How Can Technology Help Me Sleep?
Relaxation is a way of life – a state of mind. But in today's fast-paced world, technology is also a way of life. With new technology emerging each day, it is not hard to believe that we now have ways to analyze and improve our sleep cycle. Apps and wearable technology have allowed us to learn more about our sleep patterns than ever before.
Adjustable Bases
Adjustable base technology allows for more freedom and comfort within your sleep routine by allowing you to control the position of the head and foot of the bed. Whether you want to raise a swollen ankle or relieve pressure on your back, an adjustable base comes with many health benefits. Our adjustable base buying guide details more advantages of adjustable bases and how they can help you get a better night's sleep. At BedInABox®, we offer two unique adjustable base models: MotionInABox™ 1.0 and MotionInABox™ 2.0.
MotionInABox™ 1.0
The MotionInABox™ 1.0 adjustable base comes with a remote control that is automatically paired to the base using Bluetooth® technology. Its features include:
- 750 lb. lift capacity
- Full head & foot mobility
- Zero gravity setting
- Whisper-quiet lift system
- Two programmable sleep positions for your favorite settings
- Available in sizes ranging from Twin XL to King
MotionInABox™ 2.0
Similar to its original counterpart, the MotionInABox™ 2.0 adjustable base shares the same features, in addition to other technologies unique to the 2.0 model. The additional features you will find with the MotionInABox™ 2.0 include:
- Four programmable sleep positions
- 2-zone head and foot massage options (with massage timer)
- USB charging ports
- Underbed lighting
- Remote flashlight
Both MotionInABox™ adjustable bases are compatible with all BedInABox® memory foam and hybrid mattresses and are designed to improve your sleep quality.
Smart Devices with Sleep Aid Software
Technology, especially smartphones, computers, and TVs, is often associated with disrupting sleep. On the flip side, numerous sleep aid technologies have actually been developed to help us in the ever-elusive quest for a good night's sleep. These sleep aid technologies have been utilized in a variety of smart devices including products by Apple, Google, Samsung, Fitbit, and more. You can use these smart devices and their built-in sleep aid software to make sure that you get an even better night's sleep on your BedInABox® mattress. By incorporating sleep aid software into most smart devices, developing effective sleep practices should be easier than ever. Keep reading to learn more about some of these useful resources that might literally be at the tip of your finger.
Smart Phones and Sleep Apps
The first sleep aid software that was developed has its roots in meditation and white noise. Although simple, these techniques serve as an easy way to improve sleep quality through relaxation. With devices like smartphones or tablets, built in and downloadable apps put the power of relaxation at the tip of your fingers (and with minimal effort). You can also access more advanced sleep aid software with your phone to track sleep or restlessness, and to set a specific sleep schedule day-to-day. While smartphones were the first smart device with sleep aid software, smartwatches and other small devices have now been developed to provide more accurate and detailed sleep insights.
The popular Sleep Cycle app not only provides a way for you to monitor your sleep, but also analyzes that information and gently wakes you at the optimal time. The app prompts you to enter the time that you need to wake up, and, throughout the night, monitors your movements. Once the app acclimates to your general sleep patterns, it will begin watching for your lightest portion of sleep 30 minutes before your alarm is set to go off. Sleep Cycle is only available for iPhones, but is perfect for gentle, early wake up calls. Instead of relying on an obnoxious alarm sound to jolt you awake, the app usies the accelerometer in the iPhone to determine your lightest stage of sleep to begin the alarm sound – ensuring for the least intrusive waking process.
Other apps simply provide soothing sounds or speeches to help you fall asleep such as Sleep or Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson. Yoga for Insomnia is an app for smartphones that features Yoga poses specifically designed to stretch and relax the body.
Smart Watches and Wearable Technology
Sleep aid software is now available in smart watches including those made by Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple.
Smart watches have the ability to track your sleep, resting heart rate, and rate your sleep based on restlessness. The smartwatch is one of the most common ways to get accurate sleep information catered to your sleep needs. Smart devices have even gone a step further in allowing users to create a sleep schedule. This sleep schedule allows you to receive a notification that reminds you when it is time to go to bed. Consistency is a key component to an effective bedtime routine and a healthy sleep schedule. Remember, it is important to get around seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Using sleep technology can provide the insights you need to adjust your bedtime routine to ensure enough quality sleep on a more consistent basis.
Wearable technology is a trend increasing in popularity that, generally, helps monitor physical activity. Pulse O2 is a form of wearable technology that – along with other physical tracking such as step counting and exercise goal setting – allows users to monitor the hours you are awake and asleep to improve your sleep cycle. Upon waking, you are provided with a detailed graph depicting the times you woke during the night as well as overall sleep quality.
The Lark Pro wristband also helps to monitor sleep, but in a different way. This technology is ideal for those who wake up before their significant other. The wristband gently vibrates to wake the user without disturbing anyone else. The technology also allows you to record a sleep journal, tag issues you may be having while sleeping and compare results over time – a process ideal for coping with sleep disorders or improving sleep quality.
Smart Rings
Another smart device that you can wear and use to improve your sleep quality is a smart ring, such as the Oura Ring. A smart ring is a smaller, minimalistic alternative to a smartwatch that can also track health and sleep information. For example, the Oura Ring can monitor your resting heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, body temperature, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, nighttime movement, and sleep quality. This is a wealth of information that can be tracked from a small ring on your finger. Generally speaking, the Oura Ring is a compact and non-invasive device that can help you understand and improve your sleep patterns.
Smart Home Systems
Smart home devices, such as Google Home or Amazon Echo systems, can also be used as a tool to improve sleep quality. Smart home devices have features that include a night light, alarms, meditation sequences, relaxation sounds, and even bedtime stories. The sleep aid software embedded in smart home systems can benefit your entire family. Although these are not traditional sleep aids, nighttime activities before bedtime play a large role in how well you and your family sleep.
Other Devices
Other smart devices that have been designed with sleep aid software range from sleep earbuds to sleeping pads. ZenBuds, a newer sleep aid device, have the ability to track all aspects of sleep including movement, sleep position, and overall sleep quality. ZenBuds also come with built in soothing sounds to help you fall asleep at night. Another smart device that uses technology well beyond your typical sleep aid is the DreamOn device. The DreamOn device is a wearable device that emits gentle pulses to help you sleep and features an app that can track sleep and provide audio tracks that can help you unwind before bedtime.
Thanks to such advanced technology, there are now many smart devices available to you with built-in sleep technology. Currently, there are hundreds of apps for improving sleep and more emerging every day. Whether you are looking for a way to get a better night's sleep or trying to find your optimal alarm time and style, it is clear that technology is becoming the most effective way to monitor sleep. Quality sleep is vital to maintaining good health, so take advantage of the sleep technology available to you.
