OWSleep: Development of a Smart, Digital Scent Technology for Improved Sleep Quality

A good night's sleep is crucial for our overall wellbeing. When we don't get enough quality sleep, it can drain our energy, affect our mood, and even impact our work performance. The consequences go beyond feeling tired; they can have negative ripple effects on our mental wellbeing, health and quality of life. Sleep disorders are not just an inconvenience, they are a known risk factor for serious heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes.

Scientific research has provided strong evidence that scents can have a profound effect on our emotions and wellbeing. Certain scents can help us relax and unwind, making them a potential solution to improve our sleep quality.

OWSleep proposes a smart digital scent solution to improve sleep experiences and enable more personalised, in-the-moment benefits to the individual. The project will achieve this ambition through harnessing the scientifically proven reciprocal relationship between scents and sleep, and deliver an innovative digital scent technology, composed of a smart scent creation platform, an adaptive scent-delivery device, and a Sleep App for personalised use.

OWL has a track record of successfully developing and demonstrating digital scent applications for various markets including digital health and immersive technology, closely working with leading academic and clinical experts in the field, such as creating a digital smell test and self-administered smell training to help people rehabilitate their sense of smell. OWL also adapted the technology for immersive applications in virtual and augmented reality, which have been showcased at prestigious events like BFI London film festival 2023, SxSW, and museums.

Drawing on this expertise in smell health and immersive applications, this project will develop a new range of scent-enhanced products for the Sleep-Tech device market. This not only promises to improve sleep but also creates exciting commercial opportunities, partnering with complementary products like light and sound therapy. By bringing together the power of scent and technology, the project aims to make a difference to people's mental and emotional wellbeing and health.