Could AI be the key to a better night’s sleep?

When you think of a peaceful slumber, technology doesn’t usually come into the picture. 

Traditionally, we have pitted these two on opposite sides, but emerging developments and innovative entrepreneurs are making us think twice.

From AI-equipped mattresses that regulate your body temperature and enhance sleep in real-time based on your nightly sleep patterns, to simple but effective apps to encourage accountability around your sleeping habits – sleep and technology aren’t the foes they once were.

So which ones are worth paying attention to? As Australia’s leading sleep expert, I’ve done the hard work for you. 

These are the three latest and greatest innovations in sleep technology, plus my suggestions for how you can harness each one to get your best night’s sleep.

Movement tracking

For over a decade now, wearable devices have been offering us insights on our sleep patterns using biofeedback, which is becoming more refined and more accurate as the technology advances. 

The latest version of the Oura ring now has 79 per cent consistency with in-lab sleep tests (polysomnogram, or PSG machines)  highlighting its capacity to accurately measure sleep. 

You may be wondering though: how does it actually track your sleep? First, using an accelerometer sensor, Oura rings can detect bodily movement, which then informs us of what stage of sleep we are in. 

Light sleep is signified by jerking muscles, a slowing heart rate and drop in core body temperature; deep sleep noted by few bodily movements, a stable heart rate and a high skin temperature, and REM sleep profiled by an increasing heart rate, increasing respiratory rate and complete absence of movement. 

It’s easy to identify which stage of sleep we are in if we can detect the degree of movement in the body, alongside heart rate and respiration – standard for almost all wearables. 

This also means the devices can detect how long we are awake through the night, rather than asleep. They usually include an in-built microphone, too, to pick up on snoring and sleep apnea tendencies. 

In transparency though, while data is a good start, it’s just that: a start. Changing your sleep patterns, and achieving a better night’s rest, will come through adapting your sleep habits, hygiene and behaviour, according to your biofeedback. 

That’s why I love the newer innovations profiled below.

AI coaching

Online coaching apps such as SleepSpace have been a major development in how we understand sleep. 

Typically using data from our wearables, they guide us to getting our best night’s sleep, based on what we are actually doing through the night. Not spending enough time in REM sleep? Try drinking less alcohol, and reducing stress levels – both of which will impact REM. 

Taking forever to fall asleep? Consider blocking out blue light before bed, the primary suppressor to melatonin, or manually facilitating the necessary drop in core body temperature before bed –both will help you fall asleep with greater ease. 

SleepSpace specifically also allows users to input subjective sleep data, and seek personalised sleep coaching based on your data.

Are AI sleep devices worth the hype?

While they are promising, novel and exciting; the tech is still very much in research only mode – there is limited capacity to advise 

I’ll be honest: while these AI sleep strategies are innovative, insightful and likely to help you sleep better; they may not help you as much as you think. 

Ultimately, the primary factor in controlling the circadian rhythm, and melatonin, is light. As such, it would then suggest that the most effective and most efficient way to see improvements in your sleep, is to control that light – not something AI is necessarily equipped to help with.

I suggest blocking it out in the evening for 2 hours before bed using , using red night lights and reducing screen time as much as possible. In the morning, expose yourself to sunlight as early as possible, and bask outside for at least 10 minutes. 

Do these two simple, straightforward and science based strategies and you are leaps and bounds ahead – perhaps even more so than if you had AI at your disposal. 

But of course, for best results, do everything – using AI or traditional measures. Let’s face it, we don’t just want a good night’s sleep, we want our best night’s sleep – one that is deep, restful and rejuvenating, and that makes us feel our absolute best upon waking, right? Right.

So close those blinds, hop off your phone, and use the data from your Oura ring or an app to help identify areas where you need to improve. The more strategies, the better.

–This article was originally published in Body+Soul magazine by Olivia Arezzolo – Seniors Plus Brand Ambassador