The future of sleep: emerging trends and technologies in sleep science

Is tech helping or hindering our ability to fall asleep?

With the digital revolution well underway, there have been plenty of studies into the impact of our ever-increasing screen time on our ability to get the sleep we need. Experts have linked late-night scrolling to increased anxiety, lack of focus, restlessness, and even insomnia.

Like televisions and laptops, smartphones emit a blue light which can disrupt your body’s release of the sleep hormone melatonin, which is why sleep experts advise avoiding your phone for at least an hour before you plan to turn in.

However, there are ways in which tech is actually helping people sleep. Sleep technology is a rapidly growing corner of the digital world, and for many people, it has become an essential part of their nightly routine.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the ways tech is prioritising good sleep.

Personalised sleep solutions

The one-size-fits-all approach to sleep is becoming obsolete. With advancements in genetic testing and wearable technology, sleep solutions are becoming increasingly personalised.

Researchers are exploring how genetic variations affect sleep patterns, paving the way for tailored sleep aids and therapies. Wearables provide real-time data on sleep stages, quality, and disturbances, allowing for personalised recommendations.

Smart bedrooms

The concept of the smart bedroom is gaining traction in the UK. Intelligent mattresses equipped with sensors can adjust their firmness based on the sleeper’s movements and preferred sleep positions.

Smart pillows, equipped with embedded speakers and sleep tracking capabilities, are designed to enhance sleep quality through sound therapy and ergonomic support. Lighting systems that sync with our circadian rhythms to promote natural sleep-wake cycles are also becoming mainstream.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has long been a gold standard for treating sleep disorders. The emergence of online platforms offering CBT-I is a game changer, making this effective therapy accessible to a broader audience.

These digital platforms, often available through apps or websites, offer guided programs tailored to individual sleep issues, often with the support of virtual sleep coaches.

Sleep genomics and pharmacogenomics

Sleep genomics is an emerging field that seeks to understand the genetic basis of sleep disorders. This knowledge is paving the way for pharmacogenomics, where medications for sleep disorders can be tailored based on an individual’s genetic makeup. This personalised approach could greatly increase the effectiveness of treatments and minimise side effects.

AI-driven sleep analysis

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in analysing sleep data collected from various sources like wearables and smart beds. AI algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies in sleep, providing insights that can lead to more effective interventions. This technology also has the potential to predict sleep disorders before they become severe.

Making sleep a game

In 2016, Pokémon Go turned millions of smartphone users into avid walkers, creating a frenzy by encouraging players to get their steps in while seeking out colourful critters. This year, they’ve returned with Pokémon Sleep – an app that increases the number of monsters you find based on how well you sleep.

This might sound like an odd concept, but early figures suggest it’s proving very popular. It opens a whole world of possibilities for using apps and games as a way to encourage sleep in young people.

Neurostimulation devices

Neurostimulation devices, which use mild electrical stimulation to influence brain activity, are being studied for their potential to improve sleep. These non-invasive devices aim to modulate the neural circuits involved in sleep, offering a drug-free alternative for managing sleep disorders.

Looking to improve your sleep quality? Start by getting the sleep surface right. Explore the Mammoth Perks range today here.