Having trouble sleeping? Modern technology sees a problem
and looks for a solution, and, believe me, lots of solutions are available. Do
they work? That's for you to decide.
Flick the Switch
The latest invention promises to send you to sleep with the
flick of a switch. Magnetic waves can be used to stimulate the brain in a way
that generates the brainwaves characteristic of the deepest phase of sleep,
according new research by Giulio Tononi,
a University of Wisconsin-Madison psychiatry professor. Dr. Tononi focuses his
research on sleep and consciousness. This latest research deals with the
production of the slow brain waves found when a person in a deep sleep.
Tononi believes that this deep sleep not only refreshes the
mind and body, but also aids in the learning process by weakening and removing
trace memories, clearing the way for new learning.
Will it aid those who suffer from insomnia? It's yet to be
tested, but would be a real boon if it did.
Listen to the Music
Other methods that claim to induce sleep include music and
sounds. Many people have benefited from listening to soothing music, either
alone or blended with sounds, including rain, waves and bird song. The rhythmic
beat of a drum mimics the heartbeat and is one form of music that can induce
sleep. You can listen to samples of this method online at Sound
Sleeping.
Brain Wave Music
Researchers from the sleep clinic at the University of Toronto have carried this theory a step further. They are developing a new type of music - "brain wave music."
This music is created by studying individual brain waves and
then creating music to match the patterns formed by the waves. The researchers
believe that this special music will lead to deeper relaxation and greatly
improved sleep.
"Brain Wave Music" may even aid in the healing of
psychosomatic disorders such as anxiety or depression without the risk of
dependency on medication. This new theory was tested on a group of volunteers
who were long time sufferers of anxiety and/or insomnia. Ten of these
volunteers listened to "Brain Wave Music" created to follow their
individual brain wave patterns while eight volunteers heard placebo music. In
the case of both sets of volunteers, there was some reduction of anxiety and
improved sleep. However, the results were much more noticeable in the group
listening to their special "Brain Wave Music."
Glo To Sleep
Another method of falling asleep, and one I
have tested myself, is the Glo to Sleep. Glo to Sleep™ is a light
weight breathable sleep mask that completely blocks out all light. However, on
the inside of the mask, soothing luminescent blue "Points of Glo"
give the wearer something to focus on. The gaze is gently drawn upward to focus
on these points and that's the secret of this method. The act of looking up
alters the state of consciousness and the wearer slips naturally through the
different brain wave states of sleep. Also, looking up stimulates the pineal
gland where the hormone melatonin is produced.
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