JP2006317074A - Environmental temperature control method and device, and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve an environmental temperature suitable for depth of sleep in consideration of characteristics of sleep where REM sleep and non-REM sleep alternately appear by every sleeping period. <P>SOLUTION: A set temperature is temporarily lowered from a temperature RT to a temperature (RT-3δ), and then raised to a temperature (RT-2δ) (δ>0) during a time period T1 from a falling sleep time Ts to a time (Ts+T) after a sleeping period T. In a time period T2 thereafter, the set temperature is temporarily lowered from the temperature (RT-2δ) to a temperature (RT-4δ), and then raised to a temperature (RT-3δ). Then in a period T3 thereafter, the set temperature is temporarily lowered from the temperature (RT-3δ) to the temperature (RT-4δ), and then raised to the temperature (RT-3δ). In a period T4 thereafter, the set temperature is kept at the temperature (RT-3δ) for a specific time, and then raised to the temperature (RT-3δ). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for indirectly controlling a user's sleep by controlling the environmental temperature of the user.

  FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between human sleep depth and time with a curve 200. In general, sleep is divided into REM (rapid eye movement) sleep (hereinafter referred to as “REM sleep”) and NON-REM sleep (hereinafter referred to as “non-REM sleep”), and these appear alternately. A cycle in which REM sleep and non-REM sleep appear alternately is called a sleep cycle, and it can be seen from FIG. 5 that it is approximately 90 minutes.

  Non-REM sleep is classified from sleep stage I, which is light sleep, to sleep stage IV, which is deep sleep. It is considered that sleep stage III and sleep stage IV are important in determining the quality of sleep among non-REM sleep. On the other hand, it is known that when awakening in REM sleep, so-called awakening is likely to cause a bad state, and awakening in non-REM sleep has a higher satisfaction after awakening.

  From such a point of view, for example, Patent Literatures 1 to 4 introduce technologies relating to alarms and clocks for waking up in REM sleep. Patent Document 5 introduces a technique for improving sleep quality such as shortening the latency to sleep stage IV and extending REM sleep time by providing fluctuations in the temperature setting in the air conditioner.

JP-A-8-160172 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-122452 JP 2001-242268 A JP 2004-290470 A Japanese Patent No. 3018752

  However, in the techniques introduced in Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is necessary to estimate whether or not the user is in a REM sleep state by detecting a user's movement or the like, and such facilities and equipment are essential. End up.

  In addition, the technology introduced in Patent Document 5 controls the environmental temperature in consideration of non-REM sleep, but the fluctuation of the temperature setting is directly related to the sleep characteristic that REM sleep and non-REM sleep appear alternately. Are set independently.

  Then, this invention aims at providing the technique which obtains the environmental temperature suitable for the depth of sleep in view of the characteristic of sleep that REM sleep and non-REM sleep appear alternately for every sleep cycle.

  In the first aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, the environmental temperature (TA) for the sleep subject is controlled based on the sleep cycle (T), which is the cycle for the sleep depth.

  Preferably, the control of the environmental temperature (TA) is switched at the boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T).

  Preferably, the environmental temperature (TA) is controlled for each sleep cycle (T1 to T5).

  Preferably, at the boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T), the environmental temperature (TA) is decreased from an increase, or the environmental temperature is controlled from an increase to a constant temperature.

  A second aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention is the first aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, and includes the following steps (a) to (d): (a) the sleep cycle (B) lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a first period (T11) that is shorter than (T) and starting from the time of sleep (Ts); (b) shorter than the first period and ending the first period In the second period (T12) starting with the sleep time and ending after one sleep cycle has elapsed (Ts + T), the step of increasing the environmental temperature, (c) a scheduled awakening time shorter than the sleep cycle (D) a step of lowering or keeping the environmental temperature constant in a third period (T41) starting from a point (Ts + 3T) that is one sleep cycle backward from (Ta), (d) longer than the third period , Fourth in the period (T42), the step of raising the ambient temperature to exit the wake scheduled time to begin at the end of the third period.

  A third aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention is the second aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, further comprising the following steps (e) and (f) after the step (d). (E) A step of lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a fifth period (T51) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from the expected awakening time (Ta), (f) From the fifth period A step of increasing the environmental temperature in a sixth period (T52) that starts with the end of the fifth period and ends after the elapse of one sleep cycle (Ta + T) from the scheduled awakening time.

  A fourth aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention is the second aspect or the third aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, wherein the following steps (g) and (h) are performed in the step (b) ) And (c): (g) The environmental temperature (TA) is shorter in the seventh period (T21), which is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts with the end of the second period (T12). (H) in the eighth period (T22) starting with the end of the seventh period (T21) and ending after one sleep cycle (Ts + 2T) from the start of the seventh period, The step of raising the temperature.

  A fifth aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention is the fourth aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, wherein the amount of decrease in the environmental temperature (TA) in the seventh period (T21) ( −2δ) is smaller than the decrease amount (−3δ) of the environmental temperature in the first period (T11).

  A sixth aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention is any one of the second to fifth aspects of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, wherein the following steps (i) and (j) are performed as described above. Further comprising between steps (b) and (c): (i) a time period shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starting from a time point (Ts + 2T) that is two sleep cycles after the expected awakening time (Ta). A step of lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a nine period (T31); (j) a tenth period (T32) that starts with the end of the ninth period and ends at the start of the third period (Ts + 3T). Increasing the ambient temperature.

  A seventh aspect of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention is any one of the second to sixth aspects of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention, wherein the third period in the step (c). The ambient temperature (TA) of (T41) is kept constant.

  A first aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention includes a timekeeping unit (1) that measures the current time (t), a temperature measuring unit (2) that measures the environmental temperature (TA) for a sleep subject, A control unit (4) for creating an environmental temperature adjustment plan (K) based on a scheduled awakening time (Ta), a sleep onset time (Ts), and a sleep cycle (T) that is a cycle for the depth of sleep, A temperature adjustment unit (5) for adjusting the environmental temperature based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan according to the current time.

  Preferably, the control of the environmental temperature (TA) is switched at the boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T).

  Preferably, the environmental temperature (TA) is controlled for each sleep cycle (T1 to T5).

  Preferably, at the boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T), the environmental temperature (TA) is decreased from an increase, or the environmental temperature is controlled from an increase to a constant temperature.

  A second aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention is the first aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, and includes the following steps (a) to (based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K): d): (a) lowering the ambient temperature (TA) in a first period (T11) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from the time of sleep (Ts); (b) the first A step of increasing the environmental temperature in a second period (T12) that is shorter than one period and starts with the end of the first period and ends after one sleep cycle has elapsed (Ts + T) from the time of falling asleep. c) In the third period (T41) starting from a time point (Ts + 3T) that is shorter than the sleep cycle and one sleep cycle backward from the expected awakening time (Ta), the environmental temperature is lowered or kept constant. Step, (d) the third longer than the period, the fourth period ending in the wake scheduled time to begin at the end of the third period (T42), the step of increasing the environmental temperature.

  A third aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention is the second aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention, and the following steps (e) and (f) are performed based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K). ) Is further executed after the step (d): (e) In the fifth period (T51) shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starting from the expected awakening time (Ta), the environmental temperature (TA) is (F) in a sixth period (T52) that is longer than the fifth period, starts with the end of the fifth period, and ends after the elapse of one sleep cycle (Ta + T) from the scheduled awakening time. Increasing the ambient temperature.

  A fourth aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention is the second aspect or the third aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, and includes the following steps based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K): (G) (h) is further executed between the steps (b) and (c): (g) A seventh time shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starting with the end of the second period (T12). A step of lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a period (T21); (h) starting with the end of the seventh period (T21) and after the elapse of one sleep cycle from the start of the seventh period (Ts + 2T) Increasing the environmental temperature in an eighth period (T22) to be ended;

  A fifth aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention is the fourth aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention, wherein the amount of decrease in the environmental temperature (TA) in the seventh period (T21) ( −2δ) is smaller than the decrease amount (−3δ) of the environmental temperature in the first period (T11).

  A sixth aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention is any one of the second to fifth aspects of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, and is based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K). Then, the following steps (i) and (j) are further executed between the steps (b) and (c): (i) The sleep cycle is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and the sleep cycle 2 A step of lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a ninth period (T31) starting from a point (Ts + 2T) that is traced back by (j), and (j) starting with the end of the ninth period and at the start of the third period ( Increasing the environmental temperature in a tenth period (T32) ending at (Ts + 3T);

  A seventh aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention is any one of the second to sixth aspects of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the third period in the step (c). The ambient temperature (TA) of (T41) is kept constant.

  The environmental temperature control method according to the present invention can be executed by an air conditioner.

  For example, the sleep cycle (T) is 90 minutes.

  According to the 1st aspect of the environmental temperature control method concerning this invention, and the 1st aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus, the environmental temperature suitable for the depth of sleep can be obtained.

  According to the second aspect of the environmental temperature control method and the second aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention, the sleep is induced so that non-REM sleep having a deep sleep depth immediately after falling asleep becomes longer in the first period. , Thus improving the quality of sleep. On the other hand, the non-REM sleep after the end of the second period is deepened while inducing the REM sleep in the second period. In the 4th period, sleep is induced so that the period of REM sleep becomes long, and a comfortable awakening is caused.

  According to the third aspect of the environmental temperature control method and the third aspect of the environmental temperature control device according to the present invention, when the user does not wake up at the scheduled time of wakeup, the wakeup after the next sleep cycle elapses is induced.

  According to the fourth aspect of the environmental temperature control method and the fourth aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, in the seventh period, the time of non-REM sleep during the whole sleep period is increased, while in the eighth period Deepens non-REM sleep after the end of the eighth period while inducing REM sleep.

  According to the fifth aspect of the environmental temperature control method and the fifth aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from going to sleep.

  According to the sixth aspect of the environmental temperature control method and the sixth aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, the ninth period ensures the non-REM sleep time during the entire sleep period, while the tenth period Induces REM sleep.

  According to the seventh aspect of the environmental temperature control method and the seventh aspect of the environmental temperature control apparatus according to the present invention, the sleep depth in the third period is not increased, so that the appearance of non-REM sleep in the fourth period is easy. And

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of environmental temperature control capable of realizing the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention.

  The timer unit 1 measures the current time t. A known timer or clock can be used for the time measuring unit 1. The temperature measuring unit 2 measures the environmental temperature TA. A known temperature sensor can be employed for the temperature measuring unit 2. The sleep plan input unit 3 can be input with a sleep plan J such as a scheduled awakening time or a scheduled sleeping time. The storage unit 6 stores sleep cycle T, temperature increment δ, and the like as data D.

  The environmental temperature TA and the sleep plan J are input to the control unit 4 in the form of data together with the data D, and the environmental temperature adjustment plan K is created by the control unit 4 based on these. Since the current time t is also input to the control unit 4, the environmental temperature adjustment plan K is given to the temperature control air blowing unit 5 as a command according to the current time t. Based on this command, the temperature control blower 5 operates to adjust the environmental temperature using the blown air. A known arithmetic processing unit such as a microcomputer can be employed for the control unit 4, and a known temperature adjusting mechanism using a warm air heater or refrigerant can be employed for the temperature adjusting air blowing unit 5. Moreover, it may replace with the temperature control ventilation part 5, and may employ | adopt the temperature control mechanism which does not have a ventilation function.

  The timer 1 may be built in the controller 4.

First embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing a first embodiment of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis and the vertical axis represent time and set temperature, respectively, and a curve 101 shows a change with time of the set environmental temperature. The environmental temperature TA up to the sleep time Ts is assumed to be the temperature RT.

  In the environmental temperature control in the present embodiment, the environmental temperature for the user who is the subject of sleep is controlled based on the sleep cycle T. As described above, since the sleep depth periodically varies in the sleep cycle T, by controlling the environmental temperature based on the sleep cycle T, it is possible to obtain an environmental temperature suitable for the sleep depth.

  More specifically, environmental temperature control is switched at the boundary of the sleep cycle T. For example, in FIG. 2, in the period T1 from the sleep time Ts to the time (Ts + T) when the sleep cycle T has elapsed, the set temperature temporarily decreases from the temperature RT to the temperature (RT-3δ) and then to the temperature (RT-2δ). Increase (δ> 0). Then, in the period T2 from the time (Ts + T) to the time (Ts + 2T) when the sleep cycle T has elapsed, the set temperature temporarily decreases from the temperature (RT-2δ) to the temperature (RT-4δ), and then the temperature (RT-3δ). To rise. Then, in the period T3 from the time (Ts + 2T) to the time (Ts + 3T) when the sleep cycle T has elapsed, the set temperature is once lowered from the temperature (RT-3δ) to the temperature (RT-4δ), and then the temperature (RT-3δ). To rise. In a period T4 from the time (Ts + 3T) to the time (Ts + 4T) when the sleep cycle T has elapsed, the set temperature is maintained at the temperature (RT-3δ) for a certain period of time and then rises to the temperature (RT-3δ).

  That is, at the time (Ts + T) and (Ts + 2T) that are the boundaries of the sleep cycle, the environmental temperature is decreased from the increase, and at the time (Ts + 3T) that is the boundary of the sleep cycle, the environmental temperature is controlled from the increase to the constant temperature.

  If said environmental temperature control changes a viewpoint, it can also be grasped | ascertained that environmental temperature is controlled for every sleep cycle T. FIG.

Second embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the environmental temperature control shown in FIG. 2 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the depth of non-REM sleep becomes shallower as the time after falling asleep elapses. Therefore, in order to obtain good quality sleep, it is desirable to induce a lot of non-REM sleep in the early stages of sleep. On the other hand, as described above, since non-REM sleep and REM sleep appear alternately in the sleep cycle, it is necessary to induce REM sleep to ensure the depth of sleep in non-REM sleep in the next sleep cycle. Therefore, in the first sleep cycle after falling asleep, it is desirable to induce sleep so that non-REM sleep is lengthened and REM sleep is shortened.

  On the other hand, since awakening causes a comfortable awakening to be performed in the REM sleep state, it is desirable to lengthen the REM sleep in order to increase the probability that the wake-up timing is in the REM sleep state. Therefore, in the last sleep cycle before awakening, it is desirable to induce sleep so that non-REM sleep is shortened and REM sleep is lengthened.

  As described above, the period T1 starts at the sleep time Ts and ends at the time (Ts + T). The period T1 is shorter than the sleep period T and starts from the sleep period Ts, and shorter than the first period T11. The period T1 starts with the end of the first period T11, and the sleep period T elapses from the sleep period Ts. The second period T12 ends.

  In the first period T11, the environmental temperature TA is lowered from the temperature RT to the temperature (RT-3δ). In the second period T12, the environmental temperature TA is increased from the temperature (RT-3δ) to the temperature (RT-2δ).

  In the first period T11, sleep is promoted by lowering the environmental temperature. Since the first REM sleep after falling asleep is induced in the first period T11, the sleep depth of the REM sleep here can be increased. Further, as described above, by increasing the first period T11 within the range of the sleep cycle T, it is possible to lengthen REM sleep with a deep sleep depth. Thereby, the quality of sleep is improved.

  In the second period T12, the REM sleep is induced by increasing the environmental temperature, and the sleep depth in the non-REM sleep in the next sleep cycle is deepened.

  As a typical value, the sleep cycle T is 90 minutes, and the first period T11 and the second period T12 are selected as 70 minutes and 20 minutes, respectively. Further, the temperature increment δ is selected to be 0.5 ° C. (here, since δ> 0 and the decrease in temperature is shown by subtraction, δ is regarded as an increment).

  The period T4 ends at the expected awakening time Ta (= Ts + 4T), and starts from the time (Ts + 3T) that goes back by the sleep cycle T. The period T4 is shorter than the sleep cycle T and starts from the time (Ts + 3T), and is longer than the third period T41. The period T4 starts with the end of the third period T41 and ends at the expected awakening time Ta. The period is divided into T42.

  In the third period T41, the environmental temperature TA is lowered or kept constant. Here, a case where the environmental temperature TA is kept constant using the temperature (RT-3δ) before the start of the third period T41 is illustrated. In the fourth period T42, the environmental temperature TA is increased from the temperature (RT-3δ) to the temperature (RT-2δ).

  Although the temperature may be lowered in the third period T41, it is desirable that the temperature difference to be lowered is small or maintained at a constant value as shown in FIG. This is because the REM sleep is easily induced in the fourth period T42 without increasing the sleep depth in the third period.

  In the fourth period T42, the ambient temperature is raised and the period is long, so that REM sleep is induced to appear frequently. Therefore, the probability of waking up in the state of REM sleep is high, and it is easy to obtain a comfortable awakening.

  As typical values, the third period T41 and the second period T42 are selected to be 20 minutes and 70 minutes, respectively.

Third embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing a third embodiment of the environmental temperature control method according to the present invention. The curve 103 shown in FIG. 3 is extended beyond the expected awakening time Ta from the curve 101 shown in FIG. That is, in the control of the environmental temperature in the present embodiment, the control in the period T5 after the scheduled awakening time Ta is added to the control shown in the first and second embodiments.

  The period T5 starts at the expected awakening time Ta (= Ts + 4T) and ends at the time (Ts + 5T) when the sleep cycle T has elapsed from the expected awakening time Ta. Originally, the user should have been awake at the scheduled awakening time Ta, but if the user has not awakened at this time, the sleep transitions to non-REM sleep again. Therefore, in order to induce wakefulness during the period T5, the environmental temperature is once lowered and then the environmental temperature is raised to promote wakefulness.

  The period T5 is shorter than the sleep cycle T and starts at the awakening scheduled time Ta, longer than the fifth period T51, starts with the end of the fifth period T51, and ends at the time (Ts + 5T). The period is divided into T52.

  In the fifth period T51, the environmental temperature TA is lowered from the temperature (RT-2δ) to the temperature (RT-3δ). In the sixth period T52, the environmental temperature TA is increased from the temperature (RT-3δ) to the temperature (RT-2δ).

  By reducing the environmental temperature in the fifth period T51, non-REM sleep is induced after the scheduled awakening time, and sleep in a new sleep cycle is invited. Then, in the sixth period T52, as in the fourth period T42, REM sleep is induced in a long time, and a comfortable awakening is easily obtained.

  As typical values, the fifth period T51 and the sixth period T52 are selected to be 20 minutes and 70 minutes, respectively.

Fourth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, control of the environmental temperature in the period T2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

  The period T2 starts at the time (Ts + T) when the first sleep cycle T has elapsed, and ends at the time (Ts + 2T) when only the sleep cycle T has elapsed. The period T2 is divided into a seventh period T21 starting from the time (Ts + T) shorter than the sleep cycle T and an eighth period T22 starting with the end of the seventh period T21 and ending at the time (Ts + 2T).

  In the seventh period T21, the environmental temperature TA is lowered from the temperature (RT-2δ) at the time (Ts + T) to the temperature (RT-4δ). In the eighth period T22, the environmental temperature TA is increased from the temperature (RT-4δ) to the temperature (RT-2δ).

  In the seventh period T21, the time of non-REM sleep during the entire sleep period is increased. In the eighth period T22, non-REM sleep after the end of the eighth period T22 is deepened while inducing REM sleep.

  The decrease amount of the environmental temperature in the seventh period T21 is 2δ, which is smaller than the decrease amount 3δ of the environmental temperature in the first period T11. This is desirable from the viewpoint of preventing chilling.

  It is not essential that the seventh period T21 is longer than the eighth period T22. However, as described above, as the sleep time elapses, the sleep depth reached by non-REM sleep tends to become shallow, so the seventh period T21 that induces non-REM sleep is longer in the period T2, which is the second sleep cycle. Is desirable. For example, as a typical value, the seventh period T21 and the eighth period T22 are selected to be 70 minutes and 20 minutes, respectively.

  In this way, sleep stages III and IV, which are the most important in sleep, can be made to appear intensively during 3 hours after falling asleep.

Fifth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, control of the environmental temperature in the period T3 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

  The period T3 starts from a time point (Ts + 2T) that is two sleep cycles back from the expected wake-up time Ta (= Ts + 4T), and ends at a time point (Ts + 3T) when the sleep cycle T has elapsed. Here, the period T3 is continuous with the period T2, but there may be another period of the sleep cycle T between the periods T2 and T3. In addition, the periods T2 and T3 may overlap with each other. In this case, it can be understood that the period T2 is omitted, or it can be understood that the period T3 is omitted.

  The period T3 is divided into a ninth period T31 starting from the time (Ts + 2T) shorter than the sleep cycle T and a tenth period T32 starting with the end of the ninth period T31 and ending at the time (Ts + 3T).

  In the ninth period T21, the environmental temperature TA is decreased from the temperature (RT-3δ) at the time (Ts + 2T) to the temperature (RT-4δ). In the tenth period T32, the environmental temperature TA is increased from the temperature (RT-4δ) to the temperature (RT-3δ).

  In the ninth period T31, the non-REM sleep time desired in the entire sleep period is secured together with the non-REM sleep obtained in the periods T1 and T2 before the period T3. This is to prevent non-REM sleep from occurring in the period T4 with the scheduled awakening time as a cycle. On the other hand, REM sleep is induced in the tenth period T32.

  The ninth period T31 may be set by subtracting the total non-REM sleep time obtained in the periods T1 and T2 before the period T3 from the non-REM sleep time desired in the entire sleep period. For example, the ninth period T31 is selected to be 40 minutes. In this case, the tenth period is selected as 50 minutes.

Sixth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, an overall image of environmental temperature control in the periods T1 to T4 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a graph in which a curve 102 that more smoothly approximates the curve 101 is added to FIG. The curve 102 takes a minimum value between the sleep time Ts and the expected awakening time Ta. That is, schematically, the control of the environmental temperature in the periods T1 to T4 is a control that takes a minimum value.

  Control that takes the local minimum value in this way is not essential control in the first to fifth embodiments. However, considering that the body temperature during sleep falls after going to sleep and tends to rise before waking up, the control that takes the minimum value roughly is consistent with the body temperature during sleep, and the satisfaction level after waking up Can be further enhanced.

Other variations.
The environmental temperature control described in the various embodiments described above can be realized by the environmental temperature control apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as follows, for example. The sleep plan J is adopted in which the current time t is adopted as the sleep time Ts, the environmental temperature TA at that time is adopted as the temperature RT, and Ta = Ts + 4T is adopted as the scheduled awakening time. And based on these, the control part 4 produces the environmental temperature adjustment plan K which sets the above-mentioned environmental temperature control in the period T1-T5. The operation of the temperature control blower 5 is controlled based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan K.

  Alternatively, a mode in which the sleep plan J is included in the sleep plan J, which is adopted as the sleep time Ts, and sleeps at that time is also suitable as the present invention.

  In the present invention, the measurement of the sleep depth is essentially unnecessary. However, of course, this is not incompatible with the detection of the user's sleep state.

  For example, the sleep / wakefulness detection unit 7 indicated by a broken-line block in FIG. 1 can be realized by using known means. For example, it is possible to detect the user's sleep / wakefulness by detecting the number of times of turning over or a change in body temperature.

  When the sleep / wake detection result SA is given to the control unit 4, the time when sleep is detected can be adopted as the time Ts. Also, control for adding the period T5 can be performed only when awakening is not detected at the expected awakening time Ta.

  The sleep cycle T and the temperature increment δ stored in the storage unit 6 may be modifiable according to individual differences such as user preferences. For example, the sleep cycle T and the temperature increment δ may be input in advance from the sleep plan input unit 3 to correct the sleep cycle T and the temperature increment δ stored in the storage unit 6 via the control unit 4.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 1 can be easily realized in an air conditioner.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the environmental temperature control which can implement | achieve the environmental temperature control method concerning this invention. It is a graph which shows 1st Embodiment of the environmental temperature control method concerning this invention. It is a graph which shows 3rd Embodiment of the environmental temperature control method concerning this invention. It is a graph which shows 6th Embodiment of the environmental temperature control method concerning this invention. It is a graph which shows typically a human sleep depth and time.

Explanation of symbols

T sleep cycle Ta scheduled awakening time Ts sleep onset time T11 1st period T12 2nd period T41 3rd period T42 4th period T51 5th period T52 6th period T21 7th period T22 8th period T31 9th period T32 10th period

Claims (23)

  The environmental temperature control method which controls environmental temperature (TA) with respect to the main body of sleep based on the sleep cycle (T) which is a cycle about the depth of sleep.   The environmental temperature control method according to claim 1, wherein control of the environmental temperature (TA) is switched at a boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T).   The environmental temperature control method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the environmental temperature (TA) is controlled for each sleep cycle (T1 to T5).   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the environmental temperature (TA) is decreased from an increase or the environmental temperature is controlled from an increase to a constant temperature at a boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T). The environmental temperature control method according to claim 1. (A) lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a first period (T11) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from the sleep onset time (Ts);
(B) In the second period (T12), which is shorter than the first period and starts with the end of the first period and ends after the elapse of one sleep cycle from the sleep time (Ts + T), the environmental temperature is Step to raise,
(C) In the third period (T41) starting from a time point (Ts + 3T) that is shorter than the sleep cycle and is one minute after the sleep cycle from the expected awakening time (Ta), the environmental temperature is lowered or kept constant. Steps,
(D) The step of raising the environmental temperature in a fourth period (T42) that is longer than the third period and starts at the end of the third period and ends at the scheduled awakening time. Environmental temperature control method. (E) lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a fifth period (T51) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from the expected awakening time (Ta);
(F) In the sixth period (T52), which is longer than the fifth period and starts at the end of the fifth period and ends after one sleep cycle has elapsed (Ta + T) from the scheduled awakening time, the environmental temperature The environmental temperature control method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of raising the value after step (d). (G) lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a seventh period (T21) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts with the end of the second period (T12);
(H) In the eighth period (T22) starting with the end of the seventh period (T21) and ending after one sleep cycle (Ts + 2T) from the start of the seventh period, the environmental temperature is raised. The environmental temperature control method according to claim 5, further comprising a step between the steps (b) and (c).   The decrease amount (-2δ) of the environmental temperature (TA) in the seventh period (T21) is smaller than the decrease amount (-3δ) of the environmental temperature in the first period (T11). Environmental temperature control method. (I) In the ninth period (T31) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from a time point (Ts + 2T) that is two sleep cycles back from the expected awakening time (Ta), the environmental temperature (TA) is A step of lowering,
(J) In the tenth period (T32) starting at the end of the ninth period and ending at the start of the third period (Ts + 3T), the step of increasing the environmental temperature includes the steps (b), (c The environmental temperature control method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising:   The environmental temperature control method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the environmental temperature (TA) in the third period (T41) is kept constant in the step (c).   The environmental temperature control method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sleep cycle (T) is 90 minutes.   The air conditioner which performs the environmental temperature control method as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11. A timekeeping unit (1) for measuring the current time (t);
A temperature measuring unit (2) for measuring an environmental temperature (TA) for a sleep subject;
A control unit (4) that creates an environmental temperature adjustment plan (K) based on a scheduled awakening time (Ta), a sleep onset time (Ts), and a sleep cycle (T) that is a cycle of the sleep depth;
An environmental temperature control apparatus comprising: a temperature adjustment unit (5) that adjusts the environmental temperature based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan according to the current time.   The environmental temperature control apparatus of Claim 13 which switches control of the said environmental temperature (TA) in the boundary (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T) of the said sleep cycle.   The environmental temperature control apparatus of Claim 13 or Claim 14 which controls the said environmental temperature (TA) for every said sleep cycle (T1-T5).   16. The device according to claim 13, wherein at the boundary of the sleep cycle (Ts + T, Ts + 2T, Ts + 3T, Ts + 4T), the environmental temperature (TA) is decreased from an increase, or the environmental temperature is controlled from an increase to a constant temperature. The environmental temperature control device according to claim 1. Based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K): (a) lowering the environmental temperature (TA) in a first period (T11) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from the time of sleep (Ts); ,
(B) In the second period (T12), which is shorter than the first period and starts with the end of the first period and ends after the elapse of one sleep cycle from the sleep time (Ts + T), the environmental temperature is Step to raise,
(C) In the third period (T41) starting from a time point (Ts + 3T) that is shorter than the sleep cycle and is one minute after the sleep cycle from the expected awakening time (Ta), the environmental temperature is lowered or kept constant. Steps,
(D) performing a step of increasing the environmental temperature in a fourth period (T42) that is longer than the third period and starts at the end of the third period and ends at the scheduled awakening time. The environmental temperature control apparatus described. Based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K) (e) The environmental temperature (TA) is decreased in a fifth period (T51) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts from the expected awakening time (Ta). Steps,
(F) In the sixth period (T52), which is longer than the fifth period and starts at the end of the fifth period and ends after one sleep cycle has elapsed (Ta + T) from the scheduled awakening time, the environmental temperature The environmental temperature control device according to claim 17, further comprising the step of raising the temperature after step (d). Based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K) (g) The environmental temperature (TA) is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts in the seventh period (T21) starting with the end of the second period (T12). A step of lowering,
(H) In the eighth period (T22) starting with the end of the seventh period (T21) and ending after one sleep cycle (Ts + 2T) from the start of the seventh period, the environmental temperature is raised. The environmental temperature control device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a step is further executed between the steps (b) and (c).   The amount of decrease (-2δ) of the environmental temperature (TA) in the seventh period (T21) is smaller than the amount of decrease (-3δ) of the environmental temperature in the first period (T11). Environmental temperature control device. Based on the environmental temperature adjustment plan (K) (i) a ninth period (Ts + 2T) that is shorter than the sleep cycle (T) and starts at a point (Ts + 2T) that is two sleep cycles after the expected awakening time (Ta) (T31) lowering the environmental temperature (TA);
(J) In the tenth period (T32) starting at the end of the ninth period and ending at the start of the third period (Ts + 3T), the step of increasing the environmental temperature includes the steps (b), (c The environmental temperature control device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, further executed between   The environmental temperature control device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the environmental temperature (TA) in the third period (T41) is kept constant in the step (c).   The environmental temperature control device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the sleep cycle (T) is 90 minutes.

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