Method and apparatus for sleep monitoring and control
US10980472B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2230/63
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A novel apparatus and method is described for sleep monitoring and control by providing tactile stimulation to a user as the user attempts to fall asleep which can be employed for intensive sleep retraining for the treatment of insomnia. A motion response to the tactile stimulation from the user is sensed indicating the user is still awake. The tactile stimulation is periodically repeated and the motion response is evaluated until sleep onset is determined. Following a relatively short set time asleep (e.g. approximately 3 minutes) the user is awakened and the process is reinitiated within a half hour. The technique can be implemented in a small device configuration comparable to a large ring which can be held to a single finger of the user by a band. The single finger both receives the tactile stimulation and provides a motion response and can provide feedback directly to the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.