A Weighted Sleep Mask for Deeper Naps
A Tokyo-based startup, in collaboration with the Yamagata University Sleep Management Research Center, has developed a unique product called the "gravity weighted sleep mask." This mask is designed to help users achieve deeper, more restful sleep, even in short naps.
Clinical studies conducted at Yamagata University have shown that the mask effectively increases the amount of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is the deeper stage of sleep. This is attributed to the mask's gentle weight, which applies pressure to the areas around the eyes, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep.
The mask, named "Nelax," is a combination of the Japanese verb stem for "to sleep" and the English word "relax." It is available for purchase on the product website for 8,800 yen (approximately $58).
Nelax was created by Norio Kajiwara, who sought to develop a product that would induce a calming effect on users. The mask achieves this by utilizing fine glass beads to evenly distribute weight around the eyes.
Professor Yasuki Yamauchi of the Yamagata University Faculty of Engineering, who specializes in sleep research, commented on the effectiveness of the mask, stating that it "correlates more strongly with the deepness of sleep than sleeping masks of other types."
Kajiwara believes that Nelax can be a valuable tool for busy individuals seeking to maximize their rest during short breaks. He encourages people to explore the benefits of this innovative sleep aid.