Minnesota Patent of the Month – September 2023
Nightmares affect nearly everyone at some point. Unfortunately, those who are already afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions may be more impacted than most. When you suffer from frequent, traumatic nightmares, sleep is impaired. Without good sleep, the rest of your life is affected – from stress levels to immune responses.
NightWare, Inc. was founded to improve sleep in patients with Nightmare Disorder. As mentioned, these nightmares can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. Existing solutions often involve complex clinical treatments, which can be costly and come with potential side effects. Additionally, seeking help can be challenging, as it may require individuals to overcome personal barriers or stigmas associated with seeking therapy.
NightWare’s solution is a user-friendly and cost-effective solution that leverages readily available technology. NightWare’s application connects to wearable devices, like Apple Watches ®, equipped with sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and heart rate monitors.
At the heart of it, the solution uses artificial intelligence and a series of sensors to evaluate the sleeper’s stress level. The main focus is on heart rate and body movements. When a nightmare is detected, the system delivers short but rapid vibrations which are designed to interrupt nightmares without waking the sleeper. The intensity and frequency of the vibrations are customized based on the person’s specific needs at that specific moment.
The AI-based system learns and adapts its approach to the individual over time. By capturing and storing data, it tracks patterns in sleep and can more accurately detect and interrupt nightmares.
This method offers a promising avenue for addressing traumatic nightmares. It provides a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to detecting and intervening in nightmares, potentially improving the lives of those suffering from PTSD and related conditions. The ability to provide timely interventions may prevent the full onset of traumatic nightmares, offering hope for better sleep and overall well-being.
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