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Posted on 20 Nov 2008 at 11:15

People with sleep disorders could benefit from what is claimed to be the first health-promoting mobile phone technology.

Dubbed HappyWakeUp, the smart alarm clock application was developed by researchers from Tampere University of Technology and the University of Helsinki in Finland as part of a programme to create technology for screening and diagnosing sleep disorders.

The smart alarm clock gives an alarm signal in the morning just before the ultimate alarm time, if the sleeping subject is awake or "almost awake" due to the natural sleep rhythms. During these moments, the body and brain are already awake and waking up is natural and easy.

"It is rather an arousal clock than an alarm clock", said sleep specialist Dr Tapani Salmi.
Salmi explained that the alarm time is set normally with the mobile phone, which is located beneath the pillow or on the bed. Any "almost-awake" moments are detected by using a microphone and statistical analysis of voices.

During the last 20 minutes before the ultimate alarm time, the analysis is activated to give a soft alarm signal, if there are movements indicating that the sleeping subject is awake or "almost awake". If the subject is sleeping calmly, no alarm signal is given before the ultimate alarm time.

"The alarm signal during deep sleep is stressful and familiar to everyone, but with the smart alarm clock this is avoided. After a trial period of some days or a week, you start to notice the benefits", explained Salmi.
"Pleasant mornings help avoid stress in your body and brain."

HappyWakeUp is available for Nokia smart phones based on S60 3rd ed FP1 platform. A one-week trial period costs £1.70. A two-month trial period and a permanent licence are also available.

Author: Robert Jaques