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Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Eight Sleep Pod 4 review: This smart mattress topper kept me cool on the hottest night of the year
What is the Eight Sleep Pod 4? There are lots of smart beds, cooling mattresses and sleep trackers, but the Eight Sleep Pod combines these features into one system comprising a temperature-regulating mattress cover, a hub and an app. The cover looks like a standard mattress topper but hides a grid of thin water channels. These connect to the central hub which, placed by your bed, heats or cools the water between 12C to 43C to help create an environment for a good night's sleep. Sensors in the cover monitor your body and room temperature and adjusts itself accordingly. Each side can be set to suit different preferences. In the app, you can control the temperature, set an alarm and track your sleep and health data. You can also change the temperature screen-free by tapping the side of the bed. There are three different models. The Pod 4 reviewed here is the original model starting at £2,249 for a double. The highest spec version, the Pod 5 Ultra, retails at £4,449, but is sometimes discounted at £200 off. JUMP TO: How we test cooling sleep tech While testing eight cooling mattresses, I came across the Eight Sleep Pod 4, which presented a cooling option like nothing else I've seen on the market. With the ability to precisely change your bed temperature when needed, it's a far cry from your standard cooling mattress. I placed a king size version of this smart mattress topper on my Simba Hybrid Ultra mattress that I share with my partner, with the hub alongside the bed. I was keen to see how easy it was to set up and use. I tried it on both hot and cool nights to assess its comfort and effectiveness at improving my sleep by getting my body to the optimum temperature. I was also curious to see the relevance of the sleep data provided in the app. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Set up Score: 8/10 Firstly, I downloaded the Eight Sleep app on my smartphone and linked the system over Wi-Fi. I encountered none of the usual glitches involved with linking smart devices, highlighting the attention to detail Eight Sleep put into this premium mattress topper. Then, I followed the app's step-by-step guide for setting up the mattress cover and electrical hub, where the water tank is located. The king size cover fits a mattress up to 40cm thick – just enough to fit my 34cm-deep Simba Hybrid Ultra (just check compatibility – the Pod may damage memory foam mattresses over time). Putting it on was much like making the bed with a mattress protector. My mattress fits snugly on the frame so there was just enough room to fit the cover down the sides; you need space to fit it properly, ensuring the water tube at the top (the one that connects to the hub) lies flat and free from any twists and turns. Just like connecting to the app, the setup was smooth, meaning I could quickly start filling the water channels ready for my first night's sleep. Tech features and app Score: 9/10 The app has a yearly subscription service starting from £199. Embedded sensors in the cover send sleep analytics straight to it, so you can track your sleep stages, movement, heart, respiratory rates and even snoring. The data was interesting as it showed how much I woke at night. Obsessing over sleep data isn't for me though, so I wouldn't assess it regularly. The best thing about the app is how easy it is to adjust the mattress temperature, especially when I set it to a breezy minus five on one of the hottest nights in June (it's adjusted by levels rather than degrees). I also programmed a wake up alarm on my side of the bed, so as to not disturb my partner and the cover vibrated at a set time each morning. This was a novelty, until tapping the bed to turn it off became annoying. You can control the basics without your smartphone. By tapping the cover side, you can adjust the temperature up and down. But this was frustrating to work out; there's no indication on the hub or cover of what temperature is being set. Score: 9/10 Without a cooling pillow or a cooling blanket to hand, I was keen to see how well the Eight Sleep Pod 4 performed on a balmy summer night. I tested it throughout early June, including on June 13th, one of the hottest days of the year so far according to The Met Office. It kept me comfortably cool while sleeping. The mattress cover's black fabric feels padded due to the water channels inside. But this is soft and tactile underhand, and nice to lie on even without a sheet. When the temperature of the mattress cooled, I was more aware of the thin water channels inside the bed and found myself thinking it was a little odd to sleep on. On the nights that I wanted a warmer feel, I noticed it less. Overall, however, it's hard to tell that there's any piping within the cover. As soon as I told the app information about my size and sleeping preferences, Autopilot (the name of its AI tech) has been getting to know my sleep patterns and automatically adjusting the mattress temperature to improve my sleep. Every morning it gave me my sleep score, charting how much time I spent awake or in light, deep or REM sleep. It highlighted how much I had – or hadn't – snored and monitored when I went to bed too, making me feel a little ashamed about staying up too late. My sleep score is still hit and miss, so I wouldn't say the pod has had a noticeable effect on my nights. But being able to control my bed to suit the weather has felt empowering. One downside is that the hub can get a little noisy when at its highest cooling mode, much like a fan blowing at a low-level. This could be annoying if you need complete silence to sleep. Value for money and quality Score: 8/10 The Pod 4 currently costs £2,249 for a double. This is Eight Sleep's entry level design that comes with a cover, hub and subscription to the app's Autopilot plan for one year. After that expires, the subscription starts at £199 per year. The brand has also launched an updated version, the Pod 5 Core with similar features but newer tech and a price of £2,449. And if you have a bigger budget to play with, you can invest in the Pod 5 Ultra for £4,449. It's only available as a Super King or Emperor and comes with all the features of Pod 5 Core, surround sound and a base which makes your bed adjustable and is designed to limit back pressure and even snoring. With its luxury cover and high-tech hub and app, it's easy to see why this cooling and warming solution comes with a premium price tag. While it's an interesting and effective concept, I think you need to be fascinated with its sleep and health metrics to get the full benefits. Technical specifications The Eight Sleep Pod is singular in its offering, but since the 4's launch, the brand has brought out a more advanced model and version with its own base. Here's how the three stack up. Should you buy the Eight Sleep Pod 4? There's a lot to like about the way the Eight Sleep Pod 4 conveniently heats or cools your mattress. Its instant cooling is a welcome relief on hot nights, while its cushioned design warms your body when temperatures drop. Its app is informative too, especially if you want to monitor sleep metrics without a wearable tracker. But its hub is bulky and you need space to set it up properly, so measuring your room before you buy is key. The hefty price tag is also hard to ignore. Yes, if: You like the idea of a gadget that warms you in the winter and cools you in the summer You're a hot sleeper, and have exhausted all other routes for instant cooling at night You love analysing your sleep data No, if: You're on a budget; it has a high initial outlay and a yearly app subscription fee You have a small bedroom You have a memory foam mattress as using electric blankets or a heated topper can cause damage over time Eight Sleep Pod 4 FAQs Does Eight Sleep use a lot of electricity? You will need to plug the hub in to make use of the mattress cooling and heating capabilities. I measured it at costing around seven pence per hour on the highest setting based on costs at the time of testing. What are the sleep tracking capabilities of the Eight Sleep Pod 4? The cover comes with built-in sensors that track sleep data each night and gives you a 'sleep score' between one and 100. It charts awake time at night, deep, light and REM sleep, snoring, and heart and respiratory rates. How does the Eight Sleep Pod 4 work? The Eight Sleep Pod 4 uses water-based thermal technology, biometric sensors and AI-powered software to track your sleep and make temperature adjustments. How easy is the Eight Sleep Pod 4 to set up on a bed? The Eight Sleep Pod 4 cover comes in four sizes and is designed to sit snugly over your existing mattress. This is easy to set up and links to an electrical hub that sits alongside the bed. Set up is straightforward as the Eight Sleep app will guide you through the process step by step. How does the Eight Sleep Pod 4's temperature regulation work? The cover has thin water channels running through it and links to a hub that sits alongside the bed and circulates water through the channels to heat or cool the mattress surface. Is there a subscription required to use all the features of the Eight Sleep Pod 4? Yes there is an Autopilot subscription required to use all of the Eight Sleep Pod 4 features. The starting cost is £199 per year.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The shocking new inventions that will completely change your hospital visits: From the 'twin' who will do your check-ups for you to the magic mirror that can diagnose you in under a minute
You wake in the morning at the perfect time in your sleep cycle, as your smart mattress is syncing with your calendar to give you a gentle shake at the optimal moment. Your smart pillow has adjusted itself through the night, rising up or down, based on your snuffles and snores to give you optimal sleep.
CNET
17-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
10 Best Yoga Poses to Help You Sleep Better
If you've been struggling to get a good night's rest, you're certainly not alone. A recent CNET survey found that 56% of adults are using some method to cope with sleep-related challenges. From upgrading their bedding setup to investing in sleep tech, people are trying a wide range of methods to get some rest. But after you've tried a few with mediocre results, it can be discouraging. Plus, some of the options out there can be expensive. A free technique that you may not have considered is doing some light yoga before bed. However, you need to know the right yoga poses to promote restfulness because not all poses will assist you with your sleep issues. Some may even make you feel more awake. Finding the right routine to relax rather than energize can be confusing, with many yogis turning to sites like Reddit asking for advice on building evening routines, so we consulted with an expert to help you find the right poses to help you catch some Zzzs. If you're looking for other ways to get better rest, then you're in luck. We have plenty more sleep tips for you, from expert-approved food for sleep and preventive methods to stop nightly bathroom trips from breaking up your sleeping schedule to how to beat late-night anxiety with cognitive shuffling. How yoga can help you sleep There's some science behind why yoga can help you sleep better. Yoga and breathing techniques help calm your nervous system and reduce cortisol, which puts your body in a more relaxed state, ideal to help you fall asleep. Calming the mind and body According to Chloe Kernaghan, co-founder of yoga studio Sky Ting, yoga helps you sleep better in two ways: It helps relax a racing mind and calms the nervous system. "Yoga as a practice is centered around finding stillness in the mind, which more often than not is the opposite state the mind is in when we're having sleep issues (i.e., your mind is racing)," Kernaghan says. Yoga includes elements of mindfulness, but it's also a physical practice known for helping calm the body's physical stress response, or the nervous system, through breathwork and performing specific poses. Kernaghan explains, "The physical practice can help calm the nervous system and switch you from sympathetic mode to a parasympathetic mode, ideal for resting and deep sleep." Reducing cortisol levels before bed Research seems to agree with Kernaghan, as recent studies suggest that engaging in yoga may lead to reduced levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. The extent of cortisol reduction may vary depending on factors such as the frequency and intensity of yoga practice. Additionally, some studies have shown promising results regarding yoga's impact on depression symptoms. Yoga can complement traditional treatment approaches and promote overall well-being. So, what does this mean for your sleep? Well, cortisol levels have a significant influence on sleep patterns. Higher cortisol levels are often associated with difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. A study conducted in 2019 found that incorporating yoga into one's routine can positively affect insomnia symptoms. These findings suggest that practicing yoga may offer potential benefits for improving sleep quality and overall sleep health. Which types of yoga classes are best for sleep? Not all yoga classes are mellow. Some classes are more fast-paced, like power yoga for example, and can increase your heart rate. That's a good thing, but you want to focus on movement that does the opposite if you're feeling stressed and want to unwind before bed. "I recommend doing calming, slow practices like yin yoga and restorative yoga," Kernaghan says. "In these classes, you'll generally stay in poses longer, use more props for support and have less intense instruction from the teacher, so there's more quiet space." Getty Images If the thought of doing anything that resembles a workout or requires a yoga mat makes you cringe, you can also try yoga nidra, which Kernaghan recommends doing before bed. "Yoga nidra is "closer to meditation but is generally done lying down. Little to no physical effort is needed. Instead, a nidra practice helps drop you from a beta state (the waking state) to a theta state (occurs when you are dreaming, deeply relaxed or meditating)," she says. Read more: Best Mattresses of 2025: Tested & Reviewed by our Sleep Experts 3 best yoga poses for sleep The next time you struggle to fall asleep or catch quality Zs, try these poses in the evening to help you unwind. You can do them all in a sequence if you'd like, or pick and choose a few that feel good to you in the moment. "You can definitely do poses on your own; sequences are nice because you have someone to guide you through, but if you're familiar with the postures, doing a few right before bed could be your perfect recipe," Kernaghan says. Supported Child's Pose "Forward folds are calming for the body and with the fold at the knees and hips, this can also be a nice stretch for the hips and low back. definitely make sure your head is supported, so if you need to, add another pillow to make it comfortable," Kernaghan says. How to do it, according to Kernaghan: Start with your hands and knees touching the floor or bed. Bring your knees about as wide as a yoga mat, big toes touch behind you and sit your hips back to your heels. Use a thick pillow or couch cushion lengthwise, placed between the legs for the torso to stretch forward on, which should act like gentle support from the low belly to the head. Feel free to turn your neck to one side and breathe. Stay for three to five minutes, turning your head halfway through if your neck is turned. Supported Goddess Pose "This gentle hip-opener is a perfect way to unwind and relax. Having a deep fold in the legs can help with digestion, and letting the body settle heavy to the floor is a great way to release any lingering holds from your day," Kernaghan says. (The above video shows a related exercise, not the one described here.) How to do it, according to Kernaghan: Come to a seated position with your legs out in front of you. Bring the soles of your feet together, with your knees butterflied open, and use two pillows (one under each thigh/knee) as support. Recline the torso back onto the floor; feel free to use a folded blanket underneath the back of the head. Place hands on the belly or open the arms out to the side. Cover the eyes if you'd like, and stay for three to five minutes. Legs Up the Wall "This pose is amazing for so much, but in relation to sleep, it's great because it's a gentle inversion. The legs drain for a few minutes, which helps with circulation so the body is less agitated as you fall asleep. I love doing this pose in my bed sometimes, just swinging my legs up my headboard," Kernaghan says. How to do it, according to Kernaghan: This pose is just as it sounds. You sit close to a wall, bring your torso to the floor and swing your legs up the wall. I recommend bringing your seat close to the wall, but if the legs or lower back are tight, keep some bend in the knees. I like adding a pillow under my hips so my pelvis is slightly higher than my heart. Stay for three to five minutes. If your legs feel tingly, you can always bend and butterfly your knees open with your feet together instead. With these three yoga poses for sleep in your nighttime tool kit, you will be on your way to sweet dreams. Other yoga poses for sleep These poses are for any level of experience and are easy enough for beginners. While moving between these poses, remember to pay attention to your breath and where you feel most tension in your body. Breathe and try to relax if you experience any discomfort. Read more: Best Yoga Mats for 2025 1. Cat-cow pose To get into this pose, start on your hands and knees. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be below your hips. Take a deep breath and tilt your head toward the ceiling while also sticking up your pelvis, which should mimic a "cow." Then, on your exhale, arch your back and bring both your head and pelvis down like a "cat." You can repeat these two motions a few times before moving on. 2. Forward fold This pose is as easy as standing up straight and leaning over to reach for your toes. If you are able, place your hands on the ground. If you are unable to touch your toes, you can do a half-forward fold and grab below your knees. Looking for a challenge? Try reaching around your ankles and holding on. Make sure your back is straight and you are taking deep breaths. 3. Bridge pose Start by lying down on your back, legs and arms stretched out and on the ground. Take a deep breath, raise your core off the ground and shift your arms closer to your body to balance. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Your hands can lie flat, or you can bring them together underneath your core. 4. Happy baby This is an easy pose to transition into after Bridge, since you start this pose on your back. Lift your legs to the ceiling and out a little past your shoulders (or however far you can go). Then, grab onto the outside of your feet with both hands. Gently rock left and right to relieve tension in your lower back. 5. Seated twist I recommend trying this after coming out of Child's pose. Simply sit back up and extend your legs out in front of you. Cross one leg over the other, pulling the heel of the crossed leg to your outer thigh. With the opposite arm, cross your body and twist yourself, pushing with your elbow on the raised knee. Twist and breathe. Repeat with the other side before moving on. 6. Butterfly pose From a seated position, straighten your posture and press the bottom of both your feet together. Placing your hands on your feet, attempt to press your hips as low as you can to the ground. The lower you go, the bigger the stretch. If you are looking for more of a challenge, move your feet closer to your body. 7. Head-to-knee pose This is a basic pose. Start in a seated position with your legs out in front of you. Bring one foot to the inner thigh of your opposite leg and extend your hands out over your extended leg. Sit up taller, breathe deeply and grab ahold of your foot in front of you. If you can't fully reach your foot, no problem: Grab your ankle or the back of your knee. Lean into the stretch and try to bring your forehead to your knee. Repeat on the opposite side. Still want more? Learn how getting some sun can improve your sleep, which foods to eat for a happiness boost and how the Scandinavian sleep method might save your relationship.
CNET
11-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
The Benefits of Morning Sunlight and How It Transformed My Sleep
There is a lot going on in the world right now, so it's not surprising if you find it difficult to manage your stress levels properly. When we feel stress, finding a coping mechanism can be difficult for some, if not overwhelming or impossible. If that's the case, then this can also lead to anxiety, which further disrupts your sleep. And we all know how important it is to get good rest for your overall health and well-being. According to a recent CNET survey, US adults are willing to spend around $1,000 a year ($78 monthly) to improve their sleep quality. More than half of those adults, around 56%, have some kind of coping method to deal with their sleep-related challenges. And one in four (22%) use some kind of sleep tech to help them get a good night's rest. While a new mattress and bedding can certainly help, there are other ways to help you get better sleep that won't be too expensive. Personally, I've never had trouble falling asleep; staying asleep is my issue. I often wake up at ungodly hours to racing thoughts about everything I have to get done and everything I'd failed to accomplish the day before. I'd done all the "right" things to manage anxiety, like reducing my coffee intake, intentional breathing, meditation and eating balanced meals. Although I saw small improvements, the results weren't long-lasting. That's when I spoke to Andrea Micheo, a certified holistic health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, to find natural remedies for anxiety. Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET Read more: Best Mattress for 2025 How morning sunlight affects your circadian rhythm A good night's sleep is essential for our health. One often overlooked factor in achieving quality sleep is exposure to sunlight in the morning. There are multiple benefits of getting sunlight first thing in the morning, such as boosting your mood and improving your quality of sleep. How? Great question. Let's get into it. We can't talk about morning sunlight and improved sleep hygiene without first addressing our circadian rhythm. This is the body's 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. It naturally responds to light and darkness, and it dictates when we get hungry, sleepy and ready to wake up. Think of it as an internal clock. According to Johns Hopkins, the SCN (or suprachiasmatic nucleus) is the area of your brain that controls your sleep-wake cycle. In the morning, your eyes sense the sunlight, and then the SCN triggers the release of cortisol to help wake up your body. Getting sunlight in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm as the light signals to your body and brain that it's time to start the day. When it gets dark at night, the SCN triggers the release of melatonin, which makes you sleepy. "About a year ago, I started getting sunlight first thing in the morning and at sunset as a means to regulate my circadian rhythm. Since then, I've ditched the melatonin and have been getting more quality sleep," said Micheo. nambitomo/Getty Images Our internal clock is most sensitive to light during three specific times of the day: During the first hour after waking up : In the morning, as you get exposed to sunlight, your body starts to suppress its melatonin production (sleepy hormone). : In the morning, as you get exposed to sunlight, your body starts to suppress its melatonin production (sleepy hormone). Approximately two hours before your bedtime : As it starts to get dark outside, your brain receives the signal that it's time to wind down and go to bed. : As it starts to get dark outside, your brain receives the signal that it's time to wind down and go to bed. During the night: The darkness continues to signal to the brain to keep us asleep. You can leverage these three stages of light to synchronize your circadian rhythm. Studies show that exposure to daylight not only improves sleep quality but can also help you fall asleep earlier. "I always recommend this time-efficient and cost-effective behavioral tool to all my clients and continue getting positive results and feedback," added Micheo. Read more: Circadian Rhythm: Here's How to Reset and Get Better Sleep Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET My sleep quality before and after getting morning sunlight I'm a decent sleeper: I prioritize sleep and usually get enough quality rest to wake up feeling refreshed the next day. When looking at the data from my Oura ring (a cool health and fitness tracker), my average sleep score is around 80, which Oura labels as "good." Here's my sleep data from the night before I incorporated getting sunlight into my morning routine. As you can see, I got almost 8 hours of sleep, but I had more wakeups than usual (restfulness). It took me 28 minutes to get to sleep (10 to 20 minutes is normal for most adults), and I didn't spend an ideal amount of time in deep sleep. The only thing I switched up in my morning routine was going for a 30-minute walk outside briefly after waking up. I didn't wear sunglasses or a hat to expose my eyes to the sun's first morning rays, but I did protect my skin with sunscreen. If you go outside later in the day, it's best to wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen. Read more: Best Sunscreen I didn't change anything else in my daily or night routine, and this is what I woke up to: The first thing I noticed was that I slept a whole hour more and that I experienced fewer wakeups during the night. I also spent more time in deep sleep, and it only took me 9 minutes to fall asleep. Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET Did I feel any different? Besides feeling a little more energized, I didn't experience a huge shift. I am surprised that I noticed such a difference in my sleep quality in just one day of exposing myself to the morning sun. The initial results are pretty promising, and I plan to get sunlight most mornings to see if I see significant improvement in the long run. Guide to sunlight therapy in the morning There isn't a single right way to get sunlight in the morning; these general guidelines can help you maximize your time in the sun: Go outside within the first hour of waking up: Since your body is most sensitive to light right around when you wake up, it's a good idea to soak up some sunshine first thing in the morning. Since your body is most sensitive to light right around when you wake up, it's a good idea to soak up some sunshine first thing in the morning. Aim to spend at least 30 mins in the sun: According to Harvard Medical School, 30 minutes is the optimal time to spend in light. According to Harvard Medical School, 30 minutes is the optimal time to spend in light. Be sure to wear sunscreen: While the sun's UV radiation is less harmful in the morning than during the day, it's still a good idea to protect yourself with sunscreen. While the sun's UV radiation is less harmful in the morning than during the day, it's still a good idea to protect yourself with sunscreen. Talk to your doctor: Before trying out light therapy with the morning sun, be sure you talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you. Tips to get more sunlight in the morning Now that we've discussed how morning sunlight can affect sleep quality, let's explore ways to get more sunlight. PeopleImages/Getty Images Rise with the sun: Waking up around sunrise can be a game-changer for your sleep. Aim to wake up early and catch the first rays of sunlight to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Waking up around sunrise can be a game-changer for your sleep. Aim to wake up early and catch the first rays of sunlight to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Open your curtains and blinds: One easy way of maximizing natural light in your home is to open your blinds and curtains. This allows the sunlight to provide a natural wake-up signal for your body. One easy way of maximizing natural light in your home is to open your blinds and curtains. This allows the sunlight to provide a natural wake-up signal for your body. Do outdoor activities in the morning: Whether it's going for a brisk walk or just stretching on your patio, exposure to natural light and physical activity can help you wake up naturally. Whether it's going for a brisk walk or just stretching on your patio, exposure to natural light and physical activity can help you wake up naturally. Eat breakfast by a window: If your mornings are limited and you can't find 15 extra minutes to get sunlight, try having your breakfast or coffee near a window. If your mornings are limited and you can't find 15 extra minutes to get sunlight, try having your breakfast or coffee near a window. Invest in a light therapy lamp: If you have limited access to natural sunlight or live in a region with overcast weather, consider a light therapy device that mimics the spectrum of natural light. Morning sunlight FAQs What is the best time to get sunlight for your body? If you're looking to reset your internal clock, the best time to get sunlight is 30 minutes to an hour after you wake up. This should generally be around the same time since a consistent sleep schedule gives the best results. Studies have found that anywhere between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is a great time to get sunlight to obtain vitamin D. How long should you get morning sunlight? You should aim to get anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes of sunlight in the morning. You can start with 5 minutes on a very sunny day and work your way to 10. On cloudy days, you may need closer to 20 minutes. It is up to you and how your body feels.
Forbes
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jabees Peace Pillow Is A Bone-Conducting Speaker Designed For Insomniacs
The Peace Pillow speaker from Jabees works by listener pressing it to their temple or cheekbone ... More which enables the sound vibrations to travel through the skull to the inner ear. Jabees is a brand known for bringing together innovative electronic products with everyday comfort. The brand's latest product launch is the Peace Pillow Speaker, a bone-conduction device that's been designed to help light sleepers and insomniacs enjoy music, podcasts and audiobooks without disturbing their slumbering partner. Described as being 'perfect for side sleepers and light sleepers,' the Peace speaker can turn a pillow into a personal sound system by using bone conduction technology to transmit sound directly through the pillow and into the listener's skull without the need for earbuds or speakers. Bone conduction technology transmits the vibrations of sound to the listener's inner ear via the bones in the skull. Bone conduction was used by the classic music composer Beethoven who suffered total hearing loss. The Jabees Peace Pillow speaker is a tiny device that slips into a pillowcase and can transmit music ... More using bone conduction. To carry on composing, it's said that the composer used a metal bar that he held in his teeth while resting the other end on his pianoforte. The vibrations from the piano were conducted to his inner ear by short-circuiting the outer ear. And it worked! For those of us who sometimes struggle to sleep, the answer is often to listen to gentle music, a podcast or a streaming service like The Sleepy Bookshelf. However, if your partner is a light sleeper, the sound of a Bluetooth speaker or even earbuds could keep them awake. By using bone conduction, the chances of disturbing your partner's sleep are significantly reduced. The other main advantage when using the Peace Pillow is you can stay aware of your surroundings. So, if you are waiting to hear your teenager arrive home late at night or need to listen out for a baby, then bone conduction keeps your ears open instead of being blocked by earbuds. The Jabees Peace Pillow Speakers has controls, a charging port, microSD card slot and a four-segment ... More battery level indicator. Louisa Cheng is the co-founder of Jabees: 'We wanted to create a solution for people who share a bed but don't share the same bedtime habits. The PEACE speaker allows users to fall asleep with their favorite audio—without needing earbuds or worrying about waking their partner.' Using the Peace Pillow is as simple as turning it on, pairing it with your smartphone and then sliding it inside your pillowcase. There are controls on the side of the speaker for powering on and adjusting volume levels. There is also a preset timer that can turn the speaker off after 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours. A full charge of the Peace Pillow battery can provide up to 10 hours of listening time and there is a four-segment LED battery meter on the side of the device that shows how much charge is on board. The speaker can be recharged via a USB Type C port. The Jabees Peace Pillow Speakers is available as a Plus version which comes with a 1GB microSD card ... More containing soothing sound effects. The other interesting feature of the Peace Pillow is a microSD card slot. This can contain audio files for playback when there's no cellular data signal or Wi-Fi connection. Jabees offers a premium version of the Peace Pillow that comes with a 1GB microSD card which has eight sleepy sounds on it like thunder, rainfall, ocean waves, Amazon rainforest, white noise and a crackling campfire. These sounds can play continuously and some people find they are useful for falling asleep. The standard version of the Jabees Peace Pillow speaker is available now from the company's website and is priced at $35.99 / £28 / €32.95. The Plus version with a 1GB card containing sleepy sounds costs $39.99 / £31 / €35.95.
