FR3083705A1 - DEVICE FOR ASSISTING THE SLEEPING OF A USER. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) includes a main light source with a tunable light spectrum designed to emit light to help the user fall asleep. The main light source (300) comprises a first light source (100) of white color whose light spectrum (100) mainly extends in a wavelength range between 400 nm and 800 nm and a second light source light (200) whose light spectrum (200) is relatively enriched with wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths less than 560 nm. This device (10) comprises a control unit for the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) independently of one another in order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources (100, 200), variable in function of time, by variation of the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) between maximum and minimum values.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Device for assisting a user to fall asleep.

Technical area.

The present invention relates to the general field of assistance in falling asleep and more particularly in sleep aid devices which emit light. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for assisting a user to fall asleep, comprising a light source designed to emit light favoring the user falling asleep.

It is known that white light has a great influence on the circadian rhythm of man and in particular his sleep. Thus, the natural rhythm of man’s sleep is substantially aligned with that of the sun with an awakening cycle coinciding with the day and a sleep cycle coinciding with the night. In particular, a central hormone, melatonin regulates chrono-biological rhythms as well as many hormonal secretions. Following the decrease in daylight, this hormone is secreted in the brain by the pineal gland, by the retina as well as by bone marrow cells, lymphocytes and epithelial cells.

Before the arrival of electricity and the appearance of domestic artificial lighting, the rhythm of the day was generally linked to the solar rhythm and the circadian rhythm was thus respected.

The development of artificial lighting has enabled men to stay awake and active even after sunset. In addition, the development of tablet and computer screens has more recently created new sources of artificial indirect lighting.

However, we know that certain spectral components of light visible to humans, in particular blue light, are able to disrupt the proper functioning of the pineal gland and in particular to block the production of melatonin. This blue light is present in many sources of artificial lighting and in particular the screens and tablets regularly used by men at late hours of the day.

All these sources of artificial lighting significantly disturb the natural circadian rhythm of men and one of the consequences is the increase in more or less severe sleep disorders with in particular difficulty falling asleep.

PRIOR ART We already know from the state of the art, in particular from patent application FR 3 056 408, a device for assisting a user to fall asleep, comprising a light source designed to emit light. appreciably monochromatic red or almost monochromatic favoring the sleepiness of the user. This sleep aid device operates on the principle of a predefined law according to which the light power emitted by said light source is gradually decreasing over time so as to automatically change between a maximum power value and a value of minimum power.

However, this sleep aid device has the drawback of being a light source dedicated exclusively to falling asleep because of its red color. The red light subjects the user to a very artificial atmosphere which could possibly harm his well-being and prevent his relaxation.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for a device making it possible to promote the initial sleep as such, that is to say making it possible to contribute directly and effectively, in a positive manner, to the transition from the waking state to the state of unconscious sleep, especially at the start of the night sleep phase in the most natural way possible.

Summary of the invention To this end, the invention relates to a device for assisting a user to fall asleep, comprising a light source with a tunable light spectrum designed to emit light promoting the falling asleep of the user, characterized in that the light source comprises a first light source whose light spectrum is substantially white in a range of lengths between 400 nm and 800 nm and a second light source whose light spectrum is relatively enriched with wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths less than 560 nm and in that the device comprises a unit for controlling the light power of each of the two sources independently of each other in order to '' obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources variable as a function of time by variation of the light power of each of the two sources between s maximum and minimum values.

Thanks to the invention, the device makes it possible to obtain a quantity of blue light from low to zero according to a predefined program varying the power weighting of the light sources and makes it possible to light the user's home without disturbing the biological rhythm of the users.

The use in the evening of an increasingly amber light allows the body to naturally accompany the secretion of melatonin, which will promote sleepiness.

A device according to the invention may also include one or more of the following characteristics.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light spectrum of the second source follows a curve substantially representing a Gaussian function centered on a wavelength greater than 560 nm, preferably centered around the length of wave 590 nm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Gaussian function has a width at half height between 20 nm and 50 nm.

Preferably, the light spectrum of the first source follows a curve having a first narrow peak whose apex is between 400 nm and 500 nm and a second wide peak whose apex is between 500 nm and 700 nm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a base and a tubular lighting body mounted vertically from the base.

Preferably, the tubular body comprises a housing delimiting a housing for receiving the light source.

Preferably, the device comprises a printed circuit board carrying a plurality of light emitting diodes forming the main light source.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of light-emitting diodes comprises a first group of diodes capable of emitting white light and a second group of diodes capable of emitting amber color.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to vary the melanopic ratio of the main light source between 0 and 1, preferably between 0 and 0.5.

The invention also relates to a sleep aid system for a user comprising a device according to the invention and a remote control terminal of the device for controlling switching on, switching off and tuning of the device’s light source.

The invention also relates to a process for falling asleep of a user by means of the sleep aid device according to the invention, during a sleep phase, the light power of the first is reduced light source up to a substantially zero power and the light power of the second light source is maintained at a non-zero value.

A method according to the invention can also optionally include the step according to which a melanopic ratio of the main light source (300) is varied starting from a ratio value between 0.5 and 1 up to '' to reach a ratio value of approximately 0.

Brief description of the drawings [0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig.l [fig.l] shows a schematic perspective view of a sleep aid device according to the invention;

Fig.2 [fig.2] shows a schematic perspective view of the device of Figure 1 from another point of view;

Fig.3 [fig.3] shows a schematic perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in which the device is partially mounted;

Fig.4 [fig.4] shows a schematic sectional view of the device of Figure 1;

Fig.5 [fig.5] shows an exploded schematic view of the device of Figure 1;

Fig.6 [fig.6] shows a schematic view of the ocular functioning;

Fig.7 [0032] [fig.7] shows a graph including a visual sensitivity evolution curve as well as a spectrum of a light source of the device of Figure 1;

Fig.8 [00.8] [fig.8] represents a graph comprising a curve of evolution of the sensitivity of the receptor cells to mealnospines as well as a spectrum of a light source of the device of FIG. 1;

Fig.9 [0034] [fig.9] represents a graph comprising a set of curves;

Fig.10 [fig.10] shows a spectral curve of the light source of the device of Figure 1 with a melanopic ratio of 0.4;

Fig.ll [fig. 36 11] represents a spectral curve of the light source of the device of FIG. 1 with a melanopic ratio of 0.3;

Fig.12 [fig.12] shows a spectral curve of the light source of the device of Figure 1 with a melanopic ratio of 0;

Description of the embodiments FIGS. 1 to 5 show a device for assisting a user to fall asleep according to the invention. This device is designated by the general reference 10. This device 10 comprises a main light source having a tunable light spectrum 300 designed to emit light promoting sleepiness of the user.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the device 10 comprises a base 14 and a tubular lighting body 16 mounted on the base 14.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the tubular lighting body 16 comprises a tubular housing 18 having an elongated axis and first 18A and second 18B opposite ends. This tubular housing 18 delimits a tubular housing for receiving the main light source 300. This tubular housing 18 is formed at least partially, for example with a light-diffusing material to form at least one transparent or translucent region.

In addition, the device 10 comprises a longitudinal support 20 for supporting the light source 300. Such a support 20 is shown in detail in Figure 4. This support 20 comprises at least one face carrying a plurality of elements d semiconductor lighting 22 forming the light source 300. Preferably, these semiconductor elements 22 are mounted on at least one printed circuit board 24 supported in this example by the support 20.

In addition, preferably, the support 20 comprises a member for dissipating the heat generated by the plurality of lighting elements 22. For this purpose, the support 20 is formed for example by an aluminum section profile circular or semicircular. In addition, for example, the heat sink is formed by cooling fins extending from the profile 20.

Preferably, the device 10 comprises two printed circuit plates 24 each carrying a plurality of semiconductor elements such as LEDs (light emitting diodes), the plates 24 being for example glued to the profile 20 on the same face of this profile 20. In the case of a profile 20 of semi-circular section, the two printed circuit boards 24 are arranged on the flat face of the profile 20. The two printed circuit boards 24 each comprise, for example, a group of light-emitting diodes of different colors as will be detailed below to form first and second light sources respectively.

For example, this profile 20 is made of extruded aluminum and is provided with rear fins which dissipate up to thirty watts. In addition, the profile 20 preferably comprises two grooves adapted to receive a member 26 for diffusing light along the profile. Finally, preferably, the device 10 comprises a nozzle 28 intended to be mounted at the upper free end of the profile 20. The member 26 for diffusing light in this example has the shape of a semi-cylindrical half-envelope forming by union with the profile 20, the tubular housing 18 (Figure 5).

In this example, the base 14 is formed by several elements assembled successfully. In the example described and as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the profile 20 is fixed in the base 14 by screwing. In addition, the base 14 forms a structuring foot linking together the profile 20, an electric control unit 30 (more commonly known as a "driver"), a control and regulation unit 36 as well as a covering piece 32. The base 14 comprises in particular a hollow tubular element 44 capable of holding the profile 20 and the light diffusion member 26 together by fitting the profile 20 and the light diffusion member 26 inside this element 44.

Optionally, in order to reduce manufacturing costs, the tubular element 44 inside which the profile 20 is inserted is preferably fixed by welding to the base 14. For this purpose, for example, the base 14 is manufactured made of sheet metal and at least one cutout 34 of geometric shape, for example a triangle, is produced in a bottom plate 40 of the base 14 and then is folded to allow the tubular element 44 to be fixed by welding to this or these triangles fixation. The bottom 40 also in this example has the function of supporting the control unit 36 and the control unit 30. In addition, the control unit 30 is fixed to the bottom plate 40 of the base 14.

Preferably, the base 14 further comprises a cover 32 made of steel forming the covering part, which makes it possible to provide the aesthetics, the resistance and the weight for the stability of the luminaire 10. The base 14 further comprises for example a finishing bottom plate 46 making it possible to completely close the base 14 below and to close off any possible openings formed to allow the fixing of the various elements composing the luminaire 10.

In addition, the device 10 preferably comprises a backlight member 50 for indicating an operating state of the luminaire 10. This backlight member 50 comprises a painted sheet metal plate intended to be threaded around the tube 44 and provided with a relatively opaque diffuser to avoid the appearance of hot spots of light. This backlight member 50 further comprises in this example a light-emitting diode 52 at low power, preferably located a few centimeters from the diffuser to obtain good homogeneity.

This backlight is independent of the light generated by the profile. This backlight is adapted to switch on when the luminaire 10 is switched on, while the groups of light-emitting diodes are also controlled by the remote control.

In addition, the invention also relates to a system visible in FIG. 3 comprising the device 10 and a remote control terminal 30 of the device 10 for controlling the ignition, the extinction and the wavelength tuning. of the light source 300 of the device 10.

As is known per se, on the classic diagram of the eye and the retina 50 represented in FIG. 6, there are two retinal systems making it possible to transmit light information to the brain: the visual system 52 comprising cones and rods and the non-visual system 54 comprising melanopsin ganglion cells. Melanopsin cells are inherently photosensitive. The light is perceived by the cones and rods located in the retina which project towards the visual structures (visual way) but is also perceived by the ganglion cells with melanopsin projecting towards structures implied in the regulation of biological rhythms (non-visual way) .

Numerous studies have shown that the rods are very sensitive to light and operate at relatively low light levels while the cones operate at higher daylight type light levels. Melanopsin ganglion cells are particularly sensitive to wavelength lights around 480 nanometers which corresponds to blue light.

According to the invention, the light source 300 of the device 10 comprises a first light source 100 whose light spectrum corresponds to white light in a range of lengths between 400 nm and 800 nm.

FIG. 7 shows a graph comprising a curve 100 representing the spectral evolution as a function of the wavelength of the first light source 100. This spectral curve 100 includes a narrow main peak 110 in the blue around 450 nm and a wider secondary peak 120 in the range of 550 nm to 650 nm.

In this same Figure 7, the graph also includes a spectral curve 150 representing the evolution of visual sensitivity. As is clear from this graph, the first light source 100 is adapted to activate the visual system by activating the photo-receptor cells of the eye thanks to a relatively broad spectrum covering the range from 400 nm to 800 nm and rendering close to that of natural sunlight. This first source 100 thus makes it possible to activate both the conventional visual system 52 as well as the non-visual system 54.

Furthermore, the main light source 300 also includes a second light source 200 whose light spectrum is relatively enriched with wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively free of wavelengths less than 560 nm capable of limiting activation of melanopsin cells.

FIG. 8 shows a graph comprising a spectral curve 200 of the second light source 200. In the example described, this second curve 200 represents a peak substantially in the form of a Gaussian function centered on a length d wave greater than 560 nm, preferably centered on 590 nm corresponding to an amber color. Furthermore, the width at mid-height of the peak is between 20 nm and 50 nm.

In addition, in this same figure 8, the graph also includes a spectral curve 250 representing the evolution of the sensitivity of the melanopsin glands as a function of the wavelength. We see that the maximum sensitivity of these non-visual receptor cells is well located around the 460 nm wavelength.

As a result, this second light source 200 being picked up by the visual receptors around 590 nm makes it possible to activate the visual system 52 but has no effect on the melanopsin cells of the non-visual system 54 of the eye 50. The second light source 200 therefore allows the body to secrete melatonin naturally by inhibiting melanopsin cells.

In order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources 100 and 200 which is variable as a function of time, the device 10 comprises a control unit for the light power of each of the two sources 100 and 200 independently of one another. allowing the light power of each of the two sources 100 and 200 to be varied between maximum and minimum values.

The advantage of the device 10 according to the invention is based on the weighting in power of these two lights 100 and 200, one adapted to daily tasks, and the other allowing to see while the biological clock is already in optimal sleep conditions, which optimizes the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

In the graph in FIG. 9, m (X) corresponds to the melanopic sensitivity curve referenced 250, ν (λ) corresponds to the visual sensitivity curve referenced 150, SPD (X) corresponds to the distribution curve of the spectrum of the luminaire at time t referenced 300. The melanopic ratio of a light source is defined as the quotient of the melanopic flux picked up by the eye (melanopic response represented by curve 260) over the visual flux picked up by the eye (visual response represented by curve 160). This ratio is calculated as follows:

[Mathematical formula 1] [Math. [Mathematical formula 1]] _ Melanopic flux _ Σ _Λ ν (λ) Σ _λ 5ΡΡ (Λ) .m (Â) Ratio- Visual flux “Σ m (Â) ^- Σ _X SPD (Λ) .ν (λ) λ This melanopic ratio makes it possible to define the impact of the light used on our biological clock and more particularly on the secretion of melatonin.

As a benchmark, the sun has a melanopic ratio of 1.1 to the zenith, allowing the maximum inhibition effect of melatonin in the body, and therefore associated with an effect of better alertness. On the contrary, at the end of the day, the melanopic ratio of the sun will drop below 0.5, this light will allow the natural secretion of melatonin and therefore the natural support for sleep.

In the case of the sleep device 10 of the invention, the control unit preferably follows a program of temporal variation of the melanopic ratio between for example 0.5 and 0. This program follows for example four scenarios L1, L2 , L3, L4 distinct described in the table (1) below.

[Tables 1]

PROGRAM Scenario CCT (K) Flux (1m) Power (W) IRC Melanopic Ratio LI 2425 1390 26 83 0.4 L2 2130 980 27 76.7 0.3 L3 1840 715 27 67 0.15 L4 1640 600 29 58 0

This table 1 presents for four scenarios L1, L2, L3 and L4 of operation of the main light source, the corresponding correlated color temperature (CCT) in Kelvin, the luminous flux in lumen, the light power in Watt, l color rendering index (CRI) as well as the melanopic ratio.

We will now describe the main aspects of operation of a sleep aid device according to the invention with particular reference to Table 1 above.

The luminaire 10 of the invention will make it possible to manage the melanopic ratio between 0.5 and 0, and therefore to be able to adapt the light atmosphere and its impact on the organism at the time of the evening. For example, a melanopic ratio of the main light source 300 is varied starting from a ratio value between 0.5 and 1 until reaching a ratio value of approximately 0.

For example, the user will start his evening on the light Ll, at 2425K with a melanopic ratio of 0.4, allowing him to carry out everyday tasks with good color perception ("CRI", index of color rendering equal to 83) and yet already a little activating light for the biological clock (figure 10).

Then, it will gradually pass through the lights L2 (2130K, melanopic ratio 0.3) and L3 (1840K, melanopic ratio 0.15) represented by FIG. 11, to use, light thirty minutes before bedtime, the light L4 (1640K, zero melanopic ratio), shown in Figure 12.

To achieve this decrease in the melanopic ratio, during a sleep phase, the light power of the first light source is reduced to a power that is substantially zero and the light power of the second light source is maintained at a non-zero value. nothing.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described. Other embodiments within the reach of the skilled person can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

claims

Claims (1)

Device (10) for assisting a user to fall asleep, [Claims 1] comprising a main light source with a tunable light spectrum designed to emit light favoring the user falling asleep, characterized in that the light source main (300) comprises a first light source (100) of white color whose light spectrum (100) mainly extends in a wavelength range between 400 nm and 800 nm and a second light source (200 ) whose light spectrum (200) is relatively enriched with wavelengths greater than 560 nm and relatively devoid of wavelengths less than 560 nm and in that the device (10) comprises a light power control unit of each of the two sources (100, 200) independently of one another in order to obtain a spectral weighting of the two sources (100, 200), variable as a function of time, by variation of the light power of each of the two sources (100, 200) between maximum and minimum values. [Claims 2] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the light spectrum (200) of the second source (200) follows a curve substantially representing a Gaussian function centered on a wavelength greater than 560 nm, preferably centered around the wavelength 590 nm. [Claims 3] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the Gaussian function has a width at half height between 20 nm and 50 nm. [Claims 4] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light spectrum (100) of the first source (100) follows a curve having a first narrow peak (110) whose apex is between 400 nm and 500 nm and a second wide peak (120) whose apex is between 500 nm and 700 nm. [Claims 5] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base (14) and a tubular body (16) of lighting mounted vertically from the base (14). [Claims 6] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the tubular body (16) comprises a housing (18) delimiting a housing for receiving the light source (300). [Claims 7] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one printed circuit board (24) carrying a plurality of light-emitting diodes (22) forming the main light source (300). [Claims 8] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the plurality of light-emitting diodes (22) comprises a first group of diodes capable of emitting white light and a second group of diodes capable of emitting color light amber. [Claims 9] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit is configured to vary the melanopic ratio of the main light source (300) between 0 and 1, preferably between 0 and 0.5. [Claims 10] System for assisting a user to fall asleep comprising a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a remote control terminal of the device (10) for controlling the ignition, switching off and tuning the light source of the device (10). [Claims 11] Method for falling asleep of a user by means of a device (10) for falling asleep according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which, during a phase of falling asleep, decreases the light power of the first light source (100) to a substantially zero power and the light power of the second light source (200) is maintained at a non-zero value. [Claims 12] Method according to the preceding claim, in which a melanopic ratio of the main light source (300) is varied, starting from a ratio value between 0.5 and 1 until reaching a ratio value d 'around 0.