Light rest: Hotel helps guests sleep soundly

The technology, called NightCove, is a bedside lamp that emits lightwaves and sound frequencies that help you sleep. Guests can choose functions such as sleep, anti-jetlag and nap.

In sleep mode, red light is diffused to stimulate the sleep hormone, melatonin, while the sound of gently rippling waves helps cardiac rhythm to slow down gradually. In the wakening setting, a blue light similar to daylight is accompanied by soft music that slowly becomes louder, gently bringing guests to wakefulness.

The technology was developed by professor Damien Léger, head of the sleep clinic at the Hôtel-Dieu hospital in Paris, and the light was created by French designer Patrick Jouin.

For more examples of spaces designed to offer havens of relaxation in today’s ultra-busy, always-on world, read our forthcoming New Sublimity macrotrend.