REM sleep augmentation with extra-ocular light

• US 6,669,627 B1
• Filed: 09/20/2001
• Issued: 12/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation Incorporated (Cornell University)
• Original Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation Incorporated (Cornell University)
• Inventors: Murphy, Patricia J., Campbell, Scott S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hindenburg, Max F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GILBERT, SAMUEL G
• Application Number:
  US09/937,324
• Time in Patent Office: 831 Days
• Field of Search: 600/26-27, 128/897-899, 607/1, 607/88, 607/91
• US Class Current: 600/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0662 Visible light
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0618 Psychological treatment

Abstract

The invention provides for exposing an extraocular (i.e., non-ocular) region of a human to light during sleep which enhances REM sleep. Also provided are devices to carry out the methods. Key timing parameters ensure effective REM enhancement without adversely impacting a subject'"'"'s circadian clock. The invention provides for improving cognitive function and performance in healthy individuals, and in individuals suffering from a disease or disorder in which mental status is compromised. One embodiment of the invention (100) includes a fiber optics pad (160) attached to a power source, and lamp housing (120) by a fiber optics cable (140).

Claims

1. A method for enhancing REM sleep in a subject, which method comprises exposing a non-ocular region of a subject to non-solar photic stimulation for an interval during a sleep period such that REM sleep is enhanced, wherein the REM sleep is enhanced with minimum impact on the circadian clock.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein enhancing REM sleep comprises increasing the number of minutes spent in REM sleep during the interval of photic stimulation.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the number of minutes in REM sleep increases by at least about 30%.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the number of minutes in REM sleep increases by at most about 200%.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein enhancing REM sleep comprises increasing the frequency of REM periods during the interval of photic stimulation.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the frequency of REM periods increases by about 40%.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the non-ocular region is a region of ample surface vasculature.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the region of ample surface vasculature is the popliteal fossa.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interval lasts for a duration ranging from between about 15 minutes to about 12 hours.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the duration is about three hours.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the photic stimulation has an intensity ranging from about 15 lux to about 150,000 lux.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the photic stimulation has an intensity ranging from about 10,000 lux to about 13,000 lux.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the photic stimulation has a bandwidth in the visible spectrum.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the photic stimulation has a bandwidth between about 455 nanometers (nm) and 540 nm.

15. The method of claim 1, which method further comprises enhancing cognitive function in a subject.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the subject suffers from a medical disorder in which mental status is compromised.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the subject is a normal individual.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein cognitive function is enhanced to a degree comparable to that achieved with a cholinergic agonist.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein exposure to photic stimulation occurs both before and after the daily minimum body temperature.

20. A method for extending a REM cycle of a person, comprising the steps of:

a) sensing the start of the REM cycle;

b) sensing the end of the REM cycle;

c) determining the time interval of the REM cycle; and

d) augmenting the time interval of the REM cycle by selectively providing non-ocular photic stimulation for a predetermined interval.

21. An article for extending a REM cycle of a person, comprising:

a) a sensor which provides phasic activity signals;

b) a timing circuit connected to the sensor and outputting an elapsed-interval signal indicative of the magnitude of the REM cycle;

c) a comparator which compares the elapsed-interval signal to a predetermined-interval signal and outputs a shortfall signal;

d) a controller responsive to the shortfall signal to generate a control signal;

e) a photic stimulator positionable in contact with the person'"'"'s skin and being actuated in response to the control signal.

22. The article as in claim 21, wherein the controller further generates an update signal which is provided to the comparator as the predetermined-interval signal during a subsequent REM cycle.