New sleep tracker uses ultra-thin sleep sensor
If you want to track your sleep but don't want to wear a device or tuck your mobile phone under your pillow when using a sleep app, California-based Beddit has just the thing -- an ultra-thin Bluetooth-connected sensor that you place under your bed sheet.
While the company has been making sleep trackers for personal trainers and physical therapists since 2006, this new device has the average consumer in mind. The thin tape-like sensor uses Bluetooth to give you a full report on your sleep via the companion app. You can track your sleep quality, heart rate, breathing rhythm, movement, sleep stages, snoring, and sleeping environment, such as noise level and light. You can also access personalized coaching tips and wellness advice, view your sleep history, or share your data with social media accounts.
According to the company, the sensor uses ballistocardiography (BCG) motion sensing to detect heartrate and breathing rhythm, which could be a technological step above more basic sleep tracking devices such as Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex, which rely on accelerometers to track your zzzs.
Beddit has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds and supporters can receive the Beddit sensor for $99 in November. The normal retail price is slated to be $149.
Tech website Mobihealthnews writes that Bam Labs also makes a similar sleep tracker but puts the same technology into a mattress pad. In addition to tracking heart rate, breathing, and movement during sleep, the company says its device can also diagnose sleep apnea.
http://www.beddit.com
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