Method for Treating Hot Flashes Associated with Menopause During Sleep
First Claim
1. A method for treating hot flashes associated with menopause during sleep comprising the steps of:
- a. automatically detecting the onset of a hot flash while the subject is sleeping, andb. cooling the subject using a cold fluid circulating through a heat exchanger before sweating and/or chills develop and awaken the subject.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and device for automatically detecting the onset of a hot flash while the subject is sleeping, and of cooling the subject using a cold fluid circulating through a vest or a mattress pad, before sweating and/or chills develop and awaken the subject. A temperature sensor is attached to the subject'"'"'s skin, and is connected to a computer or microprocessor. The subject dons a vest that is connected to a coolant circulation system. Alternatively, the subject lies on a mattress pad that is connected to a coolant circulation system. During the night, if the subject'"'"'s skin temperature rises more than a predetermined amount within a time period, or rises above a predetermined threshold temperature, the coolant circulation system is activated for a fixed period of time. The cooled vest or pad helps to draw heat away from the subject'"'"'s skin and thus reduce the symptoms of the hot flash. After the circulation terminates, the system is reset to monitor the skin temperature once again. The cycle can be repeated any number of times during the night. Instead of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor can also be used.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for treating hot flashes associated with menopause during sleep comprising the steps of:
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a. automatically detecting the onset of a hot flash while the subject is sleeping, and b. cooling the subject using a cold fluid circulating through a heat exchanger before sweating and/or chills develop and awaken the subject. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A device for treating hot flashes associated with menopause while a subject is sleeping comprising:
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a. a sensor for monitoring the subject for the onset of a hot flash and generating a sensor signal; b. a microprocessor that is programmed to periodically sample the sensor signal and to compare the sensor signal with preset conditions to determine if a hot flash has commenced; and c. a cooling unit that circulates cool, temperature-controlled fluid through a heat exchanger adjacent to the subject. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification