JP2003010230A - Thermotherapeutic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermotherapeutic apparatus which can restore the vital power of living bodies by a method wherein the temperature of a heater is controlled to be raised, lowered or maintained along a temperature changing curve of body heat paying attention to the biological rhythm pertaining to the body heat during the sleep for providing comfortable sleep that leads to the easing of the symptom of insomnia or the like or secondary symptom associated with the insomnia or the like and the relaxation of symptoms such as the thirst of throats as caused by the use of thermal devices and moreover, making the sleeping environments comfortable comprehensively for securing sound sleep while creating healthy bodies during the sleep. SOLUTION: The thermotherapeutic apparatus comprises a timer setting means for setting heating time, a heater for heating living bodies, a temperature control means which performs a control to raise, lower or maintain the temperature of the heater to match the biological rhythm during the time set by the timer setting means. Moreover, heater units are provided respectively on the sides of the upper and lower half bodies to control the balance thereof for giving temperature differences thereto.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hyperthermia treatment apparatus, and more particularly to a hyperthermia treatment apparatus for improving sleepiness and awakening by controlling heating and for alleviating symptoms such as insomnia and recovery from fatigue. Regarding Further, the present invention relates to a thermotherapy device not only for use during sleep but also for improving the environment of the bedroom itself so as to obtain a good night's sleep other than during sleep.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various attempts have been made to obtain a good night's sleep. As a device for obtaining a good night's sleep, there is a heating device for relieving coldness at bedtime so that the user can sleep comfortably. A heating device used during sleep, specifically, an electric blanket, an electric mat, or the like, determines a heating level by a user, and keeps a constant temperature at the heating level until morning. These are simply intended to eliminate coldness during sleep, chills, etc., but since they are heated at a constant temperature, they are also a factor that causes thirst, sweating during sleep, lassitude, low-temperature burns, etc. On the contrary, it could hinder a good night's sleep. In the present specification, the term “sleep” means that the person can fall asleep immediately, and can sleep deeply during sleep and wake up refreshed and refreshed.

There is a so-called "head cold foot heat" state which is said to be good for health, but it has also been practiced to simply place a heating device on the lower body side to create a head cold foot heat state during sleep.

Further, it is known that sleep has a deep relationship with biological rhythms, and it is considered that sleep that does not match the biological rhythm cannot provide a good sleep. Here, the biological rhythm will be described. It is known that hormones are secreted into the body, the body temperature, the pulse, etc., which change according to the circadian rhythm (circadian cycle) of the living body. Here, the circadian rhythm has a cycle of about 25 hours, and is adjusted to about 24 hours by resetting the in-vivo timer by stimulation with strong light such as sunlight.
Focusing on changes in body temperature in the circadian rhythm of people who live a regular life, we draw a periodic fluctuation that is high during the daytime active period and low at bedtime. On the other hand, looking at changes in body temperature during the circadian cycle not only for extreme conditions such as insomnia but also for those who are dissatisfied with sleep such as falling asleep / waking up late, those who live a regular phase It may be delayed compared to the phase of. That is, for example, in the case of a person who sleeps late at night, even though the body temperature falls and a biological reaction such as falling asleep occurs, it becomes difficult for the body temperature to drop because the activity continues at midnight, and the sleep After that, the time to reach the lowest temperature was delayed, and a feeling of lack of sleep when waking up remained. In addition, even if a person who works at night works or the so-called jet lag causes the sleep rhythm to change, symptoms such as not falling asleep and being unable to wake up appear. It should be noted that the deviation of the biological rhythm not only appears due to irregular life, but also as the age increases.

Furthermore, during sleep, there is a REM / NONREM sleep cycle that occurs in a substantially periodic rhythm. This is because REM sleep and non-REM sleep occur periodically during sleep in a person who lives a regular life, for example, in about 90 minutes cycle in a healthy person. The superposition of these circadian rhythms and REM / NREM sleep cycles is broadly and generally called biorhythm.

[0006]

However, as described above, in the heating device which keeps heating so as to maintain a constant temperature during sleep, the body temperature which should be lowered during sleep is not sufficiently lowered, and accordingly, Since the amount of sweating increases, it has been a factor causing thirst, excessive sweating during sleep, dullness, dry skin, and low-temperature burns. Furthermore, due to the body temperature not being released to the outside, the heart rate, which normally falls, could not be lowered, and the burden on the heart became large. Because of this, extra energy is consumed during sleep, so that the brain and body may not be able to rest sufficiently, which may make falling asleep worse. These are caused by heating at a constant temperature even at the minimum body temperature at midnight, which the biological rhythm during sleep has, but it is also pointed out that the biological rhythm becomes crazy because it is heated at a constant temperature. There is.

When this biological rhythm deviates from the correct biological rhythm, various sleep disorders such as insomnia, difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in deep sleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, shortening of sleep time, etc. appear, and sleep cannot be obtained.

[0008] Furthermore, it is said that cold fever of the head is good for health, but in the condition of the cold fever of the head, since the head is cooled at the time of getting up, the blood pressure is low and the brain is not activated, so that the user is awake. Sometimes it was.

In addition, sleep may be hindered when the bedclothes are damp and damp or when a substance such as formaldehyde causing sick house syndrome is generated in the bedroom.

When sleep deprivation or insomnia is caused by such a phenomenon, various effects are exerted on the living body. For example, growth hormone that promotes growth promotion and recovery from fatigue, cortisol that makes an immune substance, and melatonin necessary for beauty and immune functions are less likely to be secreted. As a result, fatigue remains until the next morning,
The tension does not return to the skin. Further, the balance of the autonomic nerves may be disturbed, and active oxygen may increase in the brain to damage brain cells, resulting in a situation in which the brain itself declines.

In view of the above situation, the present invention focuses on the biological rhythm relating to the body temperature during sleep, and controls the temperature of the heater to rise, fall, or maintain along the temperature change curve of the body temperature. Provide comfortable sleep, alleviate symptoms such as insomnia, or secondary symptoms associated with insomnia, alleviate symptoms such as thirst, and make the sleeping environment a comprehensively comfortable environment. Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a thermotherapy device which is capable of obtaining a good night's sleep and creating a healthy body by a thermal effect during sleep, thereby restoring the vitality of a living body.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the present invention, a thermotherapy device according to the present invention comprises a timer setting means for setting a heating time and a warming means for heating the living body. It comprises a heater and a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the heater to rise, fall or maintain in accordance with the biological rhythm during the time set by the timer setting means.

Here, the heater is composed of a plurality of heater units, and further, the thermotherapy apparatus has balance control means for controlling so that a temperature difference occurs between the plurality of heater units. Is also good.

A plurality of heater units are arranged in at least two places of the living body, and the balance control means is arranged such that the temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is arranged on the other side when sleeping. The temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is controlled so as to be lower than the temperature of the unit, and the temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is adjusted when the time set by the timer setting means elapses. It is controlled to be higher than the temperature.

The balance control means lowers the temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body before the heater unit arranged on the other side of the living body from the time of bedtime to the lapse of a predetermined time. Control so that
During sleep, the temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is controlled to be maintained at a temperature slightly lower than that of the heater unit arranged on the other side of the living body, and set by the timer setting means. The control is performed so that the temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is raised before the temperature of the heater unit arranged on the other side of the living body before the passage of the predetermined time. . The plurality of heater units may be arranged in a part of the upper half of the living body and a part of the lower half of the living body.

A plurality of heater units are arranged in a comforter and a comforter used by the living body, and the balance control means compares the temperature of the heater unit arranged in the comforter with the temperature of the heater unit arranged in the comforter. You may make it control so that it may become high.

The temperature control means raises, lowers or maintains the temperature of the heater while making a change of an indefinite period, for example, a change of 1 / f fluctuation, a change of 1 / f ² fluctuation, or a fluctuation according to chaos theory. It is advisable to perform control so that

The temperature control means controls the temperature of the heater to be higher than the temperature of the non-REM sleep of the living body during the REM sleep, and the temperature of the heater is higher than the temperature of the REM sleep during the non-REM sleep of the living body. It is also possible to control it so that it becomes low.

Further, it is desirable to have a correction means for correcting the temperature controlled by the temperature control means so as to be synchronized with the biological rhythm of the living body using the thermotherapy device.

Here, the correction means includes a living body temperature sensor, a living body pulse sensor, a bed temperature / humidity sensor, and a room temperature / humidity sensor for measuring the temperature in the room. Can also be used to correct the temperature controlled by the temperature control means.

Further, ventilation means for circulating the air in the bed and the outside air may be provided.

Further, the timer setting means has a clock with an alarm function for setting the wake-up time, and the warming time is set in the timer setting means by setting the wake-up time by the clock with the alarm function. May be. Furthermore,
There may be a bedtime setting means for setting a bedtime, and the warming time may be set in the timer setting means by setting the bedtime by the bedtime setting means.

The wake-up timepiece has means for generating sound, light, temperature or scent at the time of waking up, or means for lifting the upper half of the bedding to forcibly wake up the living body. Is also good.

The bedtime setting means may have means for generating a sound or a scent at the bedtime.

Further, the bedtime setting means is composed of a bedtime detection sensor for detecting that the person has gone to bed, and the warming time is set in the timer setting means by detecting the bedtime by the bedtime detection sensor.

Further, a preheating means may be provided for preheating so that the inside of the bed has an appropriate temperature at the bedtime set by the bedtime setting means.

Further, the timer setting means includes at least a several-hour timer, a 24-hour cycle timer, a weekly cycle timer,
Any one-year cycle timer may be used.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide electric potential treatment means, magnetic treatment means, and massage means, and obtain each treatment effect together with the heat treatment effect by the heat treatment apparatus.

Further, the massage means can give a comfortable vibration for sleep at bedtime and a vibration that moves the fingertip of the living body when the time set by the timer setting means has elapsed.

Further, a room having a sterilizing means including an ozone generating means, a photocatalyst means, an adsorbing means, etc., and a room where the heat treatment apparatus is used by the sterilization means while the living body is not using the heat treatment apparatus. It is also possible to sterilize.

Furthermore, a scent adding means for adding the scent of the sun to the bedding may be provided while the thermotherapy device is not used by the living body.

Further, the living body pressure sensor for detecting the portion of the living body under pressure and the temperature of the portion under pressure detected by the living body pressure sensor are set lower than the temperature of the portion without pressure. It is also possible to have a pressure interlocking temperature correcting means.

Further, it is possible to have a temporary heating means for arbitrarily and temporarily heating the thermotherapy device during use and for stopping the temporary heating after a lapse of a predetermined time.

According to the above-mentioned means, since the heating is performed in accordance with the biological rhythm, it is possible to perform the heating in a state where the living body is comfortable. That is, when falling asleep, it warms to a comfortable temperature to suppress excitement of the sympathetic nerves, so it can be put to sleep smoothly, and while sleeping, the temperature is lowered according to the decrease in body temperature of the living body, so thirst etc. due to overheating is prevented. In addition, since the heating is performed again to wake up when waking up, it is possible to obtain the action and effect of being able to wake up smoothly. In addition, by controlling the heating balance of at least the upper and lower body heater units, you can create a cold head and foot heat when falling asleep so that you can sleep more comfortably and warm your head when you wake up. , It is also possible to further activate the brain so that it can be awakened immediately. Furthermore, the more the thermotherapy device is used, the more the biological body can be synchronized with the correct biological rhythm, and the person with insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, etc. can sleep smoothly. Further, by combining the thermotherapy device according to the present invention with a potential therapy device, a magnetic therapy device, etc., the biological rhythm can be corrected more effectively and a more comfortable sleep can be obtained.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a thermotherapy apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the main components of the present invention are a timer setting device 1 for setting a heating time, a heater 2 for heating a living body (user) 20, and a temperature rise of the heater 2. The temperature control device 4 controls to lower or maintain the temperature. The timer setting device 1 is a device for setting the heating time of the thermotherapy device, and even when setting the remaining time for operating the thermotherapy device, it sets the sleep onset time / wakeup time. It doesn't matter. Specifically, the timer setting device 1
May set the operation time to, for example, 3 hours, or may have, for example, a clock 5 with an alarm function. By setting the wake-up time by the clock 5 with the alarm function, the heating time can be set. It may be set.

The heater 2 is for heating a living body by using, for example, a heating wire. The temperature control device 4 controls the temperature of the heater 2, and specifically controls the temperature of the heater 2 to rise, fall, or maintain in accordance with the biological rhythm. The temperature control device 4 is
A temperature adjustment dial or the like for allowing the user 20 to adjust the relative heating level may be provided.

Here, the biological rhythm focusing on the fluctuation of the body temperature of the living body will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing changes in body temperature of a normal living body that lives a regular life from bedtime to waking up. As shown in the figure, the biological rhythm that focuses on changes in body temperature is high during the daytime activity period, decreases from bedtime, becomes the lowest around 2 am to 3 am, and then continues rising until waking up. A dynamic fluctuation.

In order to control the temperature of the heater in accordance with such body temperature fluctuations associated with the biological rhythm, the temperature control device 4
Is a temperature change curve as indicated by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 3, that is, the temperature rises to such an extent that the user 20 feels warm at bedtime, and during sleep, the temperature decreases according to the decrease in body temperature of the living body, and the wake-up time In order to wake up the user 20, the temperature is controlled so that the temperature rises to the extent that the living body feels warm again. By performing such temperature control, the living body 20
When you fall asleep, it warms up to a comfortable temperature to suppress excitement of the sympathetic nerves so that you can sleep smoothly, and during sleep you lower the temperature according to the decrease in body temperature, so you can prevent thirst etc. due to overheating. In addition, since it is possible to wake up and to re-heat to wake up when waking up, it is possible to wake up smoothly.

The heater 2 may be provided at a plurality of parts of the living body 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the heater 2 is composed of a plurality of heater units 6 and 7. For example, the heater unit 6 may be arranged on the upper body side of the living body 20 and the heater unit 7 may be arranged on the lower body side. Note that the present invention is not limited to this arrangement, and the heater unit may
It does not prevent being arranged in other plural parts. Then, the heater unit includes a balance control device 8
Are connected. The balance control device 8 is provided between the temperature control device 4 and the heater units 6 and 7 and controls so that a temperature difference occurs in heating between the heater units. More specifically, in the cold season or the like, for example, the temperature of the heater unit 6 arranged on the upper body side is controlled to be lower than the temperature of the heater unit 7 arranged on the lower body side at bedtime, and the temperature is reversed when waking up. Heater unit 6
Is controlled to be higher than the temperature of the heater unit 7. Contrary to the above, the temperature of the heater unit 6 arranged on the upper body side at the time of sleeping is set to the temperature of the heater unit 7 arranged on the lower body side in consideration of individual differences among users such as seasons, outdoor temperature, coldness and back pain. It is also possible to control the temperature to be higher than the temperature and to control the temperature of the heater unit 6 to be lower than the temperature of the heater unit 7 when waking up.

FIG. 3 shows a temperature change curve by the balance control device in the example of the cold season or the like. The broken line 40 indicates the temperature change of the heater unit 6 provided on the upper body side,
A broken line 50 indicates the temperature change of the heater unit 7 provided on the lower body side. As can be seen from the figure, the balance control device 8 keeps the temperature of the heater unit 6 lower than the temperature of the heater unit 7 during the sleeping time and changes the temperature of the heater unit 6 during the wake-up time. Control each balance so that it is higher than In this way, by controlling the balance of the heater units 6 and 7 by the balance control device 8, it is possible to create a head cold foot heat condition at the time of falling asleep, so it is possible to soften the excitement of the brain and suppress the coldness of the toes, so it is comfortable and smooth. You will be able to fall asleep. On the contrary, when getting up, the temperature of the upper half of the body is made higher than the temperature of the lower half of the body, so that the brain can be activated and the user can wake up smoothly. As mentioned above, according to individual differences,
Of course, it is possible to change the balance control by the balance control device.

Further, the balance control device 8 controls the temperature of the heater unit 6 arranged on the upper body side to fall before the temperature of the heater unit 7 arranged on the lower body side from the time of going to bed until the lapse of a predetermined period. However, while sleeping, the heater unit 6 is maintained at a slightly lower temperature,
By controlling the temperature of the heater unit 6 to rise first before the lapse of a predetermined period from the time of waking up, it becomes possible to sleep and wake up more comfortably.

At times other than the cold season, such as late autumn and early spring,
Contrary to the above, for those who do not have cold feet, the temperature of the heater unit 6 arranged on the upper body side is controlled so as to be lowered after the heater unit 7 arranged on the lower body side, and during sleep, The temperature of the heater unit 7 is maintained to be slightly lower, and the temperature of the heater unit 6 is controlled to be increased later after a predetermined period has elapsed from the time of getting up.

In the above example, the heater unit is provided on the upper body side and the lower body side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the upper side and the lower side of the living body, that is, on the comforter side. A heater unit may be arranged on each of the mattress side. In this case, it is desirable to control the temperature of the heater unit arranged on the comforter side to be higher than the temperature of the heater unit arranged on the comforter side. By doing so, it becomes possible to prevent stuffiness of the back and the like, and to warm the toes of a person having a cold condition.

Here, the temperature control device 4 is not a simple change as shown in FIG. 3, but a user 20 as shown in FIG.
It is of course possible to control so that the temperature of the heater 2 is increased, decreased or maintained while changing the indefinite period so that the user feels comfortable heating. The change of the indefinite period may be, for example, a change of 1 / f fluctuation or a change of 1 / f ² . Further, a change in fluctuation may be added by using chaos theory, or an indefinite period may be changed by using various things such as neuro and fuzzy. By doing so, the user 20 can be warmed more naturally and comfortably, and further comfortable sleep can be obtained.

Further, the temperature control device 4 can also control the temperature corresponding to the REM sleep / non-REM sleep of the living body. Specifically, during REM sleep, it is desirable to control so that the temperature of the heater becomes higher than that during non-REM sleep, and conversely, during non-REM sleep, it is desirable to control so that the temperature of the heater becomes lower than during REM sleep. During REM sleep, since the brain is awake and the body remains asleep, the thermoregulatory function of the living body disappears, which may occur in response to cold, so the temperature of the heater is raised. When the temperature remains high, the temperature of the heater is lowered during the non-REM sleep because the sweat and the desire to urinate are promoted during the non-REM sleep. By doing this, you can maintain a deep sleep during sleep and get a good night's sleep because you can sleep soundly. It should be noted that REM sleep and non-REM sleep occur in about 90-minute cycles in a healthy person, so by using this cycle, the time zones of REM sleep and non-REM sleep may be determined and controlled, body temperature, It may be controlled more accurately by measuring the pulse rate or the like. Further, it is possible to judge REM sleep / non-REM sleep from the number of times of rolling over.

Further, the temperature control device 4 can be appropriately corrected according to the user 20. That is, since the biological rhythm is slightly different for each user 20, it is possible to further sleep by controlling the temperature according to the user. For example, the temperature control device 4 is connected with a correction means 9 for correcting the temperature. The correction means 9 includes a sensor for measuring a variable element related to a biological rhythm, such as a biological temperature sensor for measuring a body temperature of the user during sleep, a biological pulse sensor for measuring a pulse, or the like. It is possible to sequentially correct the temperature controlled by the temperature control device 4 based on the data measured by at least one connected sensor. This is effective, for example, for people whose night work is becoming a day and day and night are reversed.

By fixing the temperature change curve corresponding to the normal biological rhythm and using it for a long period of time, it is possible to synchronize the deviated biological rhythm with the normal biological rhythm. The sleep disorder caused by the deviation of the biological rhythm can be reduced.

Further, it goes without saying that the user 20 can make fine adjustments to the correction means 9 depending on whether he / she was good at falling asleep / waking up, was able to sleep comfortably, or the like. By doing so, it becomes possible to keep the temperature suitable for the user as it is used.

Further, since the comfortable temperature changes depending on the temperature and humidity inside the bed, the temperature sensor inside the bed and the humidity sensor inside the bed are used as the correcting means 9 to measure the temperature and humidity inside the bed. Of course, it is also useful to appropriately correct the temperature of the heater 2 by using the temperature and humidity measured by these sensors.

It is also possible to provide a ventilation means for measuring the humidity in the bed by means of the humidity sensor in the bed and, when the humidity is too high, for replacing the air in the bed with the outside air. Specifically, it can be realized by providing an air ejection port in an air mat or the like and sending outside air from the air ejection port. Ventilation reduces the tendency to roll over, provides a deeper sleep, and eliminates the feeling of drowsiness in the bed, resulting in a more comfortable sleep.

Further, the temperature of the heater 2 may be corrected in accordance with the temperature and humidity in the room by measuring the temperature and humidity not only in the bed but also in the room where the thermotherapy device is used. This is because when the room itself is hot, the temperature of the heater 2 may naturally be low.

Next, the timepiece 5 with the alarm function will be described. The clock 5 with an alarm function is a timer setting device 1
Is used for setting the wake-up time in the timer setting device 1. As for the alarm function,
Those that generate light, temperature, scent, etc. are included. When the wake-up time set by the alarm clock 5 is reached,
Awaken comfortably by sounding birds singing, shining strong light such as the light of the early morning sun, raising the temperature of the heater 2 and reproducing the scent associated with the morning, such as the scent of miso soup. Urge.

At the wake-up time, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature of the heater 2 is gradually increased by the temperature control device 4, and the temperature of the heater unit 6 on the upper body side is set by the balance control device 8 on the lower body side. Since the temperature is higher than the temperature of the heater unit 7, the brain can be activated and it is possible to wake up refreshed and refreshed.

The wake-up function may be a bed forcibly raising the upper half of the living body 20. The living body is most easily awakened when the upper half of the body is raised, so that it is possible to wake up smoothly.

Further, the timer setting device 1 is provided with a device for setting the bedtime, the bedtime is set in advance, and the operation of the thermotherapy device automatically starts when it is time to go to bed. Of course, it is also possible to leave it. This saves you from having to set a timer every time you sleep. Note that the heater may be preheated so that the inside of the bed has an appropriate temperature in advance at the set bedtime. By doing so, the temperature is already comfortable at the time of entering the bed, and it becomes possible to sleep comfortably without feeling cold and uncomfortable.

Further, at the set bedtime, as a function of inducing drowsiness, a means for suppressing the excitement and generating a sound for comfortably sleeping like a lullaby, and a scent for comfortably sleeping are generated. Providing a means for exerting an aromatherapy effect is also useful for obtaining a good night's sleep.
Furthermore, it is possible to induce drowsiness by changing the light.

Here, the case where light is used as the wake-up function connected to the timer setting device 1 and the function of inducing drowsiness when falling asleep will be described more specifically. When falling asleep, the reddish brightness of an incandescent lamp is automatically changed to the brightness of a miniature bulb. It is desirable to gradually change this from about one hour before bedtime.
By doing so, the excitement of the brain is suppressed, the secretion of melatonin is promoted, and the body is put into a state where it is easy to fall asleep. Turns off completely during sleep. When you wake up, the white light that is close to Asahi,
It will gradually brighten up to over 500 lux.
It is desirable that this be gradually changed from 30 minutes to 1 hour before the wake-up time. By doing so, it becomes possible for the body to start preparing for the active period and to wake up refreshingly. Also, by taking a bright light,
The biological rhythm will also be adjusted appropriately.

Even if the bedtime is not set in advance, a bedtime detection sensor may be provided on a pillow, a bed, or the like, and even if the bedtime detection sensor detects that the person has gone to bed, the thermotherapy apparatus may start operating. Of course it doesn't matter.

Further, the timer setting device 1 may be a timer for several hours, that is, a timer for setting the remaining time for operating the thermotherapy device, or a timer for setting sleep-on time / wake-up time. As mentioned above,
It may be a long-term timer such as a time timer, a one-week timer, or a one-year timer. For example, in the case of a 24-hour timer, as described above, sound and light are generated before and after the set bedtime, and sound and light are generated in accordance with the wake-up time. Ventilation and sterilization in the bed can be performed as described later during the time when the other thermal treatment devices are not used. With a one-week timer, it is possible to perform treatment that does not place a burden on the living body by performing temperature control that slowly leads to a normal biological rhythm for those who have a disordered biological rhythm. Become. In addition, when using an electric potential treatment device together, keep the output low at the beginning of use and gradually increase the output as the day goes by, or change the output pattern for each day of the week. Is also possible. Furthermore, if a one-year timer is used, it is of course possible to perform temperature control according to the season.

It is also possible to provide a means by which the user 20 can optionally temporarily heat. This is because, after waking up at night and after going to the toilet or the like, it may feel cold, so that the temporary heating means temporarily heats it, and the temporary heating is stopped after a predetermined period has elapsed. .

Next, the temperature correction of the heater for the body type of the living body, the sleeping posture, etc. will be described. When a living body lays on a mat-shaped heater of a hyperthermia treatment device, the heater is not uniformly applied with pressure, but the buttocks, back, etc. are in close contact with the heater and relatively large pressure is applied. The parts are not so pressured. At this time, the portion under pressure tends to retain heat, and often feels warm even when the temperature is low. On the contrary, the portion where pressure is not applied often feels cold because it is difficult to transmit heat to the living body. Therefore, it is desirable that the temperature of the heater is corrected by incorporating a living body pressure sensor that detects a portion of the living body under pressure, in conjunction with the portion of the living body under pressure. That is, the pressure applied portion is detected by the living body pressure sensor, and the temperature of the heater of the detected portion is set to be lower than the temperature of the portion where no pressure is applied. By doing this, the portion that is in close contact with the heater will not be overheated, and you will be able to sleep comfortably. In addition, it is possible to prevent low temperature burns and the like in the close contact portion.

By using such a thermotherapy device,
Various thermal effects, such as recovery from fatigue and acceleration of metabolism, improving blood circulation, removing muscle fatigue, relieving muscle stiffness, relieving pain from neuralgia / muscle pain, and improving gastrointestinal function. Can be obtained. In addition, the effect of Edgar Cayce's treatment method, promotion of whole body metabolism, half body bath effect, beauty promotion, cold improvement, sauna effect,
The effects of heat treatment, such as the far-infrared effect, are immeasurable. With these effects, you can immediately fall asleep, get a deep sleep, and wake up more refreshed. Further, it is of course possible to temporarily use the thermotherapy device according to the present invention not only when sleeping at night but also when taking a nap. Even if you sleep for a short time, you can create a relaxed state when you fall asleep, which makes it easier to fall asleep, and you can create a state where you can easily wake up when the time set by the timer setting device 1 elapses. Is possible.

Furthermore, by adding a potential effect or the like to the above-mentioned thermal effect, a more comfortable sleep can be obtained. Specifically, by further connecting the electric potential treatment apparatus 10 to the thermotherapy apparatus according to the present invention, heating it with a heater and performing electric potential treatment by the electric potential treatment apparatus, a more comfortable sleep can be obtained by their synergistic effect. Will be available. In addition, it becomes possible to treat a person whose biological rhythm is in disorder or insomnia while sleeping. Specific potential effects include headache, stiff neck, insomnia, chronic constipation, strengthening immunity, healing wounds, facilitating bone fracture healing, and protecting against overreaction of active oxygen. , Promotion of enzymatic reaction, autonomic nerve regulation, etc. In addition to the electric potential treatment device, it is of course possible to perform the magnetic treatment or the massage treatment simultaneously with the heating by using the magnetic treatment device 11 or the massage device 12 so as to obtain the magnetic effect or the massage effect. The magnetic effects include improvement of psychosis, facilitation of healing of fractures, improvement of blood circulation, and the like. In addition, examples of the massage effect include recovery from fatigue, improvement of blood circulation, relief of neuralgia / muscle pain, and the like. By using a therapeutic device that can obtain these various effects together with the hyperthermia therapeutic device according to the present invention, synergistic effects of the respective actions work, and more comfortable sleep can be obtained as compared with using each of them alone. And the therapeutic effect is enhanced.

Here, the massage device 12 can give a smoother sleep by giving a comfortable vibration to a living body during sleep, similar to the vibration of an automobile or a train. . In addition, vibration may be applied as if the baby is tongue-easing.

Furthermore, when getting up, moving the fingertip improves the blood flow and makes it easier to wake up.
It is also possible to give a vibration by moving the fingertips of the living body at the time of getting up by the method of 2. By doing this, you can wake up more refreshed.

Next, the function of the thermotherapy device of the present invention other than during sleep will be described. By providing a device for sterilizing the inside of the room where the thermotherapy device is used while the living body is not using the thermotherapy device, for example, during the daytime, the entire room is sterilized so that the patient can sleep comfortably. For example, by installing an ozone generator, you can sterilize and disinfect the room,
Avoid unpleasant odors during sleep. Also,
A photocatalytic means may be used to decompose and remove formaldehyde. Further, formaldehyde may be adsorbed and removed by using an adsorbing means such as zeolite.

The scent of the sun may be added to the bedding while the living body is not using the thermotherapy device of the present invention. The odor of the sun after drying the bedding in the sun has the effect of relaxing the mood and getting a good night's sleep. Therefore, by chemically smelling the sun, more sleep can be obtained.

Further, it is of course possible to dry the bedding by heating the heater 2 to a high temperature during the daytime so that the bedding becomes comfortable during sleep.

Now, a temporal flow when the user 20 uses the hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to the present invention configured as above will be described. First, turn on the thermotherapy device at bedtime,
The sleep time is set in the timer setting device 1. Sleep time is
The remaining time until waking up may be set, or the time when the user sleeps and the time when he wakes up may be set by the clock 5 with the alarm function. To set the bedtime, the time when the wakeup time is set by the timer setting device 1 may be set as the bedtime, or the bedtime may be set in advance in time. At bedtime, the temperature of the heater 2 is raised to such an extent that the user 20 feels warm. If the bedtime is set in advance, it is possible to preheat before that time. Then, after going to bed, the temperature of the heater 2 is controlled to be the lowest around 2 am to 3 am when the body temperature is the lowest. After that, the temperature of the heater 2 is gradually raised until the user 20 feels warm again during the wake-up time.

When the heater 2 is composed of the heater units 6 and 7 arranged in a part of the upper body and the lower body,
For example, in the cold season, during bedtime, the temperature of the heater unit 6 provided on the upper body side is balanced so as to be lower than the temperature of the heater unit 7 provided on the lower body side. On the contrary to the wake-up time, the heater unit 6
Is balanced so that its temperature is higher than the temperature of the heater unit 7. At this time, as described above, the balance control device 8 lowers the temperature of the heater unit 6 arranged on the upper body side before the heater unit 7 arranged on the lower body side, from the time of going to bed to the elapse of a predetermined period. The temperature of the heater unit 6 is maintained to be a little lower than that during sleep, and the temperature of the heater unit 6 is controlled to be increased first before a predetermined period elapses after waking up. You will be able to sleep and wake up more comfortably.

By controlling in this manner, at bedtime, the sympathetic nerve is appropriately heated so as to suppress the excitement of the sympathetic nerve, and the head is in a cold foot condition. Therefore, the brain excitement is suppressed and the cooling of the toes is suppressed. As a result, you can fall asleep comfortably and smoothly. Then, during sleep, the temperature of the heater is lowered along with the decrease of the body temperature, so that it becomes possible to suppress thirst, excessive sweating, lassitude and the like due to excessive heating. Furthermore, when getting up, it is heated again and the temperature of the upper body side is made higher than the temperature of the lower body side,
It will activate the brain and allow you to wake up more smoothly.

Then, sound, light, vibration, scent and the like are generated at bedtime and when waking up, so that sleep and awakening can be performed more smoothly.

Further, during sleep, it is possible to obtain deeper sleep by finely adjusting the temperature of the heater 2 in accordance with REM sleep and non-REM sleep. Since REM sleep and non-REM sleep occur in a 90-minute cycle in a healthy person, the cycle of REM sleep / non-REM sleep may be determined and controlled by using this cycle, body temperature, pulse, etc. The measurement may be performed more accurately.

Further, by continuing to use the hyperthermia treatment device for a long period of time, the biorhythm of the user can be promoted to a correct biorhythm, and the biorhythm can be corrected, and insomnia and difficulty falling asleep can be obtained. It becomes possible for people such as these to sleep smoothly.

Furthermore, the electric potential treatment device 10 and the magnetic treatment device 1
1. Furthermore, by using the massage device 12 together with falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up, not only a more comfortable and restful sleep can be obtained, but also the biological rhythm can be more positively corrected, and insomnia, etc. Treatment can also be given simultaneously during sleep.

By using a 24-hour timer or the like, it is possible to construct a comfortable environment for sleeping at night by performing sterilization and sterilization during the daytime and when the bed is not used. Becomes

The hyperthermia treatment apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above illustrated examples, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0078]

As described above, according to the thermotherapy apparatus of the present invention, by controlling the temperature of the heater in accordance with the biological rhythm, there is no symptom due to overheating such as thirst, and a comfortable sleep. Is obtained, sleep is smooth, and you can sleep well,
During sleep, the person can get a deep and deep sleep, and the awakening is also refreshing, and it is possible to eliminate the dissatisfaction with sleep until now, and it is possible to obtain various effects due to the heat effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a thermotherapy apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a change in body temperature of a living body due to a biological rhythm.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a temperature change curve of a heater unit of the thermotherapy apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a temperature control of a heater unit of the thermotherapy apparatus according to the present invention with fluctuation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Timer setting device 2 heater 4 Temperature control device 5 Clock with alarm function 6,7 heater unit 8 Balance control device 9 Correction means 10 Potential therapy device 11 Magnetic therapy device 12 Massage device 20 Living body (user)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) A61L 2/20 A61L 2/20 H J A61M 21/00 310 A61M 21/00 310 21/02 A61N 1/10 A61N 1/10 A61M 21/00 300Z 2/08 300C A61N 1/42 D (72) Inventor Etsuko Furukawa 800 Shinyokoe-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki Japan Institute of Science and Technology (72) Inventor Teruhiko Kurosaki Nagasaki Prefecture, Sasebo City, Shinyoe Town, 800 Japan Institute of Physical and Medical Research (72) Inventor, Toshihiro Kawabe 800, Shinyoe Town, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan Institute of Science and Technology (72) Inventor, Toyama 800 Shingyoe-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki Japan Institute of Physical and Medical Research (72) Inventor Sayuri Aoyama 800 Shinyoe-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki Shikikai Corporation Japan Science and Technology Institute for Medical Research in the F-term (reference) 4C053 EE13 EE18 4C058 AA23 BB07 CC05 DD04 JJ05 JJ13 JJ14 4C074 AA03 AA04 AA05 BB05 CC01 GG02 GG20 HH05 4C106 AA10 BB30 CC03 CC40 EE04 FF16 4C341 KL02 KL07 KL08

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A thermotherapy apparatus, a timer setting means for setting a heating time, a heater for heating the living body, and a biological rhythm according to a biological rhythm during a time set by the timer setting means. And a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the heater to rise, fall or maintain. 2. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater includes a plurality of heater units, and the thermal treatment apparatus further includes a temperature difference between respective temperatures of the plurality of heater units. A hyperthermia treatment apparatus having a balance control means for controlling so as to cause 3. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of heater units are arranged at at least two positions of the living body, and the balance control means is provided on one side of the living body at bedtime. The temperature of the heater unit arranged is controlled so as to be lower than the temperature of the heater unit arranged on the other side, and when the time set by the timer setting means has elapsed, the heater unit is arranged on one side of the living body. A thermotherapy device, wherein the temperature of the heater unit is controlled to be higher than the temperature of the heater unit arranged on the other side. 4. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the balance control means controls the temperature of a heater unit arranged on one side of the living body from the time of bed to a predetermined time. The temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is arranged on the other side of the living body while the sleep unit is controlled so as to be lowered before the heater unit arranged on the other side of the living body. The heater unit is controlled so as to be maintained at a temperature slightly lower than that of the heater unit, and the temperature of the heater unit arranged on one side of the living body is maintained before a predetermined time elapses from the time set by the timer setting unit. A hyperthermia treatment apparatus, wherein control is performed such that the heater unit is raised before the heater unit arranged on the other side of the living body. 5. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of heater units are arranged in a part of an upper half body and a part of a lower half body of the living body. Thermotherapy device. 6. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of heater units are arranged in a comforter and a comforter used by the living body, and the balance control means is a heater arranged in the comforter. A thermotherapy device, wherein the temperature of the unit is controlled so as to be higher than the temperature of the heater unit arranged in the mattress. 7. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control means raises, lowers or maintains the temperature of the heater while changing the indefinite cycle. A thermotherapy device characterized in that it is controlled. 8. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the change of the indefinite period is 1 / f fluctuation, 1 / f fluctuation.
f ² A hyperthermia treatment device characterized by a change in fluctuation or a change in fluctuation due to chaos theory. 9. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control means compares the temperature of the heater with the temperature of the living body during non-REM sleep. A hyperthermia treatment apparatus, which is controlled to be higher and is controlled to be lower than the temperature of REM sleep of the living body during non-REM sleep. 10. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1, further controlled by the temperature control means so as to synchronize with a biological rhythm of a living body using the thermotherapy device. A thermotherapy device comprising a correction means for correcting the temperature of the heat. 11. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction means has a living body temperature sensor for measuring a living body temperature, and uses the living body temperature measured by the living body temperature sensor. And the temperature controlled by the temperature control means is corrected to correct the temperature. 12. The hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction means has a living body pulse sensor for measuring a living body pulse, and the pulse measured by the living body pulse sensor is used. A thermotherapy device characterized in that the temperature controlled by the temperature control means is corrected. 13. The hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction means has an in-bed temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in the bed, and the bed measured by the in-bed temperature sensor. A thermotherapy device characterized in that the temperature controlled by the temperature control means is corrected using the internal temperature. 14. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction unit has an in-bed humidity sensor for measuring the humidity in the bed, and the bed measured by the in-bed humidity sensor. A thermotherapy device, characterized in that the temperature controlled by the temperature control means is corrected by using the internal humidity. 15. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a ventilation means for circulating the air in the bed and the outside air. 16. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction unit has an in-room temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in a room in which the thermal treatment apparatus is used, A thermotherapy device characterized by correcting the temperature controlled by the temperature control means using the temperature in the room measured by the internal temperature sensor. 17. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction means has an in-room humidity sensor for measuring humidity in a room where the thermotherapy apparatus is used. A thermotherapy device characterized in that the temperature controlled by the temperature control means is corrected using the humidity in the room measured by an internal humidity sensor. 18. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timer setting means has a clock with an alarm function for setting the wake-up time.
A thermotherapy device, wherein the warming time is set in the timer setting means by setting the wake-up time by the clock with an alarm function. 19. The thermotherapy device according to claim 18, wherein the timepiece with an alarm function has means for generating sound, light, temperature or scent at or before the rising time. And thermal treatment equipment. 20. The thermotherapy device according to claim 18, wherein the watch with an alarm function has means for lifting the upper half of the bedding in order to forcibly wake up the living body at the wake-up time. Characterizing thermotherapy device. 21. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timer setting means has a bedtime setting means for setting a bedtime, and the bedtime setting is made. A thermotherapy device, wherein the heating time is set in the timer setting means by setting a bedtime by means. 22. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the bedtime setting means has means for generating sound, light, temperature, or scent at or before the bedtime. And thermal treatment equipment. 23. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the bedtime setting means is composed of a bedtime detection sensor for detecting that the person has gone to bed, and the bedtime detection sensor detects the bedtime. By doing so, the heating time is set in the timer setting means. 24. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, further preliminarily preheated so that the inside of the bed has an appropriate temperature at the bedtime set by the bedtime setting means. A hyperthermia treatment device comprising a preheating means for 25. The thermotherapy device according to claim 18, wherein the timer setting means includes:
A thermotherapy device, which is at least one of a several-hour timer, a 24-hour cycle timer, a weekly cycle timer, and an annual cycle timer. 26. The hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a heater for heating the living body by the heater and a potential treatment means for performing potential treatment on the living body. A hyperthermia treatment device comprising: 27. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a magnetic treatment means for heating the living body by the heater and performing magnetic treatment on the living body. A hyperthermia treatment device comprising: 28. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1, further comprising a massage means for heating the living body by the heater and massaging the living body. A thermotherapy device characterized by the above. 29. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the massage means gives a comfortable vibration to sleep at bedtime. 30. The thermotherapy device according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the massage means gives a vibration for moving the fingertip of the living body when the time set by the timer setting means elapses. A thermotherapy device characterized by the above. 31. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1, further comprising a sterilizing means, and the sterilizing means while the thermotherapy device is not used by the living body. The heat treatment apparatus is characterized by sterilizing a room in which the heat treatment apparatus is used. 32. The hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the sterilizing means comprises ozone generating means, and the ozone generating means sterilizes a room in which the thermotherapy apparatus is used. Thermal treatment device. 33. The hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the sterilizing means comprises photocatalytic means, and the photocatalytic means decomposes and removes formaldehyde and the like in a room where the thermotherapy apparatus is used. Characterizing thermotherapy device. 34. The hyperthermia treatment apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the sterilizing means comprises an adsorbing means made of zeolite or the like, and the adsorbing means adsorbs formaldehyde or the like in a room in which the thermotherapy apparatus is used. A thermotherapy device characterized by being removed. 35. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising adding a sun scent to the bedding while the thermal treatment apparatus is not used by the living body. A hyperthermia treatment device having a scent adding means. 36. The thermotherapy apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a living body pressure sensor for detecting a portion of the living body under pressure, and the living body pressure sensor for detecting the living body pressure sensor. And a pressure interlocking temperature correction means for setting the temperature of a portion under pressure to be lower than the temperature of a portion without pressure. 37. The thermal treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising heating the thermal treatment apparatus at any time during use and temporarily after a predetermined time has elapsed. A hyperthermia treatment apparatus having a temporary heating means for stopping the normal heating.