Abstract: A method of enabling a person to reduce tension as a way of improving the possibility that the person will reach a desired level of performance during a tension-causing event includes the steps of selecting a monitor capable of measuring the heart rate of a person and including a display constructed to show heart-rate variability (HRV), and connecting a person to the monitor. The method also includes allowing the person to view the display of their own HRV while connected to the monitor, communicating to the person a desired range of HRV and an undesired range of HRV, and teaching the person how to breath to reach the desired range of HRV and to verify that the person reached the desired range of HRV by viewing the display. In addition, the method includes directing the person to think of a tension-causing event; and repeating the teaching step until the person reaches the desired range of HRV while thinking of the tension-causing event.

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

Abstract: Alpha rhythm brain waves are related to mental and physical relaxation and healing. Based on the studies of bionics, this invention relates to inducing oscillatory alpha rhythm to the human body, and relates to the means of the alpha rhythm machine applied to human body. Research of the alpha rhythm of human brain wave patterns and EEG has indicated special recorded data of alpha rhythm brain waveform which is the bearing of the proper biological information of relaxing and healing. The apparatus was developed and built to construct and release the simulated human brain alpha rhythm signals which are at the frequencies ranging 8 Hz-14 Hz and at the amplitudes altered in high or low. Both the frequencies and the amplitudes are changing at a non-stationary random order in the duration of the event, respectively.

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: An alternative therapy method for pain management and healing, performed by a therapist on a patient. Steps of the overall method include preparing the therapist, the patient and their environment for a therapeutic session, assessing the patient's spiritual energy field, having the therapist explain to the patient what procedures will be done during the therapeutic session, obtaining verbal permission from the patient to perform the procedures during the therapeutic session, facilitating the patient's flow of spiritual energy, repatterning the patient's areas of spiritual imbalance and impeded energy flow, encouraging the patient's feedback and documenting the results of the therapeutic session and the patient's feedback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relaxing a person in a stressful environment, such as a health care, business, hospitality or educational setting, provides a person with a choice of selecting for viewing one or more high resolution spatially open, serene natural landscape scenes to which the person is believed to have an innate positive (biophilic) affinity, upon a fabric frame display member mounted upon a flexible wall partition, such as a hospital curtain, a ceiling, a stand or other display member. In one embodiment, the spatially open, serene natural landscape scene is a savanna-type landscape or a like scene to which humans are believed to have a biophilic affinity. The biophilic landscape picture is printed preferably on a flexible fabric by a high resolution sublimation printing process, wherein an image is first scanned into a computer and then transformed by state-of-the-art technology to the fabric herein. The image may also be printed directly on all or a portion of a curtain itself.

Abstract: The invention provides an agent comprising palatinose, for enhancing appearance of &agr; wave, particularly, &agr; 1 wave, and inducing a relaxed state to thereby promote alleviation or relief of mental stress or tense.

Abstract: A method for phase shifting the circadian pacemaker or treating seasonal affective disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method includes exposing the subject's eye region to a given-intensity light flash having a flash duration of between about 1-500 msec, at a periodicity of at least about one flash per minute, over a selected time period effective, were the subject exposed to a continuous light pulse of the same intensity for this period, to phase shift the circadian pacemaker or treat the seasonal affective disorder in the subject. Also disclosed is a device for practicing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiration leading system which can leads a living body to respire so that relaxation is effectively induced without any physiological load even if a respiration exercise feedback is not employed. This system comprises a control unit and a sense-stimulating unit. The control unit makes the sense-stimulating unit change the output energy for stimulating a sense of the living body so that the living body is induced to inhale and exhale as a physiological reaction. The energy change is done within the range of a respiration period x(sec) and a parameter y defined as 2 sec<x<12 sec and 0.85<y<1.45 (a region x≦4 sec and y≧1.3 is excluded). The parameter y is a ratio of exhaling time to inhaling time. The energy output in the first half period corresponding to either inhaling or exhaling and the energy output in the latter half corresponding to the other, induce the living body to respire.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a user interface for systems and methods for sedation and analgesia delivery. The user interface receives input from a user of a sedation and analgesia delivery system and relays information regarding the system, the administration of sedation and analgesia, physiological conditions to the user in a context sensitive manner. The information relayed may be displayed to the user on a touch sensitive screen or multi-layer display device. The display may be segregated geographically or may be color coded on the display device where the geographic location and/or color of the displayed information relates further information to the user.

Abstract: A programmable dream analyzer apparatus for assisting the user in recording his or her dreams, comprising a microcontroller for receiving input defining the user's sleep period, and calculating the time and playing an alert for each REM event predicted to occur during the user's sleep period. The strength of each alert may be user adjusted, such that it is sufficient to wake the user during a REM event, but not during non-REM sleep. The dream analyzer further incorporates a voice activated recording device to allow the user to record a description of his or her dream upon awaking from a REM event without moving.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus operable within an interactive computer device for presentation to the visual and auditory senses. The invention uses the creation and use of a custom hypnosis script to induce a state of hypnosis and make behavioral suggestions, Through questions presented, the user is queried for the user's preferences for hypnotic induction imagery and behavioral suggestion. The user enters the preferences, employing a keyboard, and/or a mouse, and/or other such device used to enter information. The program inserts the user responses into a preprogrammed textual material to compile a complete hypnosis script. A text-to-speech component of the program enables the user to then listen to the custom hypnosis script, and thereby experience a complete, custom hypnosis.

Abstract: In order to enable a user to easily and quickly ascertain his body's state of relaxation, the device is provided with: a physiological information extractor 101 for extracting an indicator expressing physiological state from user Y; a storage member 102 for storing the extracted indicator; a judging member 103 for analyzing the change over time in the stored indicator, and determining whether or not the user's condition has improved toward a state of greater relaxation based on the indicator; and a notifying member 104 for providing notice that the body has moved toward a state of greater relaxation, if the results of the aforementioned determination are affirmative.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing the physiological and/or psychological state of an individual comprising a source of biophilic images; a device for sensing at least one physiological parameter of an individual; and a display, linked to said source and said device, for displaying biophilic images from said source as a function of the sensed physiological parameter in order to manage a physiological or psychological state of the individual.

Abstract: A method of classifying an individual's personal preference for an image, comprising: viewing an image for a period of time; and ranking the image on a scale extending between a “detached” feeling and an “attached” feeling, where “detached” is a feeling of not being able to personally connect to the object or situation depicted in the image, and “attached” is a feeling of a personal connection to the object or situation depicted in their image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relaxing and reducing stress in an individual is disclosed. The method involves exposing the individual to combined music, preferably anxiolitic music, and randomly selected voiceover. The apparatus comprises a system, suitable for performing the method, that is capable of reproducing a wide variety of different audio programmes that comprises several phases, the content of each phase not being predictable in advance.

Abstract: A method of classifying an individual's personal preference for an on a scale extending viewing an image for a period of time; and ranking the image on a scale extending between a “detached” feeling and an “attached” feeling, where “detached” is a feeling of not being able to personally connect to the object or situation depicted in the image, and “attached” is a feeling of a personal connection to the object of situation depicted in their image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for increasing the cognitive function in a fetus. The system transmits a pattern of sonic variations to the fetus. The pattern of sonic variations is formed of a plurality of sequences of tones in which each sequence is repeated at a predetermined tempo. Each sequence of tones is selected to be transmitted to the fetus at a predetermined time during the term of the pregnancy. Preferably, each subsequent sequence of tones is selected to be repeated at increasing tempo during the term of the pregnancy, thereby providing a progressive pattern of sonic variations. A similar system and method can be used for improving the cognitive function of a premature baby. In addition, the present invention relates to a system and method for altering the cognitive function in a postnatal human by transmitting aurally or through bone conduction a progressive pattern of sonic variations or a regressive pattern of sonic variations to the wearer of the system.

Abstract: A portable light unit for treatment of seasonal affective disorders. The portable device is carried in a small case having four bulbs capable of emitting full spectrum light at 10,000 lux intensity for each therapy session. Therefore, the device can be carried by the patient or the physician to the patient.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of a desired brain state in an individual contain means for monitoring and analyzing the brain state while a set of one or more magnets produce fields that alter this state. A computational system alters various parameters of the magnetic fields in order to close the gap between the actual and desired brain state. This feedback process operates continuously until the gap is minimized and/or removed.

Abstract: A new concept of computer system is provided to relax stresses such as fatigue, VDT syndrome, occupational diseases or psychogenic possibly gained from long hours of computer usage. This new computer system is able to divert the negative effects of conventional computer to affirmative effects by introducing the aroma therapy. The new computer system provides not only the data programs of establishing, playing execution and controlling, but also the stress relief program comprising acoustic therapy, color therapy, fragrance therapy and tactual therapy and a stress perception program. The stress relief program is operated by an emission device through a converter. The equipment of the stress relief is installed on a peripheral device of computer such as a speaker, keyboard or monitor. The new concept of computer system for stress relaxation originates a combination of the computer system and the natural therapies applied the human senses like sight, hearing, feeling and smelling senses.

Abstract: A method of treatment for infertility includes hypnotic suggestions of relaxation and feelings of being pregnant. Also included are acupressure applied to specific selected body sites, and application of a large area magnet to the body surface over the uterus. The acupressure may be applied by acupuncture needles, pressure applied by small blunt sticks, laser light, electro-stimulation, or small strong magnets. The method may be applied by a practitioner. In another embodiment of the invention, the materials are supplied in a kit form including audio and video recordings and implements for application of acupressure by the patient herself.

Abstract: The frequency transfer system modulates square wave frequencies from a data storage medium to a pair of electrically conductive contact surfaces. The system contains at least one feed line into a transfer unit that has at least one voltage threshold limitation member to prevent the voltage from exceeding a predetermined amount. An anode and cathode leads terminate at the contact surfaces. A voltage indicator within the transfer unit is activated at a predetermined minimum voltage. The storage medium contains the odd harmonics derived from the square waves that are recorded in synchronization with the square waves. Body affixing means are used to maintain at least one of the contact surfaces with the a user's skin. Alternatively, the first contact surface contacts the user's skin and the second contact surface is proximate the user's skin. In one embodiment the data storage medium is a CD and is played through an amplifier placed between the CD player and the transfer unit.

Abstract: A method of managing a physiological or psychological state of an individual using images comprising: determining an individual's direction or preference for a state management session; based on the determination, deciding whether a current set of images selected through a personal image profile session, will achieve the desired management effect; if the current set are deemed satisfactory, presenting the set of images to the individual to achieve management of the individual's state.

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 method of determining the physiological reactivity of an individual with respect to images, comprising: measuring at least one physiological parameter of an individual during a baseline calm period of time; measuring the said at least one physiological parameter of said individual during a stress period of time and a succeeding rest period of time; dividing said measured data for each of said periods of time into a plurality of predetermined time segments; computing a histogram or Fourier analysis as appropriate on said predetermined time segments for each said period of time; standardizing said computed data; conducting a principal component analysis, a canonical discriminant analysis, or a neural network, on said data to establish a baseline calm or rest period set of scores and a stress period set of scores; measuring the said at least one physiological parameter of said individual during an image presentation period of time; repeating said time segmenting, said histogram or Fourier analysis, and said st

Abstract: A method of managing a physiological or psychological state of an individual using images comprising: determining an individual's direction or preference for a state management session; based on the determination, deciding whether a current set of images selected through a personal image profile session, will achieve the desired management effect; if the current set are deemed satisfactory, presenting the set of images to the individual to achieve management of the individual's state.

Abstract: Viral induced physiological stress is reduced by electronic diagnosis and treatment. A patient is slowly scanned with a sinusoidal signal over a frequency range within some 2,000 Hz to 6,000 Hz while stress level is monitored by fingertip thermal sensors. A 5 VAC source is used with a source impedance of between 8,000 and 12,000 ohms that is ungrounded. A fingertip temperature rise and peak is correlated with a therapeutic frequency. The patient is treated with a signal at the therapeutic frequency applied to the torso for a period of time sufficient to treat substantially all of the circulating blood in the patient. It is believed that the electrotherapy causes the viruses that induce the stress to resonate mechanically and become inactivated. By associating diagnosed frequencies with a prior diagnosed frequency, a diagnostic method is thus also provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus for treating patients. The apparatus comprises an electromagnetic frequency generator and a coil connected thereto for transmitting electromagnetic energy to a body part of a patient. A control connects to the electromagnetic frequency generator and to a number of sensors that register a local skin temperature and/or a skin resistance of the body part. The control contains an algorithm comprising an adjustment module and a treatment module. The adjustment module causes the transmission of electromagnetic energy of different test frequencies while recording with respect to each of the test frequencies corresponding variations observed by the sensors. The adjustment module is further arranged for determining a treatment frequency at which a significant variation is observed with at least one of the sensors.

Abstract: A method of generating a personal image profile based on an individual's physiological and cognitive state compromising: presenting a master set of images to an individual wherein each image in the master set is characterized by a set of scene and image related classifiers that are relevant to producing an effect on an individual; measuring and recording one or more of said individual's physiological parameters while viewing a presented image; measuring the individual's cognitive state from cognitive responses to each presented image; and generating a personal image profile of the individual based on combining the physiological and cognitive measures from said measuring steps, said personal image profile including image classifiers for identifying activating or deactivating images for said individuals.

Abstract: A stress relief system having a headset to be removably worn on a person's head and a portable electrical wave generator assembly. The left and right speakers of the headset are connected to an electricity powered device for playing recorded music. The electrical wave generator assembly is powered by a 9 volt D.C. battery and it has two closed electrical circuits for transmitting that receive an electrical wave from the electrical wave generator. Each of these circuits has a light emitting diode (LED) that radiates light in the infrared and visible nanometer range. The structure for supporting the respective LED's would be a predetermined length of double stranded wire having sufficient flexibility so that it can be bent to direct the light at preselected points on a patient's hands that are identified by the Koryo Hand Therapy Meridians. A finger loop strap is used to locate and support the lights on the user's fingers.

Abstract: Behavior modification of a human subject takes place under hypnosis, when the subject is in a relaxed state. A machine plays back a video or audio recording, during which the subject is instructed to activate a device to create a perceptible stimulation which is linked, through the hypnosis, with a visualization of enhanced or improved performance. After the hypnosis, the user can reactivate the device at will, whenever the improved performance, such as an improved sporting performance, is desired. This will again create the perceptible stimulation and thus induce the required visualization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relaxing a person in a stressful environment, such as a health care, business, hospitality or educational setting, provides a person with a choice of selecting for viewing one or more high resolution spatially open, serene natural landscape scenes to which the person is believed to have an innate positive (biophilic) affinity, upon a fabric frame display member mounted upon a flexible wall partition, such as a hospital curtain, a ceiling, a stand or other display member. In one embodiment, the spatially open, serene natural landscape scene is a savanna-type landscape or a like scene to which humans are believed to have a biophilic affinity. The biophilic landscape picture is printed preferably on a flexible fabric by a high resolution sublimation printing process, wherein an image is first scanned into a computer and then transformed by state-of-the-art technology to the fabric herein. The image may also be printed directly on all or a portion of a curtain itself.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming and contracting scar collagen below a tissue surface in a selected tissue site. An electromagnetic energy apparatus is provided and includes an electromagnetic energy source and a delivery device. The delivery device is positioned on the tissue surface. Electromagnetic energy is produced from the electromagnetic energy source and delivered through the tissue surface to the selected tissue site for a sufficient time to induce scar collagen formation in the selected tissue site. No more than a second degree burn is formed on the tissue surface. The scar collagen is then contracted. This method is particularly useful in tissue sites that are devoid or deficient in collagen.

Abstract: A device for the application of artificial light to a user's retina is disclosed. A light source leads to a light focusing member that generates a light stream at, at least one transmission angle, to the user's retina, preventing the light from coming in contact with the user's fovea. In one embodiment, the light focusing member is a light ring containing a plurality of apertures around an outer periphery with light exiting through the apertures in a plurality of streams at a transmission angle. A vision aperture within the light ring has a periphery less than the outer periphery and is on a direct axis with the user's fovea to enable the user to maintain vision during chronotherapy. The light source can be distanced from the light focusing member and connect by a light transfer member, such as a optic fiber. In another embodiment, the light focusing member can be the frame of a pair of eyeglasses having lenses to enable user vision.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antenatal training device for a pregnant woman comprising: a fetal vital sound generating unit for collecting and outputting a signal representative of a fetal vital sound generated to correspond to the detected heartbeats and movement of a fetus; and a brain wave sound generating unit connected to the fetal vital sound generating unit, for generating a brain wave frequency signal generated in the most stable and comfortable state of the body and mind among various brain waves of the human body, modulating it with an audio frequency signal, mixing the modulated brain wave sound signal and the fetal vital sound signal, and amplifying the mixed brain wave sound and fetal vital sound signals for application to an audio output part, thereby allowing a user to hear them which in turn induces the user to a psychologically serene state or a relaxing state.

Abstract: A sound emitting and vibratable blanket for providing comfort to the baby or infant. The sound emitting and vibratable blanket includes a quilt member having a central portion, end portions, and a top side, and further having outer layers with padding being sandwiched therebetween; and also includes a conventional sound producing member securely disposed in an end portion of the quilt member and having a first switch visibly and securely disposed upon the quilt member for energizing said sound producing member; and further includes a vibrating mechanism securely disposed at the central portion of the quilt member inside the padding thereof for vibrating the quilt member and having a second switch visibly and securely disposed upon the quilt member for energizing said vibrating mechanism.

Abstract: A relax refresh system is arranged such that a system control section performs a control of having a moving image track reproduced by a video CD driving section through an image/sound control section, the track including a modem signal recorded in a voice zone, control data are decoded by a modem signal decoding section from a code of the modem signal, the decoded control data are sent to the system control section, the video CD driving section is controlled through the image/sound control section by the system control section so as to reproduce the moving picture track, and the video CD driving section and a display device are controlled in their operation by means of data groups of the moving picture track preliminarily read in the system control section, in synchronism with the moving image track being reproduced, whereby the image and voice in accordance with a state of the user can be sufficiently provided to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying an electric current to surface layers of a body is described to relieve stress and increase muscle relaxation. The invention provides muscle relaxation and stress reduction by applying an alternating positive and negative d.c. low voltage of substantially equal duration and substantially equal voltage to the skin surface layers. The voltage may be applied at a rate of about 0.2 cycles per second to about 500 cycles per second, with a voltage with a range of about 7.5 volts to about 24 volts, and an amplitude from about 50 microamps to about 1 milliamp.

Abstract: A system which includes an apparatus and method of managing a psychological and physiological state of that individual involves the use of images or stimuli, the measurement of a physiological state of the individual, and the creation of a personalized preferred response profile which is specifically tailored to the individual. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible for an individual to manage and thereby lower his or her stress by viewing, for example, images which are selected based on the created personalized preferred response profile for the individual. The personalized preferred response profile is created by having the individual view, for example, a wide variety of images and creating the profile based on those images which provide a preferred response to the individual. The system supports and enhances existing biofeedback equipment.

Abstract: A method of controlling the Sleep pattern of a baby by monitoring its state of sleep to ensure that it enters rapid eye movement sleep to ensure proper development of its central nervous system. If the baby does not enter the rapid eye movement sleep phase, then the baby may be frozen and is reawakened and comforted with smiles and laughter before being returned to sleep.

Abstract: A method and device for stimulating biological processes having a source of radiation disposed adjacent to a substantially ungrounded crystal. The device provides a structure for supporting a substantially ungrounded crystal adjacent to a source of radiation such that a crystal photon field is generated about the device. The invention also includes a method of stimulating biological processes by placing a subject within the crystal photon field created by the device.

Abstract: A vision correction apparatus and system for correcting various forms of strabismus. The apparatus has a viewing mechanism for viewing images, a dynamic stimulus device to be engaged or disengaged depending on control signals generated from the apparatus, a measuring mechanism for observing and measuring viewing activity of the user, data storage mechanism for storing data measured by the measuring mechanism; and control mechanism for assessing stored data and, in relation to an assessment made of the stored data, for generating and transmitting a control signal to engage or disengage the dynamic stimulus device.

Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus for quantifying the effects that colored light therapies and treatments have upon an individual. The apparatus features an imagescope console that bathes a patient in different light colors, patterns, sequences, hues, tints, etc. A physiological monitoring unit monitors the bodily functions of the individual as the various colored light treatments are applied. A computer analyzes the monitored data, and produces a printout, or an electrostressogram, which details the quantitative effects of the light therapies. The electrostressogram can be faxed or otherwise transmitted to medical offices, and/or satellite communicated from spacecrafts and interplanetary space station to Earth for screening, preventing, diagnosing, and treating medical illnesses caused by stress.

Abstract: Sensors are provided for detecting brain waves of a user, and a band-pass filter is provided for extracting a particular brain waves including an .alpha. wave included in a detected brain wave. The band-pass filter comprises a first band-pass filter having a narrow pass band, and a second band-pass filter having a wide pass band. One of the first and second band-pass filters is selected, and a stimulation signal is produced in dependency on an .alpha. wave extracted by a selected band-pass filter. In accordance with the stimulation signal, a stimulation light is emitted to the user in order to induce the user to relax or sleeping state.

Abstract: A method of treating various anxiety-related disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, panic attacks, or general anxiety disorder is disclosed. It has been found that the P1 midlatency auditory evoked potential of such patients undergoes increased amplitude and decreased habituation. Stimulation of three specific acupuncture points LR3, HT3, and PC6) on three different acupuncture meridians has been found to reduce the amplitude of the P1 potential using 20-minute periods of stimulation. Low frequency stimulation (around 5 Hz) was found to be most effective. Repeated periods of stimulation were also found to increase the effect of the treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for awakening the user during a preset time interval or bracket at the point when, for all intents and purposes, the user is already awake. At certain periods, discernable by, for instance, measurement of resistance through the body, large .DELTA.'s are observed at certain brief periods, especially close to the beginning and end of REM. At these points, it is possible to wake a person with almost no effort at all, and in many cases, the person will be unaware that they even were sleep.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for modifying undesired behaviors in humans who have undergone one or more hypnotherapy sessions to implant positive and aversive posthypnotic suggestions which are to be elicited in response to corresponding detected trigger events. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a watch (30) and includes signal generators (15, 16, 19, 20) which are controlled by a processor (12) to generate tactile, visual and/or audio active signals that trigger positive and aversive posthypnotic suggestions. The apparatus is programmed to randomly generate a plurality of positive active signals during a period of time programmed by the subject. Additionally, manual controls (14, 18) are provided to allow the subject to selectively activate the positive active signals or negative active signals as needed.

Abstract: A drowsiness detection system constructed according to the invention provides improved performance by preserving and analyzing newly discovered information contained in rhythmic signal components above 30 Hz which the prior art has universally ignored or discarded as "noise." In the first and second embodiments of the invention, one or more analog EEG signals are collected from a subject, appropriately filtered, converted into digital form, and subjected to frequency analysis. Selected signal components from the frequencies above 30 Hz (such as the frequency range 80-420 Hz), which have a high correlation with subject drowsiness, are isolated, and their amplitude, energy, or power contribution to the EEG signal is used to produce a continuous output measure reflecting the subject's alertness or drowsiness. The output measure may be compared with a threshold to provide an indication of whether the subject is excessively drowsy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling the sleep pattern of a baby by monitoring its state of sleep to ensure that it enters rapid eye movement sleep to ensure proper development of its central nervous system. If the baby does not enter the rapid eye movement sleep phase, then the baby may be frozen and is reawakened and comforted with smiles and laughter before being returned to sleep.