Many people, especially the elderly, suffer from abnormal sleep. In particular, the deep sleep phases become shorter and shallower with age.
Experts say deep sleep is important for the regeneration of the brain and memory and has a positive influence on the cardiovascular system.
Researchers have shown that the brain waves characterising deep sleep - so-called slow waves - can be improved by playing precisely timed sounds through earphones while sleeping.
While this works well in a sleep laboratory under controlled conditions, there has so far been no at-home solution that can be used longer than just one night.
Now researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a mobile system that people can use at home, which aims to promote deep sleep through auditory brain stimulation.
The SleepLoop system comprises a headband that is put on at bedtime and worn throughout the night. This headband contains electrodes and a microchip that constantly measures the brain activity...