Having trouble getting to sleep? There is a new robot pillow called the Somnox which was designed by sleep deprived robotics engineers at the University of Technology in the Netherlands.
It is a huggable kidney shaped pillow that moves in a breathing motion. Many insomniacs get anxious at bed time and breathing techniques are often useful relaxation tools. The idea is as you hug the pillow, you will subconsciously mimick its breathing pattern which helps you relax and drift off to sleep.
A recent technique ‘The 4-7-8 breathing method’ directs you to breathe in for four seconds through your nose, hold your breath for seven seconds before breathing out your mouth for eight seconds. The technique claims you can fall asleep in a minute once mastered. While it may not necessarily work all the time to initiate sleep, it is a valid relaxation technique which can be used to control panic attacks or anxiety.
The idea of breath-mirroring also has scientific merit with studies in infants showing more regular respiration, better moods and more restful sleep when cuddling a ‘Breathing Bear’.
For more information on how it works, Somnox have their scientific white paper available for download at https://www.somnox.nl/
Original article https://www.wired.com/story/somnox-sleep-robot/
