Apparatus for aiding relaxation
An apparatus for aiding the self-regulation of stress, including a vibrating element vibratable at varying frequencies of vibration, and heart signals or breathing signals monitoring means, and a data processing means. The data processing means includes means for calculating a stress indicator value, based on the heart signals or the breathing signals and that the data processing means includes a means of determining a mechanical vibration rhythm, based on the stress indicator value, including vibrations of one or more frequencies, which is induced in the vibratable element. The data processing means is configured, to create continuous real time feedback loop between the measured heart or breathing rate and calculated stress indicator value and the induced vibration rhythms. Attaching means are included, which can be a strap or harness, or attachments for articles of clothing, for attaching the apparatus to the user—such that the vibrating element of the apparatus is located in the thoracic region of the user's body.
1. A wearable apparatus for aiding the self-regulation of stress, comprising:
at least one vibratable element and a vibration actuator for inducing vibration in the vibratable element at, varying frequencies of vibration for transferring vibrations via bone conduction;
a heart signals monitor; and
a data processing unit,
wherein the data processing unit includes a stress indicator value calculator, for calculating a stress indicator value based on the heart signals by deriving the heart rate variability to provide an indication of the vagal tone which determines the stress indicator value; and
the data processing unit includes a mechanical vibration rhythm determiner, for-determining a mechanical vibration rhythm, based on the stress indicator value, that are continuously being generated to form a real time feedback loop where a change in the heart rate variability will generate a change in the frequency of vibration including vibrations of one or more frequencies induced in the vibratable element for altering the heart rate variability providing an indication of vagal tone;
wherein the apparatus is configured to be worn such that the vibratable element is positioned on at least one of: the sternum, the ribcage, the clavicle bone, the occipital bone, or the cranial vertebrae; and
wherein the induced vibrations are at frequencies of less than 50 hertz.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a fastener for attaching the apparatus to the user such that the vibrating element of the apparatus is located in the thoracic region of the user's body.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the fastener is a belt or harness that attaches around the user's torso.
4. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the apparatus forms part of a garment.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one sensor includes an electric potential heart sensor.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a strain sensor.
8. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor.
9. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one sensor includes a pH meter.
10. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one sensor includes an image sensor.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the heart signals monitor includes a motion sensor.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the real-time feedback loop regulates neuronal rhythms to below 13 Hertz.