System and method for training and promoting a conditioned reflex intervention during sleep
AssigneeSleep Methods, Inc.
InventorsMichael L. Lehrman, Michael D. Halleck
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for causing a conditioned reflex in a person. The apparatus includes a detector configured to detect a physiological condition of the person, the physiological condition associated with an onset of a sleep apnea event. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to transmit a stimulus to the person upon a detection of the physiological condition. The controller is also configured to determine if the physiological condition is still occurring. The controller is further configured, upon a determination that the physiological condition is still occurring, to repeat the transmitting and determining steps.
Claims20
An apparatus for causing a conditioned reflex in a person, the apparatus comprising:
- a power source configured to supply power to the apparatus;
- a detector configured to detect a physiological condition of the person, the physiological condition associated with an onset of a sleep apnea event;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- transmit a stimulus to the person upon a detection of the physiological condition, the stimulus configured to induce the person to perform at least two actions to counter the physiological condition, wherein a first of the at least two actions comprises turning over and a second of the at least two actions comprises swallowing or clearing a throat;
- determine if the physiological condition is still occurring;
- and
- upon a determination that the physiological condition is still occurring, repeat the transmitting and determining steps.
A method for causing a conditioned reflex in a person, the method comprising:
- detecting, by a microphone, a physiological condition of the person, the physiological condition associated with an onset of a sleep apnea event;
- upon a detection of the physiological condition, transmitting a stimulus to the person, the stimulus configured to induce the person to perform at least two actions to counter the physiological condition, wherein a first of the at least two actions comprises turning over and a second of the at least two actions comprises swallowing or clearing a throat;
- determining if the physiological condition is still occurring;
- and
- upon a determination that the physiological condition is still occurring, repeating the transmitting and determining steps.
A method for training a conditioned reflex in a person, the method comprising:
- transmitting, by a device worn around the person's neck, a stimulus to the person, wherein the person is in preparation for sleep and the stimulus is configured to induce the person to perform at least two actions to counter a physiological condition, wherein a first of the at least two actions comprises turning over and a second of the at least two actions comprises swallowing or clearing a throat;
- waiting for a predetermined time period;
- and
- repeating the transmitting and waiting steps for a first plurality of repetitions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.