KR102241384B1 - Sleep induction device and sleep induction method using the device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technique for solving sleep disorders, and more specifically, to: a sleep induction device which can induce comfortable sleep by irradiating light of a specific wavelength to the skin for a predetermined period of time to induce the secretion of melatonin, which is a sleep inducing hormone; and a sleep induction method using the sleep induction device. The sleep induction device comprises: a light source unit including a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength band within 560 to 1,000 nm; and a control unit controlling the operation of the entire device, including the driving time, wavelength change, and output intensity of the light source unit, according to one or more of a preset condition and an input signal.

Description

Sleep induction device and sleep induction method using the device {Sleep induction device and sleep induction method using the device}

The present invention relates to a technology for solving a sleep disorder, and more specifically, a sleep inducing device capable of inducing a comfortable sleep by inducing the secretion of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, by irradiating light of a specific wavelength to the skin for a certain period of time, and the above It relates to a sleep induction method using a device.

'Light pollution' caused by excessive use of artificial lighting interferes with sleep and threatens health. When night is bright like day, the biological rhythm is broken and the secretion of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, is suppressed, causing insomnia, emotional anxiety, and depression.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an important hormone secreted by the pineal gland, an important regulator of circadian function synchronized by SCN. Chronobiotic regulation, immunity It appears to have a variety of functions, such as immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, seasonal reproduction and timing regulation of tumor arrest effects. The tumor arresting effect of melatonin has been shown in vitro, and in animal experiments, consistent exposure to light clearly promotes carcinogenesis due to melatonin inhibition. As such, melatonin mediates the timing of a number of physiological functions, particularly those controlled by the duration of light and darkness. Melatonin is synthesized from tryptophan via serotonin, which is N-acetylated by n-acetyl transferase or NAT and then methylated by hydroxyindol-O-methyl transferase. NAT enzyme is a rate limiting enzyme for the synthesis of melatonin and is increased by norepinephrine at the end of the sympathetic nerve in the pineal gland. Norepinephrine is secreted from these nerve ends at night or when in a dark state.

Therefore, melatonin is secreted from the pineal gland with an endogenous circadian rhythm and reaches its peak at night, but since the secretion of melatonin is very sensitive to light, exposure to light at night significantly suppresses the secretion of melatonin. The melatonin inhibitory effect of light varies using different wavelengths due to the inherent spectral sensitivity of melanopsin photoreceptors in the retinal-ganglion cells of the eye. Light exposure with a relatively short wavelength between 420 nm and 520 nm (with peak sensitivity between 440 nm-470 nm) has the most pronounced inhibitory effect. On the other hand, human skin expresses melatonin receptors, but a melatonin-based skin response to light irradiation has not yet been identified. Previous studies have shown that different types of cells and species exhibit different spectrums of action of melatonin in response to light.

With the recent advent of smartphones, sleep disorders are increasing than before. In fact, since the introduction of smart devices, the number of patients with sleep disorders complaining of insomnia, daytime drowsiness, fatigue, decreased memory/concentration, depression and sleep deprivation is on the rise. However, due to the lack of systematic research results on the effects of excessive exposure to light at night on the brain and body (sleep, cognition, brain network, or brain blood flow), the severity is less illuminated.

Various methods for managing the sleep rhythm of these sleep disorder patients have been proposed. Light therapy is one of these, and it is known that shining light on a subject for a certain period of time can affect the transformation of the circadian rhythm or the secretion of hormones.

However, no research has been attempted to induce sleep by promoting melatonin production through the skin yet. That is, the pineal gland is a major melatonin secreting organ, but this is because the melatonin secreting organ is also present in other organs such as skin, immune system, mammary gland, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, bladder, ovary, testicle and prostate.

As such, human skin expresses a melatonin receptor, but a melatonin-based skin response to light irradiation has not yet been identified.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1906481

As a result of a number of research efforts, the present inventors have completed the present invention by confirming that melatonin production is promoted when irradiating light of a specific wavelength on human skin, and developing a sleep induction device using this.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to induce melatonin production through the skin's melatonin receptors only by using a device that emits light in a specific wavelength band for a certain period of time without taking drugs such as conventional sleeping pills, thereby overcoming sleep disorders without special side effects. It is to provide a sleep induction device capable of and a sleep induction method using the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sleep induction device of various configurations with improved convenience and a sleep induction method using the device by providing it in a form that is most comfortable for a user to use for a certain period of time before going to bed or in bed.

The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned object, and even if not explicitly mentioned, the object of the invention that one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize from the description of the detailed description of the invention to be described later may naturally be included. .

In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, the present invention includes a light source unit including a plurality of LED modules for emitting light in a wavelength band belonging to 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit causes the light source unit to emit light in a wavelength band belonging to 560 to 650 nm when power is supplied, and then alternately convert light in a wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and light in a wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm. Or, it is controlled to emit light at the same time.

In a preferred embodiment, it further comprises a sensor unit including a motion sensor for detecting the user's insensitive motion.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source unit is configured in a sheet shape, and is attached or inserted in a certain area of the inner surface that contacts the user's skin when the neck is worn.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source unit has a shape mounted inside the recessed structure of the mattress.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source unit is configured in a sheet shape, and has a form attached or inserted inside a certain area forming a back plate and a front plate of the clothing.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source unit is configured in a sheet shape, and has a form attached or inserted in a certain area of the inner surface contacting the user's skin among both sides of the futon.

In a preferred embodiment, when the light emitted from the light source is irradiated on the skin, melatonin receptors present in the skin are activated to generate melatonin to induce sleep of the user.

In addition, the present invention is a driving step of operating the light source of the sleep induction device after positioning any one of the above-described sleep induction device close to the user's skin; A visible light emission step of emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time; And light of a wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and light of a wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm from the light source unit are each intersected for a predetermined period of time to emit light until a preset number of cross emission or power is turned off, or light of different wavelength bands is simultaneously emitted. It provides a sleep induction method comprising; an infrared light emitting step of emitting light for a predetermined time or until the power is turned off.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleep induction device is implemented to be included in one or more of clothes or a shawl, and is performed from after the user turns on the power before going to bed until immediately before going to bed.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleep inducing device induces the user's sleep by generating melatonin through the user's skin.

In addition, the present invention is a driving step of operating the light source of the sleep induction device after positioning any one of the above-described sleep induction device close to the user's skin; A visible light emission step of emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time; An infrared light emitting step of sequentially emitting light of a wavelength range of 800 to 890 nm and light of a wavelength of 900 to 990 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time, or simultaneously emitting light of different wavelengths for a predetermined period of time; Detecting, by a sensor unit, a user's insensitive movement; And a repetitive infrared light emission step of repeatedly performing the infrared light emission step until no movement of the user is detected by the sensor unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleep induction device is implemented to be included in either a mattress or a futon, and is performed from a user's bed to a deep sleep.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleep inducing device induces the user's sleep by generating melatonin through the user's skin.

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to induce melatonin production through the melatonin receptor of the skin by simply using a device that emits light of a specific wavelength band to the skin for a certain period of time without taking drugs such as conventional sleeping pills, and thus special side effects such as drug addiction or resistance. Sleep disorder can be overcome without it.

In addition, the sleep induction device of the present invention and the sleep induction method using the device are implemented in a form that is most comfortable for a user to use for a certain period of time before going to bed or in bed, such as bed, sheet, blanket, pillow, clothes, etc. This is excellent.

These technical effects of the present invention are not limited only to the ranges mentioned above, and even if not explicitly mentioned, the effects of the invention that can be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description of specific details for the implementation of the invention described later are also Of course it is included.

1 schematically shows the configuration of a sleep induction device according to the present invention.
2 shows an embodiment of a light source unit included in the sleep induction device of the present invention.
3 shows an embodiment of a sleep induction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B are flowcharts schematically showing a sleep induction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a graph showing melatonin receptor 1/2 activity according to LED irradiation for each wavelength.
6 is a graph showing measurement results of melatonin secretion after LED irradiation in normal human dermal fibroblasts.
7A and 7B are Western blot and ELISA results showing synthesis results of collagen I according to LED wavelengths, respectively.
8 shows that collagen I synthesis is increased according to melatonin and that when melatonin receptor is suppressed, collagen I synthesis is inhibited.

The terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or a combination thereof described in the description of the invention, but one or more other It is to be understood that it does not preclude the presence or addition of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms as defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present invention. Does not.

In interpreting the constituent elements, it is interpreted as including an error range even if there is no explicit description. In particular, when the terms "about", "substantially" and the like of degree are used, it may be interpreted as being used in or close to the numerical value when manufacturing and material tolerances specific to the stated meaning are presented. .

In the case of a description of a temporal relationship, for example,'after','following','after','before', etc. This includes cases that are not continuous unless' is used.

Hereinafter, the technical configuration of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. The same reference numerals used to describe the present invention throughout the specification denote the same elements.

The technical feature of the present invention is that it is possible to induce melatonin production through the skin's melatonin receptors only by using a device that emits light of a specific wavelength band to the skin for a certain period of time without taking drugs such as conventional sleeping pills, thereby overcoming sleep disorders without special side effects. Can sleep induction device and in the device.

In other words, the secretion of melatonin, known as sleep-inducing hormone, is very sensitive to light, and nighttime light exposure significantly inhibits melatonin secretion.The melatonin inhibitory effect of light is mainly dependent on the melanopsin photoreceptor in the retinal-ganglion cells of the eye. This is because there is no known technology for inducing melatonin through light irradiation on skin that expresses melatonin receptors.

Accordingly, the sleep induction device of the present invention includes a light source unit including a plurality of LED modules for emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change, and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal. If necessary, it may further include a sensor unit that detects the user's insensitive movement.

In addition, the sleep induction method using the sleep induction device of the present invention includes a driving step of operating the light source of the sleep induction device after placing it close to the user's skin according to the implementation form of the sleep induction device; A visible light emission step of emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time; And light of a wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and light of a wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm from the light source unit are each intersected for a predetermined period of time to emit light until a preset number of cross emission or power is turned off, or light of different wavelength bands is simultaneously emitted. Infrared light emission step of emitting light for a predetermined time or until the power is turned off, and a driving step of operating the light source of the sleep induction device after placing the sleep induction device close to the user's skin; A visible light emission step of emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time; An infrared light emitting step of sequentially emitting light of a wavelength range of 800 to 890 nm and light of a wavelength of 900 to 990 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time, or simultaneously emitting light of different wavelengths for a predetermined period of time; Detecting, by a sensor unit, a user's insensitive movement; And a repetitive infrared light emission step of repeatedly performing the infrared light emission step until no movement of the user is detected by the sensor unit.

1 schematically shows the configuration of a sleep induction apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a light source included in the sleep induction apparatus of the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sleep induction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts schematically showing a sleep induction method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a graph showing melatonin receptor 1/2 activity according to LED irradiation by wavelength, and FIG. 6 is a graph showing measurement results of melatonin secretion after LED irradiation in dermal fibroblasts of a normal human body. 7A and 7B are Western blot and ELISA results showing the synthesis results of collagen I according to the LED wavelength, respectively, and FIG. 8 shows that collagen I synthesis is increased according to melatonin and that when the melatonin receptor is suppressed, collagen I synthesis is inhibited. will be.

Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the sleep induction device 100 of the present invention includes a light source unit 110, a control unit 120, an operation unit 130, a sensor unit 140, a memory unit 150, and a power supply. have. Here, since the operation unit 130, the memory unit 150, and the power supply are known configurations, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the operation unit 130 is a means for the user to input signals for the operation of the device such as on/off of the device, and the memory unit 150 is a means for storing programs or data for the operation of the device, and the power supply is a device As a means of providing power to the sleep induction device 100 of the present invention, power may be supplied through a wired cord or power may be supplied through a rechargeable battery.

The light source unit 110 is a component that irradiates light to a user for the purpose of controlling a user's sleep rhythm or treating a sleep disorder, and may include a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm as an embodiment. have. As can be seen from the experimental examples described below, the inventors have confirmed that when the user's skin is irradiated with light in a specific wavelength band, especially 560 to 1000 nm, for a certain period of time, melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, can be generated to induce sleep. Because I did it.

Therefore, the light irradiated from the light source unit 110 mainly emits light in the spectrum of the infrared region, especially the wavelength band that affects the melatonin receptor present in the skin of the human body, rather than the wavelength band that affects the sight sensed by the eyes like a general lighting device. Can be.

The light source unit 110 may be composed of a plurality of LED modules, and the LED module may apply a known technical configuration as it is, and may be implemented in various forms according to the implementation form of the sleep induction device 100.

As an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the light source unit 110 has a flexible sheet type with a plurality of LED modules, the light source unit 110 may be attached or inserted so as to be included in a shawl, clothes, and blankets, and thus, a sleep induction device (100) can be implemented in the form of a shawl, clothes, or blanket.

First, when the sleep induction device 100 is a shawl type, it has the same shape as a general shawl, and the sheet-type light source unit 110 may be implemented to have a shape attached or inserted in a certain area of the inner surface that contacts the user's skin when wearing the neck. have. In this case, the length of the predetermined area to which the light source unit 110 is attached to the shawl may be a length sufficient to wrap the neck. If necessary, the sleep induction device 100 may be implemented in the form of a shawl covering the shoulders and arms as well as the neck as a form of a shawl. In this case, the light source unit 110 may be formed to cover almost the entire area of the shawl. .

In addition, when the sleep induction device 100 is a clothing type, it may be implemented in a form that is mainly worn on an upper body, and generally may have a form of a top such as a vest, a cardigan, or a jacket. In this way, when the sleep induction device 100 has a top shape, the sheet-type light source unit 110 may be implemented to have a shape attached or inserted inside a certain area forming a back plate and a front plate of clothing.

In addition, when the sleep induction device 100 is a futon type, the light source unit 110 implemented in a sheet type may be implemented to have a form attached or inserted in a certain area of the inner surface contacting the user's skin among both sides of the bedding, especially the futon. I can. Here, the predetermined area in which the sheet-shaped light source unit 110 is formed may be a general area occupied by a person lying down, and the length may be about an average height.

As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the light source unit 110 is implemented by arranging a plurality of individual LED modules, the light source unit 110 is included in the mattress in a form that is mounted inside the recessed structure of the mattress placed on the bed. Since it can be attached or inserted, the sleep induction device 100 can be implemented in the form of a mattress.

The control unit 120 is a component that controls the operation of other components, including driving time, wavelength change, and output intensity of the light source unit 110 according to one or more of preset conditions and input signals, and the sleep induction device 100 The operation of can be controlled entirely according to an input signal manipulated by a user through the manipulation unit 130 or a preset driving program stored in the memory unit 150.

The control unit 120 turns on/off the light source unit 110, the driving time, as well as the wavelength change and the output intensity. Although it may be controlled, in some cases, the driving time, wavelength change, and output intensity may be automatically controlled by the controller 120 according to a preset driving program without a user's manipulation.

The control unit 120 may correspond to at least one or more processors, or may include at least one or more processors. Accordingly, the control unit 120 may be driven in a form included in another hardware device such as a microprocessor or a general-purpose computer system, but in the present invention, the control unit 120 is included in the hardware device of the light source unit 110 and is driven, That is, the light source unit 110 and the control unit 120 may be included and driven in one device, that is, the sleep induction device 100.

In particular, the control unit 120 may include a wavelength control circuit 121 and a dimming circuit 122 as shown in FIG. 1 to adjust a wavelength band of light emitted by the light source unit 110 and control light output. Here, the wavelength control circuit 121 and the dimming circuit 122 are implemented in software and do not belong to the controller 120, but may be implemented in hardware and implemented in a manner controlled by the controller 120. to be. In this way, the control unit 120 controls the wavelength control circuit 120 and the dimming circuit 122 to adjust the wavelength and output of light emitted from the light source unit 110 according to a preset condition, that is, a driving program or an input signal by a user. According to the control, as an embodiment, in a state in which power is supplied to the sleep induction device 100, a plurality of LED modules constituting the light source unit 120 are controlled by the control unit 120, all of the light in the wavelength band belonging to 560 to 650 nm. After being first controlled to emit light for a certain period of time, it can be controlled in two forms as follows.

In the first form, after the primary control, all LED modules included in the light source unit 110 emit light in the wavelength range of 800 to 890 nm for a certain period of time, and all LED modules emit light in the wavelength range of 900 to 990 nm for a certain period of time. The operation of the sleep induction device 100 is controlled in the form of performing secondary control to emit light during and then repeatedly performing secondary control until a preset condition is reached or the user turns off the power.

In the second form, after the primary control, some of the LED modules included in the light source unit 110 emit light in the wavelength range of 800 to 890 nm, and the remaining LED modules emit light in the wavelength range of 900 to 990 nm. The operation of the sleep induction device 100 is controlled so that the vehicle control is continuously maintained until a predetermined condition is reached or the user turns off the power. In this case, an appropriate LED module arrangement design may be required for a region to emit light in a wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and a region to emit light in a wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm among the LED modules included in the light source unit 110.

The sensor unit 140 includes a motion sensor of a known configuration as a component that detects a user's insensitive movement. If necessary, a weight sensor may be further included. As an embodiment, when the implementation form of the sleep induction device 100 is implemented in the form of a mattress or a blanket, the sensor unit 140 may be included as an essential component of the sleep induction device 100. In this case, the control unit 120 analyzes the signal detected and transmitted by the sensor unit 140 to determine whether the signal is caused by a conscious movement before the user falls asleep or a signal due to an insensitive movement generated when the user enters a deep sleep. When the sensor unit 140 detects an insensitive movement by checking, the operation of the light source unit 110 may be stopped, and if necessary, the power of the sleep induction device 100 may be controlled to be turned off. The control unit 120 can determine whether the motion signal sensed by the sensor unit 140 is insensitive motion can be performed in various ways. As an embodiment, based on the results of research on the user's motion that occurs during sleep. As a result, a DB stored for data on a specific motion may be compared with data measured and transmitted by the sensor unit 140 to determine the data.

As another embodiment, when the implementation form of the sleep induction device 100 is a mattress and the sensor unit 140 further includes a weight sensor, the weight sensor detects the motion of the user lying on the mattress, and the sensor unit 140 The control unit 120 receiving the signal of) may control the light source unit 110 to be automatically operated.

Next, a sleep induction method using the sleep induction device 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

In the sleep induction method of the present invention, the driving step (S1) of first placing the sleep induction device 100 close to the user's skin and then operating the light source of the sleep induction device (S1), and constant light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit. The visible light emission step S2 of emitting light over time may be commonly performed. The steps performed after that may vary depending on the implementation form of the sleep induction device 100, and as a specific implementation, the sleep induction method may be performed as follows.

At this time, in the visible light emission step, light in the irradiated wavelength band helps collagen production and melatonin production as shown in the experimental examples described later, but it may be a wavelength that is not suitable for use in bed because it irritates the eyes. Since light in the wavelength band is invisible to the eye because it is in the infrared region, the visible light emission step may be essentially performed so that the user can recognize whether the sleep induction device 100 is operating.

First, the sleep induction method shown in FIG. 4A is an embodiment when the sleep induction device 100 has a shape such as a scarf or clothing, and the driving step of operating the light source unit is performed by the user wearing it on the upper body or wrapping it around the neck. It can be performed in a manner that is positioned close to the user's skin in the manner of and the user drives the light source of the sleep induction device 100 through the operation unit, and then the visible light emission step (S1) can be performed in less than 5 minutes. have.

After that, the infrared light emission step is performed.In the infrared light emission step, the light of the wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and the light of the wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm are crossed for a predetermined period of time and emit light until a preset number of cross emission or the power is turned off. , It may be performed by emitting light of different wavelength bands at the same time for a predetermined time or until the power is turned off.

In particular, when the infrared light emitting step emits light of different wavelength bands for a certain period of time, as shown in FIG. 4A, the infrared light emitting step performs a step (S3) of emitting light of the wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm for a certain time. Then, a step (S4) of emitting light in a wavelength range of 900 to 990 nm is performed. In this case, the predetermined time may be determined in the range of 1 minute to 5 minutes. After S4 is performed, a step (S5) of comparing the preset number of emission and the number of emission of S4 is performed. If the number of emission of light from S5 to S4 is less than the preset number of emission, the steps of S3 to S5 may be repeatedly performed until the number of emission of S4 is equal to or greater than the preset number of emission. Although not specifically shown, when the infrared light emitting step is implemented to simultaneously emit light of different wavelength bands for a predetermined period of time, a step in which the operation of the light source unit is stopped may be performed when the preset time is reached.

In addition, the sleep induction method shown in FIG. 4B is an embodiment when the sleep induction device 100 has a shape such as a bed or a blanket, and the driving step of operating the light source unit is performed by the user in the sleep induction device 100. It may be carried out in such a way that it is placed close to the user's skin in a way that lies or covers the user's skin, and the user drives the light source unit of the sleep induction device 100 through the operation unit or automatically drives it by the control unit, and then the visible light emission step ( S1) can be performed in less than 5 minutes.

After that, the infrared light emission step is performed.In the infrared light emission step, the light of the wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and the light of the wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm are crossed for a predetermined period of time and emit light until a preset number of cross emission or the power is turned off. , It may be performed by emitting light of different wavelength bands at the same time for a predetermined time or until the power is turned off.

In particular, even when the infrared light emission step alternately emits light of different wavelength bands for a certain period of time, as shown in FIG. 4B, only S5 differs only in determining whether insensitive motion is detected by the sensor unit, but the same as in FIG. 4A. Therefore, detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, the sleep induction method of the present invention can induce the user's sleep by generating melatonin through the user's skin through a sleep induction device disposed close to the skin. In the case of being implemented to be included, it can be performed from after the power is turned on before the user goes to bed until immediately before lying down, and if the sleep induction device is implemented to be included in either the mattress or the futon, It can be carried out from afterwards until it enters the deep slip.

Experimental Example 1

To evaluate the effect of LEDs at specific wavelengths on the melatonin membrane receptor (MT1) and skin light recovery through the MT1 pathway in vitro, the normal HDF (HDF) of the neonatal foreskin was converted to different LEDs with a capacity of ^{1 J/cm 2.} After culturing in vitro at a wavelength (410-940nm), melatonin and LED stimulation, and then Western blotting to evaluate the activity of MT1, respectively, and the results are shown in FIG.

1. LED light source

LEDs with wavelengths of 410 ± 10, 480 ± 7, 525 ± 4, 580 ± 4, 595 ± 2, 630 ± 8, 850 ± 3 and 940 ± 2 nm were used. The dose of each LED was measured using a quantum light-radiometer (Delta OHM, Padova, Italy). The distance from the LED module to the cell is 5cm.

2. Chemicals and reagents

Melatonin and Ruzindol were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

3. HDF culture

Primary, normal HF cultures were established from explanted neonatal foreskin and used up to 10 passages. Cell cultures were maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM, BioWhittaker Cambrex Bio Sciences, MD, USA, MD) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 2mM glutamine.

4. Western Blotting

Western blotting was performed by a known method, and the protein band was MMP (H-300; Santa Cruz Biotech., Santa Cruz, CA, USA) placed overnight at 4° C.), procollagen type-I (Y). -18; Santa Cruz Biotech (Santa Cruz, CA)) and anti-β-actin (ab-6276, 1:5,000; Abcam). Table 1 below shows the antibodies used in this experiment.

Antibodies 1st anti-MEL-1A/B-R(B-8) (sc-398788, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) 1: 200 anti-Pro-COL1A2(Y-18) (sc-8787, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) 1: 200 Anti-MMP1/8 (H-300) (sc-30069, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) 1:200 anti-β-actin (ab-6276, Abcam, Cambridgeshire, UK) 1: 5,000 2nd Goat anti-rabbit IgG-HRP (sc-2004, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) 1: 5,000 donkey anti-goat IgG-HRP (sc-2020, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) 1: 5,000 goat anti-mouse IgG-HRP (sc-2005, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) 1: 5,000

5. Statistical analysis

Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis performed with Sigma Plot software (Systat Software, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). Values are expressed as mean±S.D, with p-values <0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance.

As shown in Figure 5, according to the Western blot result, the melatonin receptor expression of HDF is 580 ± 4, 595 ± 2, 630 ± 8, 850 ± 3 and 940 ± 2 nm when stimulated with LED at a dose ^{of 1 J / cm 2} It was significantly increased at the wavelength of 595±2, 630±8, and 940±2 nm, showing remarkable melatonin receptor activity (p <.01 vs. control).

Experimental Example 2

A commercial ELISA kit (OKEH02566, AVIVA SYSTEM Biology) to quantify the amount of Melatonin secretion, that is, the immune molecule of interest, after ^{LED irradiation (1J/cm 2} ) in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1 in normal human dermal fibroblast cells (OKEH02566, AVIVA SYSTEM Biology). ) Was used according to the manufacturer's protocol, and the results are shown in FIG. 6 as follows. The microtiter well-plate in this kit was pre-coated with anti-Melatonin antibody. Samples with melatonin standard are added to the wells and incubated. (Melatonin found in samples or standards competes with biotinylated melatonin for a restricted binding site on the immobilized anti-Melatonin antibody). Wash the plate at the end of the incubation time. Avidin-HRP conjugate is added, incubated and washed. Subsequently, an enzymatic reaction is generated through the addition of a TMB substrate catalyzed by immobilized HRP to produce a blue product that turns yellow after adding an acidic stop solution. The density of the yellow coloration is measured by reading the absorbance at 450 nm, which is quantitatively proportional to the amount of biotinylated melatonin captured in the well and inversely proportional to the amount of melatonin contained in the sample or standard.

As shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen that the amount of melatonin secretion significantly increased at wavelengths of 595±2, 630±8, 850±3, and 940±2 nm.

Experimental Example 3

Using the same method as in Experimental Example 1, except that the procollagen type I C-peptide (PICP) analysis was further performed as follows, the effect of the LED at a specific wavelength on skin light recovery was evaluated, and the results are shown in FIG. 7a. (Western blotting) and Fig. 7b (PICP).

Procollagen I protein levels were measured using a commercially available procollagen type I C-peptide enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit (TaKaRa, Shiga, Japan). The absorbance at 450 nm was measured using a micro plate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA).

As shown in Figure 7a, COL-I expression was increased in Western blotting, whereas MMP-1 expression was for HDF at wavelengths of 595 ± 2, 630 ± 8 and 940 ± 2 nm administered at a dose ^{of 1J / cm 2.} It shows that it was reduced by LED stimulation.

In addition, the PICP results shown in FIG. 7b show that the synthesis of type I procollagen after LED stimulation with wavelengths of 595 ± 2, 630 ± 8 and 940 ± 2 nm for HDF (capacity, 1 J / cm ^{2) showed a significant difference.} (P <.01).

Experimental Example 4

In the above-described experiment, as MT1 activation was detected in HDF, collagen and matrix metalloaf were then used in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, except that the MT 1/2 receptor antagonist rujindol was added to the culture medium at a concentration of 10 μM. It was tested whether the regulation of rotenase was mediated by the receptor, and the results are shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in Figure 8, three LEDs (capacity, 1 J/cm ² ) containing wavelengths of 595 ± 2, 630 ± 8 and 940 ± 2 nm are remarkable in the expression of COL-I and COL-III in HDF. Showed an increase.

Experimental Example 5

In order to check whether the light source included in the sleep induction device of the present invention gives photoirritation to the skin even when the light source is covered with a cloth, the LED prepared in Experimental Example 1 was used with an LED light source with a thickness of 2 mm cloth at different wavelengths (560-940 nm). The light intensity before and after covering was measured, and the results are shown in Table 2.

From Table 2, when the light source is covered with a cloth, the light intensity is weakened, but it can be seen that the light intensity of 37% or more is maintained. Therefore, when the sleep induction device of the present invention is implemented with clothes, a scarf, or a blanket, the light source is wrapped with a cloth. Even though it can be seen that it can deliver the photostimulation required to express the melatonin receptor in the skin.

LED wavelength Distance from LED: 5cm Cover before After cover One 940 nm ± 2 nm 52.6mW / cm ² 21.6mW / cm ² 2 850 nm ± 3 nm 177.5mW / cm ² 80mW / cm ² 3 630nm ± 8nm 69.9mW / cm ² 29mW / cm ² 4 595nm ± 2nm 48mW / cm ² 18mW / cm ² 5 580nm ± 3nm 39mW / cm ² 15mW / cm ²

These experimental results show that light in a certain wavelength range, that is, in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm irradiated to HDF, in particular, multi-wavelength LEDs such as 595, 630, 850 and 950 nm, exhibited significant melatonin receptor activation. In addition, although not presented as an experimental example, LEDs of longer wavelengths exceeding 1000 nm including infrared rays did not show significant inhibition. Conversely, the specific bandwidth of blue light of 446-477 nm irradiated to the eye showed significant plasma melatonin inhibition, as is known. The hypothalamus sends signals to the thalamus through the optic and optic nerves to regulate biological clock signals and direct the pineal gland to secrete the hormone melatonin. In addition, the membrane receptor MT2 is mainly found in the retina, but human skin exhibits a strong bias against MT1, so through the present invention it can be seen that human skin can exhibit a distinct melatonin response to light compared to the ocular pathway. have.

Therefore, it is clear that a number of LED wavelengths belonging to the 560 to 1000 nm wavelength range used in the sleep inducing device of the present invention stimulate MT1 in HDF to promote the secretion of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, as well as collagen production. Furthermore, the sleep induction device of the present invention is implemented with a scarf, clothes, mattress, etc., so that a person with a sleep disorder can easily receive light stimulation in a wavelength band that does not interfere with sleep through sight before falling asleep or in bed. It can be implemented in various forms to suit convenience, so even users with sensitive senses can use it comfortably.

As described above, according to the sleep inducing device and method of the present invention, it is possible to induce skin regeneration through collagen production as well as melatonin production through the melatonin receptor of the skin without taking drugs such as existing sleeping pills, so that sleep disorders can be overcome without any special side effects. In addition, since it is helpful for skin care, a wide range of applications is possible.

Although the present invention has been shown and described with a preferred embodiment as described above, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention, to those of ordinary skill in the art. Various changes and modifications will be possible.

100: sleep induction device
110: light source unit 120: control unit
121: wavelength control circuit 122: dimming circuit
130: operation unit 140: sensor unit
150: memory unit

Claims (14)

A light source unit including a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change, and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal,
When the power is supplied, the control unit controls the light source unit to emit light in a wavelength band belonging to 560 to 650 nm, and then to emit light in a wavelength band belonging to 800 to 890 nm and light in a wavelength band belonging to 900 to 990 nm alternately or simultaneously. Sleep induction device, characterized in that.
delete The method of claim 1,
A sleep induction apparatus further comprising a sensor unit including a motion sensor for detecting a user's insensitive movement.
A light source unit including a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change, and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal,
The sleep induction device, characterized in that the light source unit is configured in a sheet shape and is attached or inserted into a certain area of an inner surface that contacts the user's skin when wearing the neck.
A light source unit including a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change, and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal,
A sleep induction device, characterized in that the light source unit has a shape mounted inside the recessed structure of the mattress.
A light source unit including a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change, and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal,
The sleep induction device, characterized in that the light source unit is configured in a sheet shape and has a shape attached or inserted into a predetermined area forming a back plate and a front plate of the clothing.
A light source unit including a plurality of LED modules emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 1000 nm; And a control unit for controlling the operation of the entire device, including a driving time of the light source unit, a wavelength change, and an output intensity, according to at least one of a preset condition and an input signal,
The sleep induction device, characterized in that the light source unit is configured in a sheet shape and is attached or inserted into a certain area of an inner surface that contacts the user's skin among both sides of the futon.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7,
When the light emitted by the light source is irradiated on the skin, a sleep induction device, characterized in that inducing a user's sleep by activating a melatonin receptor present in the skin.
A driving step of operating the light source of the sleep induction device after placing the sleep induction device according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7 close to the user's skin;
A visible light emission step of emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time; And
From the light source unit, light of a wavelength of 800 to 890 nm and light of a wavelength of 900 to 990 nm are crossed for a predetermined period of time to emit light until a preset number of cross-emissions or power is turned off, or light of different wavelengths is simultaneously generated. Sleep induction method comprising; an infrared light emitting step of emitting light for a set time or until the power is turned off.
The method of claim 9,
The sleep induction device is implemented to be included in one or more of clothes or a scarf, and is performed from after the user turns on the power supply before going to bed until immediately before lying down.
The method of claim 9,
The sleep inducing device induces the user's sleep by generating melatonin through the user's skin.
A driving step of operating the light source of the sleep induction device after placing the sleep induction device according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7 close to the user's skin;
A visible light emission step of emitting light in a wavelength range of 560 to 650 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time;
An infrared light emitting step of sequentially emitting light of a wavelength range of 800 to 890 nm and light of a wavelength of 900 to 990 nm from the light source unit for a predetermined period of time, or simultaneously emitting light of different wavelengths for a predetermined period of time;
Detecting, by a sensor unit, a user's insensitive movement; And
And a repetitive infrared light emission step of repeatedly performing the infrared light emission step until no movement of the user is detected by the sensor unit.
The method of claim 12,
The sleep induction device is implemented to be included in either a mattress or a blanket, and is performed from a user lying down to a deep sleep.
The method of claim 12,
The sleep inducing device induces the user's sleep by generating melatonin through the user's skin.

Images