Image source: Somalytics

SomaSleep mask identifies sleep phases by tracking eye movement

CES 2023 is just around the corner and we are already starting to get a glimpse of the weird and wonderful gadgets that will be on display in Las Vegas. One of these is the SomaSleep mask for monitoring REM and other phases of sleep.

Everyone knows getting enough nightly rest is important. However, many of suffer from the lack of sleep. According to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, over 40 million Americans suffer from around 70 different sleep disorders. In fact, 60% of American adults report having some sort of sleep problems a few nights per week. Most of this goes untreated.

Essential reading: Best fitness trackers and health gadgets

For adults, it is recommended to aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night. But it is not just about the hours spent asleep. Just as important is the quality of your rest time.

One of the most important stages of sleep is the REM phase – particularly for learning and memory. It is during this phase that you do most of your dreaming. Brain activity increases and some of your bodily functions speed up.


SomaSleep Mask has been designed with accuracy in mind

SomaSleep Mask is an innovative device that records detailed REM data purely based on your eye movements. Because your eyes dart around during this phase, the gizmo is in a much better position to track this sort of data than something sitting on your wrist or a gadget sitting by the side of your bed. Presumably, this type of data collection will be on paar with what was previously only possible at official sleep centres.

And while the gadget puts most focus on REM data, it will in fact track all stages of sleep along with disruptions. As you’d expect there’s an accompanying smartphone app which allows users to view trends and gain wellness insights. The tech should offer insight into sleep patters in a way that has not been previously possible at home.

The company will also provide an SDK for consumer fitness and health brands. Something like this would solve the problem that so many fitness trackers and smartwatches suffer from – notoriously inaccurate sleep data. This is particularly the case when it comes to identifying sleep stages.

SomaSleep sleep mask

The mask itself is lightweight and protects from outside light. Inside are carbon-nanotube paper composite (CPC™) capacitive sensors capable of tracking eye movement. The company says these are the world’s smallest nano-based capacitive sensors.

The mask has a battery life or around eight hours. It uses low power to operate, which means it also stays cool. 

The device comes from Washington-based nanotechnology innovator Somalytics. The company plans to showcase it at CES, with an official unveil expected on January 3rd. The Consumer Technology Association has already recognized Somalytics SomaCap as a 2023 CES Innovation Award honoree in the Embedded Technology category.

SomaSleep mask is expected to be available for consumer purchase in about 12 months time. It will sell for $199 when it becomes available. In the meantime, you can stay tuned for further updates at www.somalytics.com/SomaSleep.

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Marko Maslakovic

Marko founded Gadgets & Wearables in 2014, having worked for more than 15 years in the City of London’s financial district. Since then, he has led the company’s charge to become a leading information source on health and fitness gadgets and wearables.

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