Try the meditation clock; skip the smart headband.
Every January, the latest cutting-edge technology across all categories is unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. To find out whether the new products will deliver on their claims, Furthermore asked Matt Delaney, national manager of innovation for Equinox who oversees the sleep coaching program, to offer his take. Here, four notable products, ranked from most to least promising.
Loftie
The claim: Loftie renders smartphone alarms moot. The sleek, analog clock plays meditations, bedtime playlists, breathwork tracks, and more to help you fall asleep and wake up phone-free. If you do want to stay connected, Loftie's app allows you to schedule specific sounds and multiple alarms.
Delaney's take: “I like the ability to set your alarm remotely to remove technology from the bedroom. Loftie's other features like sound baths and white noise are a nice addition. As someone who uses his phone as an alarm clock, this is a product I would be interested in trying.”
Chilipad Sleep System
The claim: Layer this pad over your mattress and you can set the temperature between 55 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The two-person option caters to couples with different preferences.
Delaney's take: “Your body temperature drops as you drift off, and your sleep environment should encourage this transition. By keeping your sleep surface cool, the pad can help your body achieve a more optimal resting state. Most people sleep well when their environment is in the mid-sixties.”
Motion Pillow
The claim: This one's for the snorers. Motion Pillow adjusts its shape based on your sleep position to prevent the breathing issue. A wireless product, the device also analyzes and tracks sleep data.
Delaney's take: “Changing head position may help reduce snoring, but it could also cause cervical discomfort and potential musculoskeletal issues if the ranges of motion are too great. I would need to test this one to better understand the adjustments that are being made."
Arenar iBand+
The claim: Wear this wireless headband while you sleep, and it will supposedly induce lucid dreaming by analyzing your brain waves.
Delaney's take: “Many people today struggle with getting adequate sleep, so I think most would be wise to establish a healthy relationship with their sleep habits before using technology to try and influence their dreams. This seems like a bit of a stretch based on the current science.”