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Sleep Technology
There are so many different inventions in the world that are meant to lead to better sleep to those who use them. Due to the fact that more and more people are using sleep aids, this must mean more people are having difficulty getting a good night's sleep, and are turning to other methods to ensure that they sleep well("Sleep Ethics: How Far Would You Go? SleepingSimple" 2010).
All of the following images: ("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
All of the following images: ("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
Lark- wakes up even extremely deep sleepers, the wristband sends vibrations when it is time to wake up, the app portion of Lark will give you a full rundown of how your sleep went the night before, even small movements you made throughout the night("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
Nightwave- pulsing blue light, as the pulsing slows down, the user is "bored" to the point of sleep, or your breathing will become in sync with the pulsing, leading to a "pre sleep state" the blue light is not strong enough to reduce melanin production ("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
Sleep Shield Sticky Filters- these screen protectors can go over the screen of any device such as a laptop, phone, or tablet to lower the amounts of blue light that a user may be exposed to, blue light reduces the production of melatonin- the sleep hormone, all of these electronic devices emit a high concentration of blue light("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
Sleep Number "Smart Bed"- this bed is voice activated and also goes along with an app, the bed tracks movement, breathing and heart rate, which it sends to the app, a user can also enter exercise and caffeine intake as factors that could affect sleep, the app also gives customized tips to better the user's sleep("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
Sleep Infuser- this device "masks" sound with more sound, the low noises the machine makes "coax the brain into sleep," using lower decibel noises than most noises- the device distracts the user into sleep
("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn")
As you can see, there are so many different devices that can be used to better one's sleep. All of these technological advances in bettering one's sleep has made getting a good night's sleep more expensive. Also, just as a person beings to become immune to the noise of his or her alarm clock, a person can just as easily become "immune" to falling asleep with the use of one of these devices as well("15 Gadgets for a Better Night's Sleep - Life by DailyBurn").
However, what if an individual with a sleeping disorder can not fall asleep? The most common treatment for those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea is CPAP(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), however, this treatment has several problems for those who use it. The mask used is often uncomfortable, or leaks air if not pulled very tight and close to the face. CPAP can also cause nasal congestion, irritation, or a runny nose. Your nose produces mucus as a way to moisturize your nose which can dry out with the all of the air pressure. The tubing is also an "annoying" part of using a CPAP machine. Issues with headaches and ear pressure are also common for those who use CPAP. Although there are ways to fix these problems, some of them should be avoidable or at least more comfortable for the users, especially because sleep apnea can be such a dangerous disorder. In the future, individuals with sleep apnea should have more comfortable CPAP machines and masks to ensure a good night's sleep("American Sleep Apnea Association").
Why Do We Sleep?
Sleep Disorders
Ethical Issues
Dr. William C. Dement
References Cited
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