Take a break: 10 gadgets for relaxation and good sleep
Olga Lukinskaya
We increasingly say that relaxation and recovery no less important than physical activity - but they are not easily given to everyone. Wearable gadget developers realized that with their help, you can not only measure activity parameters, but also influence the body, by training the user through meditation or breathing exercises. We selected ten devices to help monitor stress levels and relieve nervous tension.
Elf emmit
$129
Manufacturers claim that ELF improves concentration and sleep, and its action is based simultaneously on modern technology and ancient traditions. The device is a thin white bezel, which is put on the back of the head (from ear to ear) and emits electromagnetic waves of different frequencies, depending on what the brain needs to be “tuned” in: brain, sleep, stress relief, concentration or increase in learning efficiency. It is embarrassing, however, that the device must be connected to the smartphone with a wire in order to work - it is hardly convenient for a night’s sleep, and in the era of wireless headphones it looks strange at all.
Doppel
£ 125 (pre-order)
This thing, like a clock, transmits a pulsation of different speeds to the surface of the wrist. In essence, Doppel makes the brain perceive this artificial pulse as its own — and respond accordingly. The effect is comparable to the impact of cheerful or, on the contrary, calm music - only the bracelet acts silently and does not distract. In a study of 52 volunteers, Doppel did reduce anxiety before a public appearance. Pre-order is now open (they promise to send it until the end of summer), and you can choose the width and color - white or black - of the bracelet.
Thync relax
$ 149 + application (from $ 19 per month)
Thync Relax is designed to reduce anxiety, improve mood and improve the quality of sleep by neurostimulation. The development of the device was about five years, during which the authors published several scientific articles. The kit includes a gadget that is attached to the back of the neck with special electrodes, and an application for iOS or Android. There are only two programs: deep relaxation and deep sleep. In this version of the device, manufacturers have abandoned programs aimed at increasing concentration: they were not popular when the previous version of Thync was released. The device is recommended to use before bedtime to plunge into a relaxed state.
Muse
€299
This gadget is a “personal assistant” for meditation. It allows you to monitor in real time what is happening in the brain during relaxation, monitor progress and set goals. In fact, this compact device for electroencephalography - recording the electrical activity of the brain; The application analyzes the data and helps to relax or focus, while you close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature - the rainforest or the seashore. You can create multiple accounts and use Muse with the whole family - otherwise its cost remains unforgivably high.
Pip
€179
Pip determines the level of stress by recording the electrical activity of the skin of the fingertips. Like other devices in this list, it sends data to the application, where they are analyzed - and the user is prompted to undergo a relaxation session. Interestingly, not only traditional soothing landscapes are used to manage stress, but also real computer games like Relax and Raсe - in this game, the character's speed increases as you relax. The disadvantages of the device include the need for frequent charging: the battery lasts only eight hours.
Bellabeat
$119-199
Bellabeat is radically different from other devices with its “natural” design without buttons and screen - and much more resembles jewelry, rather than high-tech watches. In addition to the usual recording of activity and sleep parameters, this gadget helps to meditate, teaches to reduce stress, and even tracks the menstrual cycle. Bellabeat can be worn as a pendant or bracelet, or even fixed on clothing. The device is synchronized with an iPhone or Android without wires, and the battery lasts for six months.
Wellbe
$149
Made from cork (and therefore very light), the bracelet determines the level of stress based on the heartbeat - and combines the results with calendar data. All this allows us to understand the pattern: which days of the week, hours of the day or meetings are accompanied by the most intense stress. To learn how to cope with nervous tension, the system offers meditation, individual playlists, breathing exercises. You can choose and programs with professional mentors lasting from one to three weeks. In addition to naturalistic models "under the tree" there is a laconic black, with or without a logo.
Embrace
$249
This is a specific device, it was created to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their families. Embrace, in addition to physical activity and sleep parameters, monitors the onset of seizures and notifies loved ones that a person will soon need help. Developers have received many awards from medical organizations; A clinical study of the gadget is currently being conducted in the US to understand how it helps reduce the risk of complications of epilepsy. The device comes in a variety of colors, including hot pink and turquoise, and is great for kids. This is not a relaxation gadget in the literal sense, but, of course, using it will help reduce anxiety for both patients with epilepsy and their loved ones.
Sona
$199
An elegant bracelet made from white or black leather registers the number of steps, the distance traveled and changes in the pulse - and helps to form resistance to stress. The basis of the action of this bracelet is not the pulse rate itself, but its variability - it is believed that it indicates the body’s ability to adapt to external influences. Five-minute breathing exercises are used for relaxation training. The device works only in a pair with an iPhone, it needs to be recharged once every three days - and today it is completely sold out.
Spire
$129,95
Spire is like a smooth gray stone with a metal clothespin for fixing on clothes, and it charges from a wireless stand. The gadget is suggested to be worn on a trouser belt or a bra membrane, so that it reads the respiration rate from the case. Since breathing, unlike pulse, is easy to control, the Spire creators chose this parameter to record the level of stress — and in order for the user to learn to relax. The device even withstands washing in the car - good quality for those who can forget to take it off from their underwear.
Photo: ELF emmit, Doppel, Thync, Muse, The PIP, Bellabeat, The WellBe, Empatica, Caeden, Spire