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Adelaide sleep-tech crowdfunder raises $60,000 in 10 days

The campaign to commercialise a South Australian wearable sleep training device has received more than $60,000 in pledges from sleep-troubled supporters in just 10 days.

Sep 30, 2016, updated Sep 30, 2016
Thim founder Ben Olsen with the fully functional Thim prototype.

Thim founder Ben Olsen with the fully functional Thim prototype.

‘Thim’, developed by Flinders University researcher Professor Leon Lack, brings lab-tested techniques into the home to re-train insomniacs desperate for a better night’s sleep.

The ring-styled device is worn on a person’s finger and connects wirelessly to a smart phone app to determine when they are awake or asleep.

Just as they doze off, Thim gently wakes them again, repeating the process each time they fall asleep so their body can ‘practice’ – and get better at – falling asleep.

Professor Lack and Thim’s US-based company founder Ben Olsen launched the fundraising campaign last week to fast-track production of their fully functional prototype device.

They hope to start production within six months and have the device – which will cost around A$199 – available early next year.

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Thim lead engineer, and Flinders University student, Vera Townsend

Crowdfunding supporters will get first dibs on their own Thim at a much discounted rate, with those who want to contribute more even receiving a personalised ‘Thim’ – and others getting to share an all-expenses-paid dinner with its inventor, Professor Lack.

“The development of Thim is based on 10 years of university research, which has shown a better and drug-free way of improving sleep,” said Professor Lack.

“For the first time, it allows our research to be translated into the home environment.”

As well as a ‘sleep retraining mode’, Thim also features a ‘power-nap’ module to help people on the go achieve optimum benefit from having a day-time nap. Users can also see their sleep patterns on their smartphone and track progress.

“The secret of the perfect power nap is to sleep for exactly 10 minutes. Sleeping for more than 20 minutes will leave you feeling groggy upon waking, and sleeping for five will provide no benefit,” Professor Lack said.

“This device has the potential to benefit so many people around the world, and from our own research we know that is works.

To contribute to the Thim campaign, and secure your own, click here.

Topics: sleep
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