Abstract: A method and device for improving sleep performance of a subject exposed to an artificially lighted environment at night are provided, which involve selectively substantially blocking retinal exposure of the subject to light of specified wavelengths during the night.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to monitor physiological for the occurrence of life threatening events and to apply stimulation to prevent the occurrence of said life-threatening events. Systems and methods for applying the stimulation are also disclosed. These systems include applying the stimulation through via a mattress having a passive section and an active section, a plurality of focal stimulators, and/or an array to apply the stimulation are also disclosed. These devices include a mattress with an active region and a passive region, a stimulating array do deliver targeted stimulation, and a plurality of stimulators to apply focused stimulation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a combination of burst and tonic stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder.

Abstract: System and method of all-night sleep management integrates the sleep cycle into the wake cycle with the result that the individual's sense of wholeness and overall well-being is promoted and improved day-in-day-out. In different embodiments, the system and method of all-night sleep management provides audio that a media player plays without potentially disruptive transitions to help people to manage tinittus or help babies or others to fall and stay asleep or to prevent failing to fall asleep or to prevent waking up of otherwise sensitive sleepers and provides an audio, video or other signal that an audio, video or other media player plays incorporating pacing, binaural beats, waveform manipulation, brainwave entrainment, light frequency, amplitude and color modulation or other techniques to draw people from the awake state, through one or more initial, staged intermediate sleep stages and back into the awake state.

Abstract: Timed stimulation of both somatosensory system and auditory system is controlled, in such a manner, that an individual's brain activity is altered through spike-timing dependent plasticity, thereby reducing or removing tinnitus.

Abstract: A system and method for treating and/or preventing is described for treating periodic breathing characterized by cyclical hyperventilation and hypoventilation, examples of which include Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea. The system could also be used in the treatment of other conditions involving an impairment of respiratory drive.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. A force sensor is disposed to measure a force exerted on the hyoid bone, a skin contact pressure, tissue compression between the ferric element and the force delivery element.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing sleep and post-sleep performance. In an embodiment, a system comprising a device and sleep mask are provided. The mask may comprise electroencephalographic (EEG) sensors and one or more stimulation elements configured to stimulate the senses of a wearer of the mask. The mask may be releasably and electrically coupled to a device which receives EEG signals from the mask, determines current and target sleep states based, at least in part, on the EEG signals, and uses this determination to tailor a sleep architecture of the wearer by controlling the stimulation elements. The mask may be a soft mask which utilizes conductive thread embroidered into one or more textile layers. In an embodiment, the stimulation elements may comprise one or more heating elements, electroluminescent panels, and speakers. In addition, the EEG sensors may comprise hybrid sensors comprising hydrogel in a conductive spacer fabric.

Abstract: A system and method that provides controlled bilateral stimulation to a patient in response to physiological feedback to initiate and/or accelerate the onset of sleep and to maintain the sleep state after the onset of sleep. The system induces bilateral stimulation through stimulation modules that are coupled to opposite lateral sides of the patient's body. The stimulation modules stimulate the patient's body bilaterally through a sequence of stimulations that alternate from one side of the patient's body to the other with a pause between each successive stimulation. The system controls the duration of the stimulations, the intensity of the stimulations and the period of time between successive stimulations in response to feedback from physiological sensors. The sensors are coupled to the patient and provide physiological information which initiates or terminates the bilateral stimulations, and/or modifies the characteristics of the stimulations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a non-contact electronic device for the enhancement of dreaming. By enhancement it is meant increasing the frequency, the length, the lucidity, and the color of dreaming. For example, one person who dreams in grey shades now dreams in color when using the device. The device will also allow better recall of the dreams. Dream enhancement is generally a pleasant process and promotes a pleasant feeling in the morning after use. The device is a passive electronic device, that is, it is not actively powered. The user places the device a few feet away during sleep. The device uses a piezo-crystal and an iron core. It is believed that ambient fluctuations in the piezo-crystal's voltage produce an influence field that is broadcasted through the iron core to the user a few feet away.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing relaxation or sleep comprising the steps of: placing electrodes in contact with the forehead skin in the supraorbital region; generating an electrical signal with a signal generator and applying said signal to the electrodes so as to produce external, i.e. non invasive, neurostimulation of the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Abstract: A sleep system is provided that aids in achieving a sleep goal by controlling the environment near a person. The sleep system executes instructions on a processor that interfaces with the person and various environmental controls. As the instructions are executed, the sleep system receives a sleep goal for the person that includes varying the nearby environment. The processor may further execute instructions to create settings that vary at least one environmental condition of the environment over time as it relates to one or more cycles of a sleep architecture for the person. Varying at least one environmental condition near the person experiencing one or more cycles of the sleep architecture influences the quality of the person's sleep. The sleep system may further adjust at least one environmental condition in the vicinity of the person tailored to the sleep architecture for the person.

Abstract: A light monitoring device for treating sleeplessness includes a housing and a light sensing and evaluation system. The light sensing and evaluation system includes a light sensor unit, light measure circuitry measuring light of specific frequencies and intensities, and programmable light evaluation circuitry analyzing the light spectrum exposure for the user based upon measurements made by the light measurement device. The programmable light evaluation circuitry determines when predetermined thresholds relating to exposure of the user to specific light frequencies and intensities are reached. The light monitoring device also includes a warning system providing the user with a warning when the predetermined thresholds are reached and a data storage device storing data generated by the light sensing and evaluation system.

Abstract: A drowsiness level detection section detects a drowsiness level of an individual person. A sleep depth level control section controls the sleep depth of the individual person based on the detected drowsiness level. The sleep depth level control section executes a first sleep control, in which the sleep depth level of the individual person is maintained at a predetermined sleep depth level below a maximum sleep depth level, if the detected drowsiness level is equal to or below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: It is generally understood that psychogenic afflictions exist, and their study forms the basis of psychosomatic medicine. Psychogenic pain and other afflictions serve the purpose of diverting a subject's thoughts away from thoughts they find painful or unbearable. As such, a subject frequently is not aware of what they were thinking just prior to the onset of an affliction—so thoroughly does the body's psychogenic distraction mechanism work. As disclosed herein, a posthypnotic process is imparted to a subject under hypnosis to uncover whatever painful thoughts the subject has immediately preceding the onset a psychogenic affliction. The painful thoughts may be immediately written down by the subject or remembered, either consciously or unconsciously, to be revealed later to a therapist. An alternate form of posthypnotic process includes thoughts and actions that a subject is encouraged to use in mitigating the affliction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the sleep and post-sleep performance of individuals regardless of their environment and time available for sleep are provided. The systems and methods take into account factors that determine the effects of a sleep episode on dexterity, cognitive functions and the subjective feeling of fatigue after sleeping: duration and sleep architecture of the sleep episode, point on the circadian cycle at which the episode occurred, the amount of sleep debt accumulated prior to the episode and the subject's susceptibility to sleep deprivation. The systems and methods include monitoring of sleep architecture over a longer period of time, measurement of accumulated sleep debt and assessment and/or tailoring of the sleep architecture for each subsequent sleep episode, determining a desired sleep state in which the subject should be in, and generating sensory stimuli for guiding the subject to the desired sleep state.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for assessing the sleep quality of a patient in a sleep session are provided. Data is collected from the patient and/or physician including, for example, sleep session data in the form of one or more physiological parameters of the patient indicative of the patient's sleep quality during the sleep session, a subjective evaluation of sleep quality, etc.; patient profile data; etc. A sleep quality index algorithm, which optionally may be an adaptive algorithm, is applied, taking into account some or all of the collected data. Sleep quality data may be presented to at least the patient, and it may be displayed in any suitable format (e.g., a format useful for the patient to be appraised on the progress of the treatment, a format useful for a sleep clinician to monitor progress and/or assess the effectiveness of differing treatment regimens, etc).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing stress in a working environment. In a conditioning phase a positive association of a sensory stimulus, such as a scent, image and/or sound with a relaxed feeling is created. Following the creation of this positive association the “relaxing” stimulus will be used as a de-stressor in the usage phase. That is, when it is detected that the user is stressed, the “relaxing” stimulus is released to reduce stress.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a breath pacing device (10) for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject, comprising an output unit (12) for outputting a sequence of output signals, a control unit (16) provided to control the output unit, and an input unit (14) connected to or integrated into the output unit for generating an input signal related to a respiration characteristic of a subject. The control unit is provided to control the length of the sequence at least based on characteristics of the input signal. The invention is further related to a corresponding method for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject.

Abstract: Light modulation devices are provided. At least one Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) is used to create an oscillating signal used to drive an intensity parameter, a color parameter or both in a light modulator. The oscillating signal may be mixed with a base signal. The modulated signal driving either of the intensity or color parameters may be simple or complex. Systems having a plurality of light projection devices, each associated with a corresponding light modulation device, are also provided. Such Light modulation systems may be used for a variety of applications.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method to affect brainwave entrainment by Very Low Frequency eXclusive-OR (XOR) modulation of a Very High Frequency carrier over a premise's power-line Alternating Current (AC) wiring. A microcontroller with stored program memory space is used to store and produce the waveforms that lead to brainwave entrainment by controlling an H-Bridge capable of generating bipolar square waves, which output is capacitive coupled to a premises AC power-line and a light sensing device is used by the microcontroller to determine whether to produce daytime or nighttime entrainment frequencies.

Abstract: To provide a breath pacing system and a corresponding method for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject that provide the possibility to adapt the output signal to the respiration characteristics of the subject automatically and effectively a breath pacing system (10) for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject and a respective method is proposed, comprising: an input unit (14) for generating or determining an input signal related to a respiration characteristic of a subject, a signal analyzing unit (16) provided to recognize a signal pattern within the input signal, and an output unit (12) for outputting output signals corresponding to a desired breathing sequence, wherein said output unit (12) is provided to be activated, upon a starting signal, to output a sequence of output signals comprising a signal pattern related to a previously recognized signal pattern.

Abstract: A system configured to provide breathing cues to a patient to alleviate insomnia or sleeplessness. In one embodiment, the system comprises a pressure support apparatus, a patient monitor, and a processor. The pressure support apparatus is configured to provide a pressurized flow of gas for delivery to an airway of the patient. The patient monitor configured to generate one or more signals that convey information related to one or more physiological functions of the patient. The processor in operative communication with each of the pressure support apparatus and the patient monitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing and/or treating mood disorders, such as depression, is provided. Right vestibular function in subjects diagnosed with a mood disorder is diminished compared with subjects who do not have a mood disorder. Accordingly, a method and apparatus for determining right vestibular function in a subject is provided, from which a diagnosis of a mood disorder may be determined. Stimulation of the vestibular system of a subject diagnosed with a mood disorder may reduce symptoms of the mood disorder in the subject. A method and apparatus for registering a subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system and providing therapeutic vestibular stimulation based on the subject's response is provided. A subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system may be based on measurements of nystagmus in the subject.

Abstract: A method for identifying a blur profile of a multi image display with a first image separating mask. The method comprises displaying a calibration pattern through a second image separating mask, allowing an evaluator to provide a visual estimation indicating a blur brought about to the calibration pattern by the second image separating mask, and generating a blur profile of at least the first image separating mask according to the visual estimation. The first and second image separating masks having a substantially similar optical profile.

Abstract: Automated behavioral methods and systems for treating Insomnia that use passive means for determining wake/sleep states.

Abstract: Methods for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy are disclosed herein. A method for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy includes determining which hemisphere of the brain requires treatment using lateral visual field stimulation (LVFS) and applying light energy to the hemisphere of the brain to treat the psychiatric disorder other than depression. In an embodiment, light energy may include near infrared light (NIR). The methods of the present disclosure may be used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. In an embodiment, the methods may be used to treat a psychiatric disorder co-morbid with depression.

Abstract: The brain state support apparatus 1 comprises a stimulus applying device 2, a light detecting device 3, a calculating section 13 for calculating the changed amount of total hemoglobin and the changed amount of oxygen saturation based on the light information, a determination section 14 for determining whether the brain state of the human body is in at least one of a relaxation mode, a concentration mode and an intermediate mode, based on the changed amount of total hemoglobin and the changed amount of oxygen saturation by applying a stimulus of an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency to the acupoint of the human body through the stimulus applying device 2; and a stimulus adjusting section 15 for adjusting a quantity of stimulus to be applied to an acupoint of the human body by the stimulus applying device 2.

Abstract: Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with real-time RSA wave information are provided. These methods and devices also can be used to identify drop points in RSA waves. Such methods and devices provide subjects with the ability to maintain parasympathetic outflow and thereby prevent and/or reduce levels of stress.

Abstract: A system and method for treating and/or preventing is described for treating periodic breathing characterized by cyclical hyperventilation and hypoventilation, examples of which include Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea. The system could also be used in the treatment of other conditions involving an impairment of respiratory drive.

Abstract: A sleep management method and system for use by a carer to improve the sleep behavior of a child in their care by monitoring one or more objective parameters relevant to sleep quality and providing one or more recommendations for behavioral programs and/or actions to the carer via a portable user interaction device such as a mobile phone. Such a system can also be adapted for use in looking after adults and animals such as domestic pets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using particular types of music compositions having certain characteristics to treat depression and related disorders, autism, and other disorders are described. The music for use in music therapy efforts includes characteristics for modification of the psycho-physiological apparatus and response including the use of vocal invented language elements to simulate pre-verbal communication and elements to coincide with and work with natural chrono-biological and circadian rhythms. For example, activating elements are provided in some compositions that are to be played immediately prior to a peak of chrono-biological activity. As another example, other compositions include de-activating elements to improve relaxation immediately prior to a natural low of chrono-biological activity. Such activating and de-activating elements include musical elements such as changes of volume, frequency selection, and tempo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sleep aid device including: an electrode arranged on the surface of a pillow in such a manner as to come into contact with the scalp of a user; a brain wave signal acquisition section adapted to acquire a brain wave signal of the user via the electrode; an analysis section adapted to analyze the acquired brain wave signal; and a control section adapted to control the execution of a preset process according to the sleep stage representing the depth of sleep of the user identified by the analysis result.

Abstract: A device for initiating positive thoughts in an individual wherein the positive thought is not an implanted post-hypnotic suggestion. The device comprises housing for an energy source and an electronic circuit connected to an energy source affixed within the housing. The electronic circuit has an alerting means and a means for controlling the alerting means. The alerting means notifies the individual a determined number of times over a given period in an apparent random manner at a frequency of 10-12 Hz.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A system (100) and a method for controlling an environmental physical characteristic in an environment of a person (105), a color and intensity tunable lamp, an electronic device and a computer program product are provided. The system (100) comprises an environment influencing means (102), a sensor (104), an input means (134) and a controller (130). The environment influencing means (102) changes the environmental physical characteristic in response to a control signal (112) indicating a desired influencing of the environmental physical characteristic. The sensor (104) obtains a sensor signal (122) representing a physiological condition of the person (105). The input means (134) obtains a user setting signal (132) representing a user setting with respect to the environmental physical characteristic. The controller (130) receives the sensor signal (122) and the user setting signal (132) and generates the control signal (112) by applying an original function (114) to the sensor signal (122).

Abstract: This invention pertains to a non-contact electronic device for the enhancement of dreaming. By enhancement it is meant increasing the frequency, the length, the lucidity, and the color of dreaming. For example, one person who dreams in grey shades now dreams in color when using the device. The device will also allow better recall of the dreams. Dream enhancement is generally a pleasant process and promotes a pleasant feeling in the morning after use. The device is a passive electronic device, that is, it is not actively powered. The user places the device a few feet away during sleep. The device uses a piezo-crystal and an iron core. It is believed that ambient fluctuations in the piezo-crystal's voltage produce an influence field that is broadcasted through the iron core to the user a few feet away.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a base section, a middle section, and an upper section. The base section encloses a plurality of speakers, the middle section includes a relaxation chamber for a reclining human user, and the upper section houses light fixtures that emit light at preselected frequencies related to the sound frequencies emitted by the speakers. Stationary foot and head light fixtures illuminate a foot and a head end of the relaxation chamber, respectively. A movable middle light fixture reciprocates along the length of the relaxation chamber. Each light fixture has a hexagonal housing with mirrored interior surfaces and at least one crystal through which light passes. A color disc mounted below the movable middle light fixture has translucent colored discs mounted about its periphery, only one of which is illuminated per user.

Abstract: Method to induce sleep, using devices that are worn on the nose and around the diaphragm. The nose-band is made of a soft, flexible and elastic material, such as perforated rubber, and is configured to fit onto the nose of a user. The diaphragm-band is made of a soft, flexible and elastic material, and is configured to fit over the diaphragm of a user.

Abstract: A sleep system is provided that aids in achieving a sleep goal through the control of an environment near a person. The sleep system includes a processor capable of executing instructions used for controlling one or more aspects of the environment and a memory capable of holding the instructions. Upon executing the instructions, the sleep system receives a sleep goal for the person that includes varying the nearby environment. The processor may further execute instructions to create settings that vary at least one environmental condition of the environment over time as it relates to one or more cycles of a sleep architecture for the person. Varying at least one environmental condition near the person experiencing one or more cycles of the sleep architecture influences the quality of the person's sleep. The sleep system may further adjust at least one environmental condition in the vicinity of the person in accordance with the sleep architecture for the person.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods of the invention provide a solution to the problem of inefficiencies associated with the psychotherapeutic process. Heart rate variability (HRV) and other physiologic parameters can be used to regulate physiological state in the “real time” of the psychotherapy hour.

Abstract: A system (10) for relaxation, the system (10) comprising: electrodes (15) worn by a user to measure the electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user; a processor (18) to process the ECG to remove noise and analyse the ECG signal in the time and frequency domains, and compute an index of stress (33) from the processed ECG; and a multimedia device (14) to provide real-time biofeedback by communicating the index of stress (33) to the user together with a relaxation video (31) to cause the user to relax.

Abstract: A device for converting music signals into electrical stimulation is revealed. The device for converting music signals into electrical stimulation includes a switching device. The switching device is disposed with an amplifier whose input end is connected to a music player while an output end of the amplifier is connected to a voltage/current converter. A stimulating electrode is at an output end of the voltage/current converter. Music signals are input through the music player, amplified by the amplifier, and converted by the voltage/current converter. Thus the stimulating electrode at the output end stimulates users' acupuncture points for treatment of insomnia. Thereby the treatment of insomnia is effective and the sleep quality is improved. The switching device is with a high practical value.

Abstract: A transducer system is disclosed for detecting actual or simulated body sounds. An audio signal generation and detection system is disclosed for the purposes of simulating the medical examination of a patient or simulating the listening of sounds seeming to emanate from a live or inanimate body. A signal generator sets up a voltage potential at an electrode physically attached to the body, or electrically connected to a body, thereby setting up a voltage potential on a surface area of the body. An electric field potential sensor or a capacitive electrical sensor placed in proximity to the electrode or body surface then detects the voltage potential. The signals produced by the signal generator can represent heart, lung, bowel or other sounds and the electrical sensor can take the physical form of a listening device such as a stethoscope, thereby creating a simulation of listening to body sounds for medical diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method provide for the automatic assessment of the presence/severity of the sleep problem and its exact nature. The assessment is based on qualitative information about sleep patterns, insomnia-related factors and daytime consequences, as well as quantitative information about sleep patterns measured by a sensor. By combining the different sources of information (subjective as well as objective data), the diagnosis gives more insight into the nature of the sleep problem and is therefore more accurate. Furthermore, the disclosed system may be used to select specific components of the system that are medically relevant to the individual and therefore create a personalized program. The system teaches a selection of self-management skills that could help the individual to better cope with sleep disturbances and target those factors that maintain the problem or make it worse by a particular individual.

Abstract: A lucid dream is induced in a subject. A brain state entrainment signal is generated in a circuit. A transducer applies a waveform of a kind sufficient to cause a lucid dream in the brain based on the brain state entrainment signal. The brain state entrainment signal modulates a carrier wave of a higher frequency than the entrainment frequency. The waveform is first applied to the subject and thereafter removed to attempt a lucid dream. The waveform can be electrical, light, sound or magnetic waveforms.

Abstract: A conscious sedation system and a request assembly for a response testing apparatus for a conscious sedation system. The conscious sedation system includes a controller which generates a request for a predetermined response from a patient and which analyses at least a response made by the patient to the request to determine a level of sedation of the patient. The response testing apparatus includes a request assembly and a response assembly. The request assembly audibly communicates to the patient the request generated by the controller and includes a non-ear-canal-contacting speaker. The response assembly senses the response and communicates the response to the controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a mat providing a surface for creating movement within a stroller having wheels rolled over the mat, where the mat has an upper and lower surface, the upper surface comprising a texture surface and spaced vertical extensions elevated over the textured surface, and where the mat is produced of a non-shock absorbing material.