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If you’ve been anywhere near the internet recently you’ll have heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Chat GPT can answer your most random query in seconds, Alexa can order your shopping for you, and your car can drive itself.
In its broadest definition, AI refers to anything a computer or robot (controlled by a computer) can do that would usually only be able to be done by humans.
But how can AI benefit your sleep? We’ve taken a deep dive into the apps, gadgets and monitors that can improve your sleep quality like never before.
Sleep Apps That Use Artificial Intelligence
Type in ‘sleep’ in the App Store or Google Play and you’ll find thousands of apps offering anything from tracking, recording and even hypnosis.
One popular app, however, has been praised for its potential to replace sleeping pills for insomnia sufferers. Sleep.io uses Artificial Intelligence to help you fall asleep, and importantly stay asleep.
'Not just another wellness app', Sleep.io works like this:
- Discover your 'sleep score' by answering a questionnaire to discover what problems you face
- Build your personalised treatment program based on your symptoms, goals and lifestyle
- Incorporate expert techniques backed by science and evidence
- Improvement tracking that helps you see your progress and stay motivated
During the six week programs the app offers, you’re able to partake in sessions using CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) identifying what causes your insomnia.
Economic research has found that after a year of using the Sleep.io app, healthcare costs were considerably lower in terms of insomnia sufferers - due to less GP appointments and sleeping pill prescriptions.
Similarly, Sleep.ai is an app that records sound while you sleep. It is then able to detect symptoms and diagnose you with problems related to teeth-grinding, snoring and even sleep apnea.
AI’s ability to create personalised treatment plans based on your individual experience is truly remarkable. With the capacity to reduce the need for addictive sleeping pills, apps such as Sleep.io and Sleep.ai can not only help you sleep better, but also cut NHS costs.
Sleep Gadgets That Use AI
S.A.D lamps, noise cancelling headphones, weighted blankets… there are hundreds of gadgets and gizmos out there that can improve your quality of sleep
Sleep aids that incorporate artificial intelligence, however, can arguably enhance your quality of sleep in the most complex way possible. And not just for you, but for your baby, too.
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor
The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor, for example, is an extremely interesting use of AI to improve your child’s sleep.
An overhead camera that looks down on your baby as they sleep, viewing their surroundings and monitoring everything in sight, this complex baby monitor is no ordinary nanny-cam.
The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is able to track changes in humidity, environment and even behaviour to give parents advice and tips on how to improve their child’s sleep.
Rather than standing over your newborn as they sleep with the classic new parent worry, this AI powered baby monitor tracks your baby’s breathing, alerting you if there’s any change or problems. The result? A better night’s sleep for everyone.
FRENZ Brainband
An even more technologically advanced AI powered sleep gadget is the FRENZ Brainband. A wearable headband that meticulously tracks your brain’s process through the night, this headband features 7 in 1 sensing technology.
Claiming to ‘stimulate your brain based on precise neurofeedback signals’, this AI headband becomes entirely unique to you.
From comprehensive reports on your sleeping behaviours, when and how to take the perfect power nap for you, as well as anti-aging and focus features, this headband uses artificial intelligence in the most advanced way available.
Dreem Headband
Similarly, the Dreem Headband monitors your brain’s behaviour as you sleep, emitting sound stimulations to encourage a deeper sleep.
Breathing exercises, as well as a smart alarm to help you wake up naturally, are the perfect example of artificial intelligence being used to improve your quality of sleep.
Mattresses That Use Artificial Intelligence
An example of incredibly advanced technology is the AI mattress. First launched by HEKA in 2018, their specially designed mattress uses AI TRACKBOT to record pressure distribution and ‘independently recognise body shapes and sleep positions’ - this allows the mattress to ingeniously adapt its height and firmness so that your body stays properly aligned and supported.
This mattress then becomes entirely unique to you - providing you with optimised comfort and support.
Of course, this type of technology is not quite yet widely available, however pocket sprung mattresses do a similar thing without computer technology. Individually pocketed springs actually react to your body’s changes throughout the night.
Brands like Harrison Spinks have even created special HD Springs that are so small they act like a foam, contouring to your individual body shape.
What Are The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence?
As with any new scientific development, people have pointed out potential disadvantages.
Privacy
One big disadvantage to artificial intelligence is that you do have to allow your privacy to be invaded for it to work.
Of course, if you’re happy to oblige, there’s no problem, but some people understandably are hesitant to let computers track you, even when unconscious.
Accuracy
There’s also a possibility that AI isn’t as accurate as we’d like it to be. Although artificial intelligence uses data and statistics to create its reports, there’s a chance the information it takes in can be incorrect or biassed.
Any diagnosis AI gives you as a result of your sleeping pattern and behaviour should be confirmed by a doctor.
Other Ways To Improve Your Sleep
If you’re not super into technology, but still want to improve your sleep, you can still use the basics of AI in your own way.
You don’t necessarily need to download an expensive app - you can track your sleeping patterns by writing in a diary, or using simple sleeping apps that don’t track your behaviour, but emit white noise to help you sleep deeper. You can even check out our article on which 'coloured noise' is right for you, first.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to completely alter the way we sleep, offering ways to get to sleep quicker, stay in a deeper sleep, and provide personalised advice on what to change.
With technology advancing faster than ever before, it’s likely it won’t be long before everyone is using AI in their sleep routines. Be sure to check out Snooze News for the latest sleep related news and tips, as well as other sleep related advice for a better night’s sleep.
