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Sleep tech: some of the best innovations

Sleep tech: From wearables to white noise machines, to vibrating pillowcases to smart pyjama belts and apps, demand for Sleeptech has soared since COVID. Sleep tech devices are no longer just for monitoring disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and more but are also for those who are interested in wellness.

According to a report from Global Market Insights, the sleep tech devices market is expected to reach over 62.1 billion euros by 2032. Moreover, it’s reported that around fifteen per cent of adults in the US use sleep-related applications such as sleep cycle and sleep time.

As the nights get longer and winter sets in, many will look for ways to help us catch up on our sleep. With that in mind, we looked at some of the most useful sleep tech innovations on the market.

DreamEgg

Not just for babies, the original DreamEgg, which resembles a mini-boom box, is a gadget that plays a series of white noises and musical tracks to help you nod off. Chalked as one of the next on the market, the company behind DreamEgg have since launched a number of devices that specialise in purifying or humidifying. Manufactured using baby-safe material, it can be situated next to cots and beds to help mask any disturbances, including noise from neighbours and snoring. Its D1 sleep sounds machine is one of the most popular devices available and features seven white noise sounds, from fans to relaxing nature effects, which can take you anywhere from the jungle to the beach. It also has a night light with a 30,60,90 min auto-off timer to help save electricity. USB-powered with a charging facility, you can use the DreamEgg at home or away.

Hatch restore

An all-in-one smart sleep gadget, Hatch Restore 2 is an alarm clock, white noise machine and sunrise lamp. What’s nice about Hatch is its ability to put you to sleep and wake you up. It can mimic sunrise and sundown and has been praised for its ability to muffle outside noises. Although it’s not quite a sleep tracker, you can program it using a timer to get kids and adults to sleep when necessary. Its only downside is that it’s subscription-based and has an app to download. However, it has been billed as one of the smartest sleep technology devices on the market.

Sleep tech: Some of the best innovations to help you recover those lost Z’s
Photo credit: Unsplash.

Sound asleep Speaker pillow

One of the safer sleep devices, the Sound Asleep pillow, makes it easier than ever for you to control your sleeping patterns and drift off almost anywhere. This innovative, plush pillow has a soft quilted cover and is pumped with polyester, making it uber comfortable. Featuring a small, undetectable speaker, it allows you to listen to the music or sounds of your choice through your device’s headphone socket. Although a little clunky, it does come with a 2 in 1 connection cable and charger, so you can keep it powered whilst switching off. What’s really nifty about it is its app, which enables you to track your sleep and features an anti-snore function and a smart alarm. Even better, it’s compatible with apps including Headspace, Calm, Spotify and more. The Sound asleep pillow doesn’t require any apps or subscriptions, which is a pro point.

Melo Guided Meditation device

Mainly designed for those who suffer from pre-bedtime stress and anxiety, the Melo Guided Meditation device will help you prepare your body and mind for the night by guiding you through different breathing techniques. A modern, pebble-shaped device offers three breathing patterns, from beginner to intermediate and advanced, which teach you to inhale and exhale through different light patterns and a vibrating pulse. It’s wireless and chargeable; you can even take it on holidays. The Melo Guided Meditation device is a great piece of technology for helping you achieve mellow moments subscription-free, and it also fits in your handbag!

Dodow sleep device

For people who find it difficult to switch off and fall asleep naturally, the Dodow device features a series of exercises to help regulate breathing before taking a nap or a full-blown night’s sleep. Saucer-like in appearance device, it features a light system with numerous exercises that aim to perfect how you exhale and inhale. Although not as modern as other devices (it’s battery-powered), it does claim to help people fall asleep 2.5 times faster on average and also acts as an aid to people who tend to wake up during the night. Again, it is gadget-based and doesn’t require subscription fees or app downloads.

Musicozy sleep headphones

Sleep headphones have soared in popularity since the pandemic. One of the most popular types is by Musicozy, Bluetooth-powered; their unique thin, built-in speaker headbands enable you to listen to white noise throughout the day and night, blocking out any unwelcome noise. As sleeping with headphones doesn’t come naturally to the best of us, these headphones are USB chargeable and made with premium memory foam with silk lining for additional comfort. Each headphone set has fast charging capability with at least 10 hours of playtime, making them an excellent option for sleepovers and trips away, with no app downloading or subscriptions required.

Rebecca Lee is a journalist and broadcaster of over 23 years. She also works in tech communications with ClearStory International. To date, she has written for and continues to contribute to The Business Post, The Irish Times, The Irish Daily Mail, The Sunday World, and, most importantly, European tech publication 4i Magazine. Rebecca also worked as a radio presenter for 13 years with leading Irish stations Q102 and FM104. Alongside balancing her PR and journalism work, Rebecca moderates events, WebSummit 2022 and Dublin Tech Summit being the most recent.