled light delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sleep mask as an intermediary device that delivers light therapy to the eyes during sleep. The mask acts as a mediator between the light source and the user's eyes, enabling effective light therapy without requiring the user to be awake or use large equipment.
2Ease of operation
If head mountable light therapy devices are used, then portability is improved, but comfort and acceptance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed light delivery rather than continuous illumination. The light sources emit light in controlled pulses during specific stages of sleep, reducing overall exposure and discomfort while maintaining circadian rhythm modulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters of the light therapy delivery: using specific wavelengths (480nm blue, 530nm green, 630nm red), controlling pulse duration and frequency, and adjusting intensity based on sleep stage detection. These parameter optimizations improve comfort while maintaining therapeutic effect.
3Illumination intensity
If focused light sources are used to direct high luminance light towards the eyes, then light therapy intensity is improved, but comfort and melatonin suppression effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different light intensities and wavelengths to different contexts: higher intensity pulsed light during wakeful periods for circadian alignment, and lower intensity during sleep stages to avoid discomfort and excessive melatonin suppression. The system locally optimizes light delivery based on the user's state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by delivering light therapy in controlled pulses rather than continuous illumination. The pulsed delivery provides sufficient light exposure for circadian rhythm modulation while avoiding excessive total light exposure that would cause discomfort or overly suppress melatonin during sleep.
4Reliability
If light therapy is provided while the patient is awake, then circadian rhythm modification is improved, but usability during sleep deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal light therapy system that functions effectively in multiple states: during wakefulness for circadian alignment and during sleep for maintenance and comfort. The system adapts its light delivery parameters based on whether the user is awake or asleep, making it versatile for different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic light delivery that automatically adjusts parameters based on the user's state. The system transitions from higher intensity pulsed light during wakefulness to lower intensity during sleep stages, maintaining circadian rhythm modification effectiveness while adapting to the user's physiological state.
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 shifts the circadian rhythm phase while minimizing melatonin suppression, providing comfort and usability, and can be used during sleep, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises one or more light sources configured to emit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic radiation during pulses being at a first intensity, the first intensity being sufficient to stimulate S-cone receptors of the subject upon impingement
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods to provide light therapy to a subject use one or more light sources configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in multiple stages using multiple wavelengths. By virtue of the emitted electromagnetic radiation impinging on the subject, the phase of the circadian rhythm of the subject is modified.