Outline of collaborative research
This ambitious project, involving renowned institutions like Stanford University, the University of Nottingham, and Chonnam National University, aims to explore non-drug interventions using physical stimulation to enhance sleep quality. Specifically, it focuses on developing innovative physical stimuli devices, such as rocking pillows and heat-stimulation systems, to positively affect sleep structure and quality. Researchers will test these devices on participants, analyzing outcomes using advanced neurophysiological tools.
Key goals of the project include understanding the biochemical mechanisms by which these stimuli improve sleep and examining their effects on physical performance. By combining expertise across fields like biomechanics, bioengineering, and sleep medicine, the project seeks to establish Ritsumeikan as a central hub in global sleep research. Furthermore, this collaboration emphasizes ethical and sustainable research practices, aligning with the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
If successful, this initiative could significantly advance sleep science, providing practical applications and fostering a new interdisciplinary research model that connects experts across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Papers, etc.
- K. Yamamoto, Y. Kawamura, S. Okada, Y. Sakaue, M. Manno and M. Makikawa, Effects of “Robotic Rocking Pillow” on Human Short Sleep at Noon, 2024 IEEE International Conference on Consumer Electronics (ICCE), January 5-8, 2024, Las Vegas, NV, USA, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/ICCE59016.2024.10444464.
Symposia, seminars, etc.
- Hazuki Masuda, Shima Okada, Masanobu Manno, Taizo Aoki, Hiroshi Maruyama and Shuzhen Zhou, Does In-Bed Airflow to the Feet Improve Postural Balance After Waking?: Aiming to Reduce Fatigue, 2024 IEEE 13th Global Conference on Consumer Electronics, October 29-November 1, 2024, Kitakyushu, Japan, Received the Best Poster Award
- Shima Okada, LE Symposium for the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers, Organizer: Measurement and Equipment Development for Sleep Health, August 29, 2024, Osaka, Japan
- Shuto Hayashi (Ritsumeikan University, Japan); Shima Okada (Ritsumeikan University & Science & Engineering, Japan); Yusuke Sakaue and Naruhiro Shiozawa (Ritsumeikan University, Japan), Non-Contact Sleep Stage Estimation in Adult and Infant Sleep Using Millimeter Wave Sensor, 2025 IEEE 43rd International Conference on Consumer Electronics (ICCE), January 11-14, 2025, Las Vegas, NV, USA, Received the Best Regional Paper Award
Future prospects/aspiration
Humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping―equivalent to 33 years if one lives to 100. Understanding this reality, I aspire to unlock the potential of optimized sleep that powers energy for the day ahead. By integrating advancements in engineering, biochemistry, and sports health science, we aim to pioneer groundbreaking research that revolutionizes sleep and introduces entirely new functionalities to enhance human performance.
