JP2002336357A - Respiration inducing method, sense stimulating device, sense stimulation control device and illumination control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a respiration inducing method and a sense stimulating device with which a relax effect can be improved by inducing respiration within a range being not a physiogical burden even without the feedback of breathing exercises. SOLUTION: By using the sense stimulating device, the respiration is promoted within ranges of 2 sec < respiratory cycle < 12 sec and 0.85 < inhaling time magnification < 1.45 (except for the area surrounded by the respiratory cycle of <=4 sec and the inhaling time magnification of >=1.3).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a respiratory guidance method, a sensory stimulator, a sensory stimulus control device, and a lighting control device for promoting effective relaxation by performing a respiratory guidance using a sensory stimulator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In modern society, stress is widespread, and we are suffering from mental and physiological stress on a daily basis. In a state of excessive mental stress, the breath is unconsciously breathing shallow and fast, and such breathing also leads to physiological tensions such as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure via the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, methods and devices have been developed which induce respiration by changing the blinking, intensity and color of light, thereby relieving stress and promoting smooth sleep and relaxation (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei 3-222964, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 11-222964). -167893).

[0003]

In respiratory guidance for relaxation, the most important thing is to set the respiratory cycle. If the cycle is too short, the above-mentioned stress will be caused, and if it is too long, breathing will not be continued, in which case an extremely heavy load will be placed on the circulatory system. As a method of avoiding such a problem, a method has been developed in the past in which the respiratory motion of the subject is fed back by some means and the cycle is extended from the respiratory cycle before the start of the guidance to a range where the breathing can be adjusted without difficulty. In this case, the system becomes complicated and expensive.

[0004] Therefore, if the range of breathing that is effective for relaxation can be clarified, feedback becomes unnecessary, and the system can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0005] As a parameter of respiration related to relaxation, there is a time balance between expiration and inspiration in addition to a cycle. During expiration, the parasympathetic nerves of the autonomic nervous system that act to relieve body tension are activated, and conversely, during inspiration, the sympathetic nerves that promote body tension are activated.
Therefore, when promoting relaxation by adjusting breathing, it is important to set the time for expiration longer than that for inhalation. Furthermore, when observing a change in the expiration time ratio with respect to the respiratory cycle and the inspiratory time during spontaneous breathing (hereinafter referred to as the expiration time ratio), for example, when falling asleep, the period becomes longer and the expiration time ratio also becomes larger, which is related to the change in the period. It is also known that the expiration time magnification changes.

[0006] What must be avoided in the relaxation induced by breathing is that the subject temporarily stops breathing, and such a condition causes an extreme burden on the circulatory system. If you perform breathing induction with an unnatural breathing pattern that is significantly different from spontaneous breathing,
There is a possibility that breathing may be temporarily stopped due to difficulty in adjusting the breathing. Therefore, even in the process of extending the respiratory cycle by respiratory induction, it is possible to promote more effective relaxation by using a natural respiratory pattern that changes the expiration time magnification according to the change in the cycle. Conceivable.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a breathing induction method and a breathing induction method capable of inducing a respiration in a range that does not cause a physiological burden without feedback of a respiratory movement, thereby enhancing a relaxation effect. Is to provide a sensory stimulator. It should be noted that the term “relaxation” here also includes a case where the user falls asleep and enters a sleep state as a result of the enhanced relaxation effect.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for inducing respiration, comprising: using a sensory stimulator, for 2 seconds <respiratory cycle <12.
Seconds and 0. 85 <expiration time ratio <1. It is characterized in that it promotes breathing within the range of 45 (excluding the area surrounded by the respiratory cycle of 4 seconds or less and the expiration time magnification of 1.3 or more).

The respiratory guidance method according to the first aspect is characterized by changes in the respiratory cycle and the expiration time ratio for solving the above-mentioned problems, based on psychological (subjective) and physiological evaluation test results. First, as a preliminary study, six levels of the respiratory cycle (2 seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds, 8 seconds, 10 seconds, and 12 seconds), and five levels of expiration time magnification (0.85, 1, 1.15, 1.3) ,14
We examined the range in which breathing can be adjusted under a total of 30 conditions based on the combination of 5). As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, 2 seconds <respiratory cycle <12 seconds, 0. 85 <expiration time magnification (multiplication of expiration time to inspiration time) <1. In the area enclosed by 45, (except for the area enclosed by the respiratory cycle of 4 seconds or less and the expiration time magnification of 1.3 or more), it is possible to continuously adjust the breathing, but other areas Then it turned out impossible to breathe. Therefore, it is desirable that respiratory guidance for relaxation is performed within the above range (Fig. 1).

As a result, it is possible to induce respiration within a range that does not cause a physiological burden without performing feedback of respiratory movement. In addition, conscious temporary respiratory stoppage due to difficulty in adjusting the breathing can be avoided, and the relaxing effect can be enhanced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for inducing respiration.
, The expiration time magnification is increased in conjunction with the extension of the respiratory cycle.

According to the respiratory guidance method of the second aspect, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect, it is possible to further promote the relaxing effect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for inducing respiration, when the respiratory cycle (x) is at least 6 seconds and less than 8 seconds, the expiration time magnification (y)
Is 1 ≦ y <1. 15+ (x-6) × 0.075, and when the respiratory cycle (x) is 8 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, the expiration time magnification (y)
Is 1 <y ≦ 1. The expiration time magnification is increased in conjunction with the extension of the respiratory cycle by an arbitrary function passing through an arbitrary point within the range of 3.

According to the respiratory guidance method of the third aspect, optimal conditions for respiratory guidance for relaxation are obtained. That is, within the scope of the first aspect, examination was made on the optimal respiration induction conditions for relaxation. A person's spontaneous breathing cycle is about 3-5 seconds. In breathing induction for the purpose of relaxation, it is meaningless unless the respiratory cycle is extended beyond spontaneous breathing. Therefore, four levels of respiratory cycle (6 seconds, 8 seconds, 10
Seconds, 12 seconds), expiration time magnification 3 levels (1, 1.15, 1.
3) Evaluation of "easiness of breathing" and "relaxation degree" when respiratory control was performed under a total of 12 conditions. Fig.
See Figure 2.

FIG. 2 (a) shows the ease of breathing.
As shown in the figure, the evaluation is best at a respiratory cycle of 6 seconds, and particularly bad at 10 seconds. In the figure, ● is 1x, “x”
The mark is 1.15 times, and the mark of x in the square frame is 1.3 times.
Looking at the relationship with the expiration time magnification, the expiration time magnification 1 is best evaluated at 6 seconds, but the evaluation decreases as the cycle is extended, and the expiration time magnification 1 is reduced at 8 to 10 seconds.
. A rating of 15 is the best. Therefore, when considering the ease of breathing, the expiration time ratio is 6 seconds
The expiration time multiplication factor is 1, 8, and 10 seconds. It is desirable to be around 15. For the degree of relaxation, the breathing cycle
6 seconds expiration time magnification 1, breathing cycle 8 seconds expiration time magnification 1. 15,
Respiratory cycle 10 seconds Expiration time magnification 1. A high rating of 3

FIG. 3 shows the result of examining the decrease in heart rate based on the time of free breathing before the induction of respiration. The decrease in heart rate is a cycle of 8 seconds, and the expiration time magnification is 1. This was most pronounced at 3, which suggests that physiological tension was the lowest under these respiratory conditions.

To summarize the above results, the psychological evaluation results show that the expiration time magnification is 1 for a breathing cycle of 6 seconds and the expiration time magnification is 1 for a breathing cycle of 8 seconds. By promoting breathing in 15 ranges, it was found that a high relaxing effect could be obtained in a range where breathing was easy to match. From the heart rate data, the expiration time multiplication factor is 1. It was suggested that stimulating breathing in 3 could reduce physiological tension.

To summarize the above, from a respiratory cycle of 6 seconds and an expiration time magnification of 1 to a respiratory cycle of 8 seconds and an expiration time magnification of 1. 15-1. Three
It is considered that a method of gradually increasing the respiratory cycle and the expiration time ratio toward is optimal as a respiration guide for relaxation. From these, when the optimum range of the respiratory guidance for relaxation is determined, as shown in FIG. 4, when the respiratory cycle x is 6 seconds or more and less than 8 seconds, the expiration time magnification y is 1 ≦ y <1. When 15+ (x-6) × 0.075 and the respiratory cycle x is 8 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, the expiration time magnification y is 1 <y ≦ 1. 3,
Becomes Therefore, it is preferable to gradually increase the expiration time magnification with the extension of the cycle by an arbitrary function connecting arbitrary points within this range.

Further, the expiration time becomes shorter than the inspiration time even in spontaneous breathing. Therefore, when performing respiration induction in less than 6 seconds, it is preferable to set the expiration time magnification to 1.

Since there is always about 10% error in human sensation, the above-mentioned respiratory cycle and expiration time magnification value are 1%.
Needless to say, it includes a relatively small error.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second or third aspect, the sensory stimulator emits light, and the respiratory pattern is presented by the light. .

According to the respiratory guidance method of the fourth aspect, the same effect as that of the first, second or third aspect is obtained.
Note that, even when the eyes are closed, the light is input to the eyes through the eyelids, so that the same effect can be obtained even when the eyes are closed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensory stimulator for use in the method for inducing respiration according to the first, second, or third aspect, for inducing respiration by light. .

According to the sensory stimulating device according to the fifth aspect, the same effects as those of the first, second or third aspect can be obtained.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensory stimulating apparatus for use in the method for inducing respiration according to the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, which is adapted to induce respiration by sound. .

According to the sensory stimulating device of the sixth aspect, the same effect as that of the first, second or third aspect is achieved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensory stimulating apparatus for use in the method for inducing respiration according to the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, for inducing respiration by wind. .

According to the sensory stimulator of the seventh aspect, the same effects as those of the first, second or third aspect can be obtained.

The sensory stimulator according to claim 8 is a sensory stimulator for use in the method for inducing respiration according to claim 1, 2 or 3 for inducing respiration by touch pressure. is there.

According to the sensory stimulator of the eighth aspect, the same effect as that of the first, second or third aspect is achieved.

A sensory stimulus control device according to a ninth aspect is a sensory stimulus control device used in the respiratory guidance method according to the first, second or third aspect, and controls the sensory stimulus device. is there.

According to the sensory stimulus control device of the ninth aspect, since the respiration is induced by using the sensory stimulus device together with an arbitrary sensory stimulus device, the same effect as that of the first, second or third aspect is achieved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination control device for use in the respiratory guidance method according to the first, second or third aspect, wherein the sensory stimulus device is a light source, and the light source is a light source. Lighting control device to control.

According to the illumination control device of the tenth aspect,
Since it is used together with an arbitrary light source to perform respiration guidance, it is useful for the same effect as that of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3.

[0035]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Claims 1 to 3 of the present invention
A first embodiment corresponding to FIG. In other words, there are some individual differences in the spontaneous breathing cycle,
It is about 3-5 seconds. Therefore, the respiratory cycle at the start of respiratory induction may be adjusted to the subject's normal respiratory cycle within a range of 6 seconds or less. 6 from that cycle
The cycle is gradually extended to seconds, and the expiration time magnification at that time is 1. From the respiratory cycle of 6 seconds, the cycle of 6 seconds and expiration time magnification of 1 and the cycle of 8 seconds and expiration time magnification of 1 shown in FIG. The expiration time magnification is gradually increased in conjunction with the extension of the cycle by a linear function connecting 3.

A second embodiment according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. This is a light guiding method. When performing breathing guidance for relaxation, it is important to promote smooth breathing without causing a temporary stop of breathing as described above. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide not only the timing of exhalation and inhalation but also information on the operation of inhaling and exhaling continuously. Therefore, the user can easily synchronize his or her breathing with the guidance pattern by continuously expressing the movement of inhaling by increasing the amount of light and the movement of exhaling by decreasing the amount of light. While exhaling, the parasympathetic nervous system that relieves the body tension is activated, and therefore, the combination of inhalation with the increase in the light amount and the expiration with the decrease in the light amount is appropriate. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, respiration is induced by increasing or decreasing light in a smooth pattern such as a sine waveform. In the present embodiment, by shortening the period of the light-dark change after time t1 and increasing the amplitude to increase the stimulus, it is possible to promote an increase in the degree of arousal and to smoothly shift to the subsequent work and living behavior. Can be. Conversely, by fading out the light while reducing the amplitude after the time t1, it can be made suitable for sleep inducing. Further, it may be represented by a change in light color. In that case, for the same reason as above, it is preferable to use a blue-based color that is considered to have a high relaxation effect when exhaling. Note that, even when the eyes are closed, the light is input to the eyes through the eyelids. Therefore, it is needless to say that the same effects can be obtained even when the eyes are used with the eyes closed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sensory stimulating device in this case includes a light source unit for emitting light, a lighting circuit unit for lighting the light source unit, and a dimming (toning) circuit unit for dimming the light source unit. Is done. As the form of the lighting device, in addition to conventional general indoor lighting such as ceiling lights, pendants, brackets, floor stands, desk stands, etc., goggles, glasses, eye mask type (Japanese Patent Application 2001-349582), etc.
A small, wearable device that irradiates the user's eye locally is also conceivable. By taking such a form,
In addition to the increased portability, the device can be used while traveling on a trip or the like, and has an advantage that a change in light is less likely to adversely affect surrounding people.

As the light source, for example, an incandescent light bulb,
Any type of light source can be used, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), EL (Electroluminescence), HID (High Intensity Discharge Lamp) light source, and a fluorescent light.

A third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is a sound guidance method, and, as in the second embodiment, the user can express this by continuously expressing the breathing exercise by increasing the volume and the breathing exercise by decreasing the volume. Synchronize breathing. The sound quality is more relaxed when using natural sounds such as ripples.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sensory stimulus device includes a sound source section for emitting a sound, an amplifier (volume control) section for controlling the volume, and a speaker for loudspeaking the sound.

A fourth embodiment corresponding to claim 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is an induction method by wind. Similar to the second embodiment, the user can take a breath by continuously expressing the breathing motion by increasing the air volume and the breathing motion by decreasing the air volume. Synchronize with this.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sensory stimulus device includes a fan that generates wind, a motor that rotates the fan, and a rotation speed control circuit that controls the rotation speed of the motor.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is an induction method by contact pressure. As in the second embodiment, the user adjusts his / her breath to the breathing movement by continuously expressing the breathing movement by increasing the tactile pressure and the breathing movement by decreasing the tactile pressure.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sensory stimulating device includes a pressure generating section for generating a tactile pressure, a pressure stimulus presenting section for presenting a pressure stimulus,
It is constituted by a pressure control circuit for controlling the pressure stimulus presentation section.

According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, an arbitrary sensory stimulator is controlled by an independent sensory stimulator control device. The stimulus for performing the respiratory guidance of the first embodiment, for example, is presented to the user.

In a seventh embodiment corresponding to claim 10 of the present invention, an arbitrary light source as a sensory stimulating device is controlled by an independent lighting control device, so that the light source is controlled by an independent lighting control device. For example, the light stimulus for performing the respiration guidance of the first embodiment described in 3 is presented to the user.

[0047]

According to the method for inducing respiration according to claim 1,
Even without feedback of respiratory motion, respiration can be induced within a range that does not cause a physiological burden. In addition, conscious temporary respiratory stoppage due to difficulty in adjusting the breathing can be avoided, and the relaxing effect can be enhanced.

According to the respiratory induction method of the second aspect, in addition to the same effects as the first aspect, it is possible to further promote the relaxing effect.

According to the method for inducing respiration according to the third aspect, the expiration time magnification is 1 in a respiration cycle of 6 seconds to 1 in the respiration cycle of 8 seconds. 15-1. By gradually increasing the respiratory cycle and the expiration time multiplication to 3, an optimal breathing guide for relaxation can be obtained.

According to the respiratory guidance method of the fourth aspect, the same effect as that of the first, second or third aspect is obtained.

According to the sensory stimulating device of the fifth to tenth aspects, the same effects as those of the first, second or third aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a range of an expiration time magnification with respect to a respiratory cycle for explaining claim 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the ease of breathing and the respiratory cycle for the explanation of claim 3, and FIG. 2 (b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the degree of relaxation and the respiratory cycle.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an average heart rate change amount and a respiratory cycle.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the expiration time magnification and the respiratory cycle.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an expiration time ratio and a respiratory cycle according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a change diagram of light and dark with respect to time in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a sensory stimulation device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a sensory stimulation device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a sensory stimulation device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a sensory stimulation device according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Manabu Inoue 1048 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Inventor Hiromitsu Kobayashi No. 2-1 Takamatsu, Takamatsu-cho, Kawakita-gun, Ishikawa Pref.Nursing University Teacher's School Building Room 201 (72) Inventor Katsushige Amano 1006 Oji Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Invention Person Tadashi Yano 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Inside (72) Inventor Yoshinori Tanabe 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. Using a sensory stimulator, 2 seconds <respiratory cycle <12 seconds and 0. 85 <expiration time ratio <1. 45. A respiratory guidance method characterized by stimulating respiration in a range of 45 (excluding a region surrounded by a respiratory cycle of 4 seconds or less and an expiration time magnification of 1.3 or more). 2. The method for inducing respiration according to claim 1, wherein the expiration time magnification is increased in conjunction with the extension of the respiratory cycle. 3. When the respiratory cycle (x) is 6 seconds or more and less than 8 seconds, the expiration time magnification (y) is 1 ≦ y <1. 15+ (x-6) × 0.0
75, and when the respiratory cycle (x) is 8 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, the expiration time magnification (y) is 1 <y ≦ 1. 3. A breathing induction method in which the expiration time magnification is increased in conjunction with the extension of the breathing cycle by an arbitrary function passing through an arbitrary point within the range of 3. 4. The sensory stimulus device emits light, and presents a respiratory pattern by the light.
The respiratory induction method according to claim 2 or 3. 5. A sensory stimulator for use in the respiratory guidance method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sensory stimulator for inducing respiration by light. 6. A sensory stimulus device for use in the respiratory guidance method according to claim 1, wherein the respiratory guidance is performed by sound. 7. A sensory stimulator for use in the respiratory guidance method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sensory stimulator is for performing respiratory guidance by wind. 8. A sensory stimulator for use in the method for inducing respiration according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sensory stimulator for inducing respiration by touch pressure. 9. A sensory stimulus control device for use in the method for inducing respiration according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
A sensory stimulus control device for controlling the sensory stimulator. 10. A lighting control device used in the respiratory guidance method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sensory stimulating device is a light source, and the lighting control device controls the light source.