Virtual reality tool that reads and projects your brain waves investigated as a way to promote sleepiness
Researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne recently investigated whether this kind of interactive virtual reality experience could induce feelings of restfulness and sleepiness.
The multisensory experience involves lying on a gently vibrating bed and wearing a VR headset and is based on the principles of neurofeedback, which uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach regulation of mental states.
During the experience, which was originally conceived as a public art project called Inter-Dream, the brain's electrical activity is monitored via an electroencephalogram (or EEG) and fed into the participant's VR headset.
"We assigned different colours and properties that the visuals take on in response to those different brainwaves," Mr Semertzidis said.
The result? A unique, sometimes mesmerising visual representation that changes in response to the brain's electrical activity.
Dr Kirkcaldie said there was value in developing tools that help people relax before going to sleep, especially in a day and age that's permeated by devices "extremely good at getting our attention".
"If you end up being unable to wind down … then I do think a process that gives you feedback and an understanding of when you are winding down is probably of great value."
See the full story here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2019-07-24/virtual-reality-tool-investigated-to-promote-sleep/11323134