System and method for manipulating sleep architecture by sub-awakening non-intrusive stimulations

Abstract

The present invention which is a new system and method employing stimulation control to treat sleep disorders, and improve sleep states operates in a dynamic, adaptable manner without causing a premature state of arousal. Stimulation is achieved by controlling a wide variety of environmental factors around the sleeping person. The invention is based on a real-time, self-adaptive feedback system including a sleep and environment monitoring unit or a preset adjustable protocol, an integrating, controlling and deciding unit and a stimulation unit. The system and method take into account individual variability and sensitivity to sensory stimulation and phenomena as adaptation and sensitization. The system and method are aimed at improving the overall sleep architecture, and correcting specific disorders. Alternatively the same invention may be used to promote alertness, specific moods and conditions in the awake subject. The invention may be used by professional in sleep laboratories or by individuals in a home environment. It may be adjusted to operate on groups of people and on non-human subjects.

1 . A treatment device for dynamically effecting in soft real time a defined parameter for treating specific sleep disorder and improving sleep quality, said device comprising:
 a stimulator for applying defined stimulation over said subject, where the defined stimulation are targeted for treating said specific sleep disorder; and   monitoring means for measuring the subject's specific physiological parameter related to said specific disorder;   
       wherein the activation of the defined stimulation is based upon an interactive session algorithm, operatively associated with said monitoring means, wherein said interactive session algorithm includes an analyzing module for analyzing the defined subject's physiological conditions and subject sleep state, wherein the analysis is based on references profiles of specific disordered, and a convergence algorithm, operatively associated with said stimulation generators and monitoring means, wherein said convergence algorithm enables receiving the measured conditions and sleep state of the subject and determining the stimulation to be activated and applied upon the subject, and 
       wherein said convergence algorithm includes an iterative convergence process that is associated with at least one predefined target, wherein said process allows applying stimulations over the subject, receiving measurements of the subject's physiological condition and changing the applied stimulation according to the received measurements in relation to said target. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the sleep disorder is at least one of the following: apnea, hypopnea, snoring, OSAS, Periodic Limb Movement (PLM), hypersomnia or insomnia 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the stimulation generators relate to light, sound, odor, temperature, magnetic fields, law electrical fields, humidity, air composition and mechanical stimulations. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the convergence module operation is based on stimulation protocols relating to specific conditions for achieving specific targets, wherein the said protocols can be configured and adapted to the respective stimulation equipment. 
     
     
         5 . The devices of  claim 1  wherein stimulation protocols are based on translation module between stimulation and expected effects in which the said algorithms can be configured and adapted to particular sensitivities and limitations in accordance with individual variability, including personal preference habits, adaptation and sensitization. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claims 1  further comprising references profiles of normal subjects wherein said references are used for analyzing subjects' condition and state for determining stimuli activation. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the subjects are humans, as individuals or in groups. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the subjects are animals as individuals or in groups. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the subjects are plants as individuals or in groups. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the environment in which the subject is located is fluid, as individuals or in groups. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said algorithm further bases its decisions upon subject previous data measurements at earlier phases. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the measurement data can be collected through different channel specifications. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  further including analyzing means for processing historical data of the same subject and data from similar templates for improving the algorithm stimulation protocols and creating new protocols. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the monitoring means include only internal clocks for triggering and activating the stimulation protocols. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the interactive session algorithm is implemented as a controller device. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1  the stimulator or the controller are embedded in at least one of the following objects: in mattress, blankets pillows, or cloth. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the stimulator or the controller are embedded in an object located in proximity to sleeping environment. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the monitoring means are positioned at remote distance from the subject. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the monitoring means include manual means to be activated by an operator or the subject for triggering and activating the stimulation protocols.