Imagine a bed that not only cradles you to sleep but also keeps a tab on your health, adjusts to your comfort, and even warms your feet on chilly cold nights. Yes, Smart Beds are your new advanced sleep systems specifically designed to transform your rest into a high-tech experience. They even come with loaded features that cater to every aspect of your sleep. Smart beds are technologically advanced beds that use various sensors and connectivity features to enhance sleep quality and provide a personalized sleeping experience. They are designed to monitor and adjust to the needs of the sleeper, improving comfort, tracking sleep patterns, and integrating with smart home ecosystems.
The absence of proper sleep for busy individuals is considered the most relevant reason for such popularity of smart beds. And WHY NOT? Traditional beds usually have a fixed harness and cannot be adjusted to meet individual’s preferences, leading to discomfort and poor sleep quality. In addition, traditional beds do not offer built-in solutions for heating or cooling, which can and does affect sleep. One significant reason is why more and more people are moving to smart beds is that unlike smart beds, fixed bed positions can cause issues for people with certain health conditions like snoring, back pain, acid reflux, etc., as they do not offer the necessary flexibility needed to adjust sleeping positions easily.
Miscellaneous benefits include:
Positioned Adjustments
Need to elevate your head or feet? Motorized bases in smart beds let you find the perfect position for reading, watching TV, or easing back pain.
Adjustable Firmness
Whether you like your bed soft as a cloud or firm as a board, smart beds can adjust their firmness automatically or at your command to match your preference perfectly.
Temperature Control
Say goodbye to night sweats and shivers. With built-in cooling and heating elements, smart beds maintain the ideal sleeping temperature for you.
According to TechSci Research report “Smart Bedding Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Smart Mattress, Smart Pillow, Others (Smart Duvet, Smart Mattress Pad, etc.)), By Application (Residential, Hospital, Hospitality), By Distribution Channel (Specialty Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Online, Others) By Region, By Competition, 2019-2029F” Global Smart Bedding Market was valued at USD 2,752.67 million in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.64% through 2029. The global smart bedding market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by the rising demand for innovative and technologically advanced solutions in the bedding industry. Smart bedding refers to a range of products embedded with cutting-edge technologies that enhance user comfort, convenience, and overall sleep experience.
How is Technology Aiding in Better Sleep: Core Functionalities
Smart beds leverage advanced technology to create an optimal sleep environment, address individual sleep needs, and provide actionable insights for improving sleep quality. According to a recent study involving IoT pressure sensors which are present in smart beds, it was observed that for infants, in general, aged two months to one year, normal breath count exceeding 50 breaths per minute was observed. Lower counts could reveal the possibility of APNEA.
Let us understand the scenario in more detail:
Sleep Analysis and Tracking
Through sensors, smart beds monitor various metrics such as heart rate, breathing patterns, movement, and sleep cycles. The data from the sensors helps understand user journey to sleep quality and duration. Furthermore, machine algorithms analyse this collected data to identify trends and patterns, offering personalized recommendations to improve sleep-resistive habits. This data is then analyzed by the bed's built-in computer to provide users with detailed sleep reports and personalized recommendations for improving their sleep.
For example, Sleep Number’s SleepIQ technology demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with PSG for sleep versus wake states, breathing rate, and heart rate. In addition, Eight Sleep’s heart rate and heart rate variability algorithms also showed accurate results compared to electrocardiogram (ECG)1.
Automated Adjustments
Automatic adjustments in smart bed can mean several different grounds. These adjustments come in various settings to create an optimal sleep environment. For example, temperature regulation is one feature where the bed’s sensors can detect the user’s body temperature and accordingly adjust the mattress temperature to maintain comfort. In addition, inclusion of adjustable firmness levels has been incorporated to help it adapt to the user’s body and sleep position. Considering the elevation needs which differ user to user, these smart beds come with adjustable head and foot sections to raise or lower specific areas to alleviate issues like snoring, acid reflux.
Wake-Up Optimization
This feature is an esteemed example of clean inclusion of technology to ease one’s life. With their efficient Wake-Up Optimization technology, smart beds help in waking up feeling more relaxed and refreshed by gently rousing you during your lightest sleep stage. Smart beds use gentle methods to wake you up, in contrast to the jarring sound of a traditional alarm clock. Some techniques include:
Gradually increasing the bed's temperature: The bed warms up to a comfortable level to naturally rouse you.
Emitting soothing sounds: Calming nature sounds, or music gradually gets louder to wake you.
Vibrating the mattress: Gentle vibrations increase in intensity to wake you up.
Ambient Experience
Beyond the advanced functionalities of smart beds, features like light therapy and white noise can significantly enhance your sleep quality. Some smart beds tend to incorporate dedicated light therapy to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and promote better sleep. There is something called “Circadian Rhythm Alignment”. In it, the bed's sensors track the user's sleep stages and adjust the lighting accordingly. Bright light exposure in the morning can help reset the body's internal clock, while dimmer lighting in the evening encourages melatonin production for sleepiness. Another concept is of “White Noise”. The consistent, neutral sound of white noise can help mask external noises that may disrupt sleep, such as traffic, neighbors, or household sounds.
Popular Models in the Category
The Sleep Number i8 smart bed is a premium model that combines innovative technology with luxurious comfort to enhance your sleep experience. This bed offers a range of features designed to provide personalized support, improve sleep quality, and integrate seamlessly into your smart home environment. The i8 bed allows you to adjust the firmness level to your exact preference using the Sleep Number setting. In addition, The i8 features a temperature-balancing layer designed to absorb excess heat and release it when needed. The model also comes with SleepIQ Technology (Sleep Pattern Monitoring), Responsive Air Technology (Automatic Adjustment of Firmness), etc.
- Eight Sleep Pod 3 Smart Mattress Cover
The Pod 3 offers dynamic cooling and heating capabilities, allowing you to set your desired sleeping temperature. It is capable of tracking a range of sleep metrics, including sleep stages, heart rate, respiratory rate, and movement providing a comprehensive overview of your sleep quality. The Pod 3 features a smart alarm that wakes you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle, ensuring you feel refreshed and alert. Supporting that, the accompanying Eight Sleep app is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to adjust settings, view sleep data, and receive personalized recommendations with ease.
- Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is an advanced sleep solution designed to enhance comfort, support, and convenience. It allows you to independently adjust the head and foot sections of the bed to find the perfect position for sleeping, reading, or relaxing. To the benefit, the zero-gravity preset simulates a weightless experience by elevating your legs above your heart, reducing pressure on your spine and promoting better circulation. Additionally, the wireless remote control offers intuitive navigation and easy adjustment of all bed functions, including position changes, massage settings, and more.
Smart Beds Aiding in Health and Wellness: The Upside EXPLAINED
- Apart from just making the night’s sleep better, these adjustments tend to positively affect your health in a positive way. Peter G. Polos, Principal at Global Clinical Consulting, LLC, stated that smart beds can be a critical bridge to connecting the dots with already existing health problems. The mean importance lies in their ability to measure biometrics like heart rate variation, breath rate, movements, circadian rhythm, etc.
- For many individuals, the sole indicator of the quality of their previous night's sleep is the level of fatigue they experience in the morning. However, the advent of smart beds represents a significant advancement in sleep technology, offering the capability to identify sleep disturbances that may otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, frequent awakenings during the night can disrupt the sleep cycle and result in morning grogginess. Smart beds have the ability to monitor these interruptions and provide insights into their causes.
- For those experiencing insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, smart beds offer valuable data on sleep latency and duration, thereby assisting in identifying the severity of the issue. Furthermore, sleep apnea, a common yet often undiagnosed condition that leads to breathing interruptions during sleep, can be detected by smart beds equipped with health monitoring features. These beds can identify irregular breathing patterns and prompt users to seek further medical evaluation.
What we learn is that disruptions to our sleeping habits can significantly impact how we feel the next day, leaving us feeling sluggish and struggling to stay awake. Thus, in reference to short term health, inadequate sleep tends to affect cognitive abilities. Experts have revealed that the brain’s metabolic activity is at its highest during the REM stage of sleep. Thus, in order to “learn and retain information clearly”, it is crucial to get proper sleep through necessary sleep stages. Smart beds assist in identifying the amount of time spent in each sleep phase and can offer suggestions to ensure you are getting sufficient sleep in each stage.
Smart Beds in Healthcare Settings: Minimizing the Risks Involved
Smart hospital beds are critical components in patient rooms across various medical facilities, owing to their advanced specifications that enhance the efficiency of medical personnel and facilitate patient mobility. Manufacturers have successfully integrated cutting-edge technology with the stringent requirements of the medical sector, resulting in beds designed with innovative features to ensure patients receive more precise and effective care. This inclusion was necessary as hospitals are the prime location for such safety and informative measures and also a place to ensure that no mishaps happen due to human or infrastructural error.
- Pressure Injury Prevention:
Pressure sores, also known as bed sores or pressure ulcers, are a significant concern for patients with limited mobility. These injuries result from prolonged pressure on the skin, which restricts blood flow and leads to tissue damage. Smart hospital beds are equipped with advanced pressure relief features designed to mitigate this risk. One of the key features is dynamic pressure redistribution, achieved through alternating pressure mattresses that regularly change pressure points by inflating and deflating air cells, thus maintaining healthy blood circulation and preventing skin breakdown. One prime example of this category is Centrella pro+ Surface by HillRom. It features the Centrella pro Surface with Advanced Microclimate Technology, capable of removing 2.5x more heat and 4x more moisture. Its targeted pressure redistribution reduces peak sacral pressure by up to 21%.
- Improved Patient Monitoring:
Smart beds incorporate sophisticated sensors that continuously and non-invasively monitor essential metrics such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Unlike traditional methods that rely on intermittent checks, smart beds provide continuous data collection, enabling healthcare providers to promptly detect any deviations from normal ranges and intervene swiftly when necessary. Alerts can be programmed to notify medical staff of critical changes in a patient’s condition, facilitating timely and targeted medical responses to enhance patient safety and well-being.
- Enhanced Patient Comfort and Safety:
Smart beds incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as automatic fall detection and call assistance systems, significantly enhancing the overall patient experience within healthcare facilities. They utilize advanced sensors capable of detecting sudden movements or attempts by patients to exit the bed unassisted. Patients benefit from increased autonomy through direct access to assistance, promoting a sense of control over their care environment.
- Streamlined Workflow for Caregivers:
Smart beds collect and analyze data in real time, ensuring that caregivers receive immediate alerts for abnormal readings or significant changes in patient condition. Smart beds alleviate administrative burdens associated with manual data collection and documentation, allowing caregivers to devote more time and attention to direct patient care. This proactive approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also improves operational efficiency by ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet patient needs.
In-fact, a recent survey by National Library of Medicine revealed that smart beds with such features, integrated into the healthcare system, enable more efficient efforts for caregivers, and subsequently offer more responsive environment for patients.
How Convenience Follows Post Integrating Smart Bed with Smart Home
Integrating smart beds with your smart homes is the latter process of already having a smart bed. Integrating smart beds with other smart home devices can transform your sleep environment into a seamlessly automated and personalized space. This interconnected system enhances comfort, improves sleep quality, and simplifies daily routines. How? Here how:
Connectivity with Smart Home Hubs
Smart beds can connect to central smart home hubs, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. This integration allows users to control various bed functions using voice commands or mobile apps. For example, you could say "Alexa, set the bed to my sleep mode" and the bed would adjust the temperature, lighting, and other settings accordingly.
Lighting Control
Smart beds can integrate with smart lighting systems to create the perfect ambiance for sleep. As you get into bed, the lights in the bedroom can automatically dim or change to a warmer color temperature to promote melatonin production and relaxation. In the morning, the lights can gradually brighten to simulate sunrise and gently wake you up.
Audio Integration
Smart beds can sync with smart speakers or sound systems to play soothing music, nature sounds, or white noise to help you fall asleep. The bed can also be programmed to gradually lower the volume or turn off the audio as you drift off to sleep. In the morning, the bed can trigger your preferred wake-up playlist or audiobook.
Thermostat Integration
Smart beds can communicate with smart thermostats to create the optimal sleep environment. When the bed detects you're getting into bed, it can signal the thermostat to adjust the room temperature to your preferred sleeping temperature. In the morning, the bed can trigger the thermostat to gradually raise the temperature to help you wake up more naturally.
Blind/Curtain Control
Some smart beds can integrate with motorized curtains or blinds, allowing the bed to automatically open or close them based on your sleep schedule. This feature helps block out early morning light to support your natural sleep-wake cycle. By closing the blinds at night and gradually opening them in the morning, the bed helps create a dark, serene environment for falling asleep and a naturally lit environment for waking up.
Integration with Health Monitoring
Smart beds can share sleep data and health metrics with other connected devices, such as fitness trackers or smart scales. This integration allows you to get a more comprehensive view of your overall health and wellness and adjust your sleep routine accordingly. For instance, data collected by the smart bed can be integrated with health apps on smartphones or other devices, allowing users to monitor their sleep patterns, receive personalized sleep tips, and track progress over time.
Seamless integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri enables users to control their smart bed and other connected devices using voice commands. This hands-free operation enhances convenience and accessibility, especially for those with mobility issues. Voice commands can be customized to perform multiple actions simultaneously, such as adjusting the bed position, turning off lights, and starting a sleep playlist. You can even schedule various functionalities to your routine depending on your lifestyle, sleep cycle, and eating habits.
Buying a Smart Bed After This? Know What to Know
In a world where a report suggested 80% of couples report sleeping at an unpleasant temperature, smart beds come to rescue by adjusting temperature and providing personalized insights for better sleep. No doubt Though the functionalities and benefits provided by a smart bed might be same, due considerations should be taken care of before making a purchase.
Ensure that the bed fits within the dimensions of your room and adequately accommodates your body by carefully considering its size. Additionally, verify that the adjustable bed frame can support your weight and any additional accessories by examining its weight capacity. Also, verify that the adjustable bed frame can sustain your weight and any additional accessories you may have. This includes considering the combined weight of the mattress, bedding, and any medical or personal equipment that may be used. Choose a smart bed with a robust construction that can withstand daily use and provide long-lasting support.
Before finalizing your purchase, it is crucial to assess the noise level of the bed's motor. A motor that generates excessive noise can significantly impede your ability to sleep soundly and may also disturb others in the vicinity. Therefore, it is essential to select a bed that features a high-quality, whisper-quiet motor. This ensures that any adjustments made to the bed are both silent and smooth, promoting a peaceful sleep environment. By prioritizing this feature, you can enhance your overall sleep experience and maintain a tranquil atmosphere in your bedroom.
All the features and benefits of smart beds are of no use unless they are user-friendly. Imagine you are tired from a long day and step inside your house to lay on your smart bed only to find out that its connection with other smart appliances in your home is being faulty, thus interrupting the original experience you bought your smart bed for. This is why while buying a smart bed, ensure that it has user-friendly and easily accessible controls and would be charry-on-cake if all those controls can be accessed via a remote control or smartphone app.
- Compatibility with Existing Devices
It is important to check if the smart bed is compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit). This ensures seamless integration and control of your bed through voice commands or mobile apps. Ensure the bed can sync with your fitness trackers, health apps, and other smart devices to provide a comprehensive overview of your sleep and health data.
When considering the purchase of a smart bed, it is important to be aware of potential privacy concerns related to the collection and use of your sleep data. Smart beds gather a range of personal data, including sleep patterns, movements, heart rate, and other health metrics. To protect your privacy, ensure that the data collected is encrypted both in transit and at rest, safeguarding it from unauthorized access and potential breaches. Verify that the manufacturer stores your data on secure servers with robust security measures to prevent data leaks. It is important because in this world of IoT, hackers can get your sleep tracking and scheduling data and then harvest it towards executing certain crimes and alleged theft.
IMPORTANT
Make sure to review the manufacturer’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used, stored, and shared. Transparency in data collection practices is essential. Check if the manufacturer shares your data with third parties and prefer companies that limit data sharing to necessary service providers, avoiding those that sell data to advertisers or other entities. Ensure you have control over what data is collected and provide explicit consent for data collection and sharing. Confirm that you can access your data, review it, and request its deletion if needed, maintaining control over your personal information.
According to TechSci research report “Smart Mattress Market - By Product (Innerspring, Latex, Memory Foam, Others), By Application (Residential, Commercial), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2018-2028F” The Global Smart Mattress Market has valued at USD1.62 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.12% through 2028. The global smart mattress market is witnessing substantial growth and innovation driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer awareness of the importance of quality sleep. These intelligent mattresses are designed to enhance sleep quality and provide valuable insights into users' sleep patterns.
Summing Up
The rising popularity of smart beds is driven by their ability to solve common sleep issues often overlooked by traditional beds. Unlike fixed mattresses that can cause discomfort, smart beds allow users to adjust positions, firmness levels, and even control the bed's temperature, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep every time. Beyond comfort, smart beds utilize advanced technologies such as sleep tracking and automated adjustments to create an optimal sleep environment. By analyzing sleep stages, heart rate variability, and movement patterns, these beds provide valuable insights into your sleep habits and health. Features like wake-up optimization gently wake you during the lightest sleep stage, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
In healthcare settings, smart hospital beds play a crucial role in improving patient care efficiency and safety. Equipped with features like pressure relief systems and continuous health monitoring, these beds prevent pressure sores and allow for timely medical interventions based on real-time data. Additional features like automatic fall detection and call assistance further enhance patient comfort and autonomy. Integrating smart beds with other smart home devices enhances their functionality, creating a seamless sleep environment tailored to your preferences. Whether it's adjusting lighting, playing soothing sounds, or syncing with your thermostat, these beds adapt to your nightly routine, making bedtime a truly personalized experience.
Before purchasing a smart bed, consider factors such as size, noise levels, user-friendliness, and data privacy. Ensuring these align with your lifestyle and safety standards will help you fully embrace the benefits of smart bed technology - improved sleep quality, proactive health monitoring, and enhanced comfort - that truly transform your nightly rest into a rejuvenating experience.