Rock a by Baby
WHEN we were infants our parents used to rock us off to sleep. Now a new device which can simulate the same sensation is helping insomniacs finally get some rest.
Philips Sleepwave, which was researched and developed in Australia, is attached to the mastoid bone behind the ear using a sensor cable and sends electric pulses into the vestibular system. This stimulates the balance centres in our middle ear to create a gentle swaying or rocking sensation.
Paul O’Sullivan, from Philips Home Healthcare Solutions division, says the Sleepwave is the first product of it kind in the world and offers a non-drug alternative for insomniacs that won’t have the hangover effect and addiction seen with sleeping pills.
“They’ve known for a long time that people rock their babies to sleep and people fall asleep riding in cars and trains,” he said.
“It’s that rocking motion that seems to put people to sleep.”
The Sleepwave device, which is about the size of an MP3 player, has been tested in Philips’ sleep labs in Sydney and Melbourne and was found to decrease 67 per cent of severe to moderate insomniacs down to a level of no clinical significance.
Jayne Brown, 42, from Melbourne participated in the trial after 15 years of insomnia.
“I’ve tried tablets and relaxation methods and nothing seemed to work,” she said.
“I decided to try it (Sleepwave) and found I was sleeping extremely well with it which was an adjustment for my body because I am not used to that much sleep.
“The first time I tried it was strange — I was sitting upright and looking at the floor and you’re rocking but you’re not moving. “When I lay down it was a very soothing feeling.”
Dr Anup Desai, consultant physician for sleep and respiratory disorders, says the Sleepwave is a novel way of treating insomnia.
“Insomnia is a very common problem and it’s not very well treated in the community,” he said.
Philips Sleepwave is available to the public now and can be prescribed to patients by a GP or sleep doctor like medication.
It will also find its way to pharmacy shelves in the near future.