Sleep phase dependent temperature control and learning methods to optimize sleep quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sleep environments lack effective temperature control mechanisms that adapt to the user's sleep stages and cycles, leading to suboptimal sleep quality.
Innovation Solution
A system that adjusts the temperature of a sleep surface using thermoelectric devices and resistive heating, controlled by a controller that monitors biometric and pressure sensors to set different temperatures based on sleep stages and cycles, optimizing the sleep environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature control mechanisms are added to adapt to sleep stages, then sleep quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleep surface is divided into multiple independently controllable temperature zones that can be adjusted according to different sleep stages and user preferences, allowing targeted temperature management without controlling the entire surface uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-conditions the sleep surface temperature before the user enters, and proactively adjusts temperature based on predicted sleep stages and cycles, rather than reactively responding to temperature changes
Solution Approach 3:
Biometric sensors continuously monitor physiological parameters (heart rate, respiration, body temperature) and provide feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts heating/cooling elements to maintain optimal temperature for detected sleep stages
2Temperature
If multiple heating and cooling devices are used to control temperature throughout the night, then temperature optimization is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system operates in periodic cycles synchronized with detected sleep stages, applying heating or cooling only during specific periods when needed rather than continuously, reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes temperature setpoints and control parameters based on detected sleep stages (light sleep, deep non-REM, REM), adjusting heating/cooling intensity to match physiological needs at different times during the night
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
Improves sleep quality by maintaining optimal temperatures during different sleep stages, enhancing deep non-REM and REM sleep periods, and aiding in waking up during light sleep stages.
Implementation Method 1
heating or cooling of air is performed using a thermoelectric device
Implementation Method 2
the at least the portion of the sleep surface is set to the first and second temperatures using a resistive heating device
Data Source
AI summary
A bed includes components to control temperature of a sleep surface, for example based on time and historical usage patterns by a user. In some embodiments the temperature of the sleep surface is controlled based on information indicating a sleep state of the user. In some embodiments the temperature is dynamically adjusted so to achieve particular sleep states and/or sleep patterns for the user. In some embodiments the temperature and timing of temperature adjustments is iteratively adjusted over multiple sleep sessions so to achieve improvements in sleep states and/or sleep quality for the user.