Field : Sleep technology, environmental biophilia, and integrative wellness.
The "Somnasphere™" offers a holistic solution for sleep improvement, combining light, aromatherapy, and therapeutic sounds in a customizable, adaptive device. The special alarm clock design creates a multisensory entrainment experience that simulate the positive elements found in nature to support a healthy circadian rhythm, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall wellness.
Disruption of the human circadian rhythm is a pervasive issue in modern society, leading to widespread sleep disturbances, reduced cognitive function, compromised immune systems, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Factors such as irregular work schedules, excessive screen time, and artificial lighting contribute significantly to this imbalance. More than 70M Americans suffer from sleep disorders (CDC), costing $411B/year in lost productivity (RAND). Existing solutions often address only isolated aspects of sleep or circadian regulation, such as simple alarm clocks or single-modality sound or light machines, and frequently lack personalization. Even the more advanced single-modality devices (e.g., smart alarms) fail to address circadian dysregulation holistically due to lack of cross-modal synchronization. There is a clear and pressing need for an organic, and non-pharmacological solution that can effectively re-synchronize the body's natural rhythms and enhance sleep quality.
Below are some official studies that support the underlining science behind our device:
Natural Light Simulations for Better Sleep
Light strongly regulates circadian rhythms. Simulating sunrise, sunset, and daytime light can help synchronize the body clock, promote melatonin release, and improve sleep onset and wakefulness.
Light Simulation – Effect on Sleep – Reference
Sunrise simulation — Easier wake-up, less grogginess — PMID: 18036036
Sunset simulation — Promotes melatonin release — PMID: 30722372
Blue light reduction — Improves sleep onset — PMID: 20969574
Morning bright light — Resets circadian rhythm — PMID: 29198443
Selected References
Giménez MC, et al. (2010). Artificial dawn and sleep inertia. PMID: 18036036
Negative Ions & Sleep Quality
Negative ions are naturally found near forests, mountains, and waterfalls. Studies suggest concentrations between 3,000–10,000 ions/cm³ can promote relaxation, melatonin release, and better sleep quality.
Environment/Device – Effect on Sleep – Reference
Urban indoor air — Very low, poor sleep quality — PMID: 19218014
Forests & mountains — Boost relaxation, melatonin — PMID: 12143841
Waterfalls/Seashore — Very high, energizing effect — PMID: 18487359
Therapeutic ionizers — Improved sleep & mood — PMID: 18028662
Selected References
Goel N, et al. (2005). Exposure to negative air ions and reported sleep. PMID: 18028662
Sleep-Inducing Sounds
Soundscapes such as brown noise, pink noise, and nature sounds can help mask disruptive background noises, calm the nervous system, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Sound Type – Effect on Sleep – Reference
White noise — Improves sleep continuity — PMID: 28454572
Pink noise — Boosts deep sleep & memory — PMID: 29590380
Nature sounds — Reduces stress, aids sleep — PMID: 28173934
ASMR/Low tones — Triggers relaxation response — PMID: 30014850
Selected References
Stanchina ML, et al. (2005). White noise and sleep continuity. PMID: 28454572
Forest & Flower Aromas for Sleep
Volatile organic compounds from forests (BVOCs) and essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are linked with reduced anxiety, lower cortisol, and improved sleep quality.
Aroma – Effect on Sleep – Reference
Forest BVOCs — Reduce stress, lower cortisol — PMID: 19568836
Lavender — Improves deep sleep — PMID: 16298774
Chamomile — Mild sedative, better sleep onset — PMID: 20384438
Rose/Floral oils — Mood-enhancing, relaxation — PMID: 31175093
Selected References
Yamaguchi M, et al. (2009). Phytoncides and stress hormones. PMID: 19568836
more supportive studies:
NATURE LIGHT
A well-known study by Kenneth Wright et al. (University of Colorado Boulder, 2013, Current Biology) found that camping for just a weekend without artificial light shifted people’s internal clocks to align more closely with the natural light-dark cycle. Participants fell asleep earlier and slept longer.
Why:
Natural light, especially morning sunlight, helps synchronize your circadian rhythm, improving sleep onset and quality.
NATURE SOUND
A study in Scientific Reports (2017) found that natural sounds shift the brain into a more outward-focused, relaxed mode compared to artificial noises.
OUTDOOR SLEEP
One systematic review (Frontiers in Public Health, 2021) suggests that outdoor sleep (like in camping) can benefit circadian alignment and perceived sleep quality
Some research suggests ions may help regulate mood and relaxation by lowering serotonin under certain conditions (Krueger & Reed, 1976).
A small controlled study in Japan (Tsuboi et al., 1987) tested sleeping in a room with high negative ion concentration and found participants had better sleep quality and felt more refreshed
