nano sleeper

							What is Nanotechnology?




Nanotechnology is a broad term that covers many areas of science, research and technology. In
its most basic form, it can be described as working with things that are small. Things so tiny that
they can't be seen with standard microscopes. The same stuff that has always been there, but we
just couldn't see it. The building blocks of nature, atoms and molecules. Nano-technology
involves understanding matter at the "nano" scale.


Light Sleeper
A silent alarm clock, 2001

Light Sleeper is an illuminating, personalised alarm integrated into bedding that gently wakes in
the most natural way. Ever since the beginning of time light has controlled our body clock telling
us when to sleep and when to wake. As lifestyles are rapidly changing with increased travel and
demands on our time, people's natural body clocks are out of sync. This pillow and duvet
simulates a natural dawn that eases you into your day. LightSleeper Bedding uses
electroluminescent technology allowing traditional textile surfaces to become a reactive light
source.




The bedding aims to treat sufferers of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) where insufficient levels
of daylight cause medical conditions caused by a hormonal imbalance ranging from depression
to loss of energy, pre-menstrual syndrome, weight gain and migraines. It is recognised by most
scientists that SAD and other sleep/ mood disorders are linked to a shift in the suprachaismatic
nucleus or circadian rhythm and often referred to as the ‘body clock’. It is recommended that a
bright light stimulus is needed to reset the body clock everyday recognising that this controls our
daily sleep/ wake cycle and hormone functions. It uses signals from the sun and bright light to
reset these functions, therefore in the winter months our bodies can receive these signals at the
wrong time of day or not at all. By using a bright light, 10,000 lux, our bodies reset and the right
hormones are released ensuring we feel active and energetic throughout the day with the need to
sleep at night. Exposure to intense artificial light suppresses the secretion of the night time
hormone melatonin, and may enhance the effectiveness of serotonin and other neurotransmitters.
It is believed to be the only way of shifting the circadian rhythm. Research shows that the body’s
internal clock only responds to bright light at certain times of day. This peak time in normal
people occurs when the circadian rhythm is in R.E.M sleep, which is approximately 1 to 2 hours
before waking. This promotes the use of Light Sleeper Bedding and proves it to be one of the
most effective products for treating SAD and improving well being as it synchronises our body
clock each morning. The bedding is also suitable for those who keep unusual hours and who
travel in helping to prevent jet lag and regulate the body clock.

Our body clock responds to an imitation sunrise by accelerating the wake-up processes. Research
indicates that it is important that the light comes on gradually and that having a light on an on/off
time switch will not have the same effect, this is why light sleeper bedding gradually begins to
glow in a natural breathing rhythm over a 15-20 minute period. (oobject.com)