Switzerland's ETH Zurich research institute is developing an innovative new sleep device that is designed to be able to study key brain signals emitted by wearers in order to be able to ascertain when they're in a state of deep sleep, before then emitting the requisite signals to their brains to encourage them to remain in that state.
The 'SleepLoop' comprises a headband that is embedded with a microchip and a series of electrodes that are capable of keeping tabs on the electrical activity that takes place in the wearer's brain. When the sleep device detects slow waves that are indicative of deep sleep, the 'SleepLoop' responds by releasing a subtle auditory signal that helps sustain the slow wave activity.
Set to be commercialized by a spinoff startup by the name of Tosoo, the 'SleepLoop' could revolutionize sleep-supporting technology in the years to come.
Image Credit: ETH Zurich
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Sleep-enhancing Wearables
- The development of sleep devices that are designed to encourage deep sleep, such as the 'SleepLoop,' is a growing trend in the wearables industry with potential for disruptive innovation in the health and wellness sector.
- Brain Signal Monitoring
- Innovations in brain signal monitoring technology, such as the microchip and electrode technology in the 'SleepLoop,' are a trend to watch in the healthcare and medical equipment industries with potential for application in various medical fields.
- Sleeptech Startups
- The emergence of sleep-tech startups, such as Tosoo which is set to commercialize the 'SleepLoop,' presents a growing trend in the startup industry with potential for innovation in the sleep and wellness sectors.
Sectors Adopting This
- Wearable Technology
- Incorporating brain signal monitoring technology into wearable devices presents an opportunity for innovation in the wearable tech industry with potential for application in a variety of fields, from healthcare to sports.
- Healthcare
- The development of sleep-supporting technology, such as the 'SleepLoop,' presents an opportunity for innovation in the healthcare industry, with potential applications in treating sleep disorders and improving overall well-being.
- Medical Equipment
- The use of microchips and electrode technology to monitor brain signals in wearable devices, as seen in the 'SleepLoop,' presents an opportunity for innovation in the medical equipment industry, with potential applications ranging from sleep studies to neurological research.
