Re-Timer ready to reset sleep

Today saw the launch of Re-Timer, a wearable green light device invented by Flinders University sleep researchers to reset the body’s internal clock.

The portable device, which is worn like a pair of sunglasses and emits a soft green light onto the eyes, will help to counter jet lag, keep shift workers more alert and get teenagers out of bed by advancing or delaying sleeping patterns.

Psychologist Professor Leon Lack, the device’s chief inventor, said that the light from Re-Timer stimulates the part of the brain responsible for regulating the 24-hour body clock.

The device has been designed with the benefit of 25 years of sleep research at Flinders University.

“Body clocks or circadian rhythms influence the timing of all our sleeping and waking patterns, alertness, performance levels and metabolism,” Professor Lack said.

“Photoreceptors in our eyes detect sunlight, signal our brain to be awake and alert, and set our rhythms accordingly. These rhythms vary regularly over a 24-hour cycle. However, this process is often impaired by staying indoors, traveling to other times zones, working irregular hours, or a lack of sunlight during winter months.

“Our extensive research studies have shown that green light is one of the most effective wavelengths for advancing or delaying the body clock, and to date is the only wearable device using green light.”

Professor Lack recommended wearing the glasses for three days for 50 minutes each day either after awakening in the morning to advance the body clock, or before bed for those wanting to delay the body clock to wake up later.

He said that Re-Timer’s light therapy offers a safer and, in many cases, more effective treatment for mistimed sleep than drug alternatives.

The device is being produced by local manufacturing firm SMR Components.

South Australia’s Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Mr Tom Koutsantonis said Re-Timer is an outstanding example of the type of home-grown innovative product the State Government is aiming to encourage through its Manufacturing Strategy.

“This successful collaboration is evidence of what can be done when our manufacturing companies link with major research institutions for commercial outcomes.”

Posted in
Corporate Engage News Research Uncategorized

19 thoughts on “Re-Timer ready to reset sleep

  1. Hello, My daughter has been suffering chronic insomnia for past 30+ years. She has been under the care of Prof Stewart Armstrong at Epworth Hospital (Melbourne)in recent years.Do you think this device would be of any help to her? If so, where could we order one please.

    Thank you John Quinn

  2. Hello, can this help with insomnia? Does one need to wear them 3 days in a row? …and finally where can it be purchased and how much?
    Thanx.
    ps: I assume the laser that the eyes are exposed to is safe.

  3. My son has been diagnosed with Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder following glandular fever. We have been having great difficulty changing his body clock.

    Could this devise help him return to normal ?

  4. Can you tell me where I can order a pair of “Re-timer” glasses please….my husband is a chronic insomniac!
    Thank you,
    Andrea

  5. Great idea. But I thought blue light was the most effective to “re-time” the body clock. so why are those glasses emitting green light ?

  6. @John Quinn- Please consult your health professional as a first step. If they advise that Re-Timer is right for you, you can purchase from http://www.re-timer.com

    @Domenic – The Re-Timer can assist you advance or delay your body clock. You should start to notice a difference after 3-4 days of use. You can purchase a Re-Timer for $273 from the website http://www.re-timer.com. Delivery is free worldwide.

    @Verity Lloyd – The Re-Timer may assist your son. Please consult you health professional to seek their advice.

    @Gary B. Worrell – health professionals can purchase a Re-Timer from http://www.bmedical.com.au. Please contact them to learn more.

  7. @Val Dev – great question. The Re-Timer uses a wavelength of 500nm, which to the eye is a green colour. Yes – many studies have indicated that blue (approx. 470nm) is one of the most effective wavelengths at re-timing the body clock. However, blue is also cited in some studies as potentially hazardous to your eyes. This led to researchers at Flinders looking for a safer wavelength which was as effective as blue light. The answer to this question was green light. In fact, one study from the university has indicated that green light is more effective in phase delaying the body clock (Lack & Wright, 2001).

    The Re-TImer’s green light has been tested for eye safety and we also know it’s one of the best wavelengths for efficacy. So, we’ve got the best of both worlds.

    Great question. Thank you very much for posting it.

  8. My Dad is an 82 year old insomniac and has tried various pills & potions and hypnotherapy. Nothing has really worked. He would love to try a pair. Where do you get them from?

    KATHY

  9. I purchased a pair of Re-timer glasses hoping that they would help with my interrupted sleep pattern during the night. I have been using them for an hour before bedtime, for four consecutive days on two separate occasions without success.
    My sleep pattern have altered. Prior to using the glasses I was sleeping four hours and then waking, since using the glasses I’m only sleeping two hours and dose off and on till morning.
    What is your recommendation on the use of the Re-timers for a full nights sleep?

  10. I am interested in finding out more about the Re-timer, and also want to know where to buy it from, and how much it costs please. Thanks.

Comments are closed.