School - Bergische Universität Wuppertal

Delta waves counter
sleep disorders
Infrasonics has been working
on sleep therapy since 1998,
seeking ways to detect and
effectively remedy sleep disturbances,
so that patients will
recover the restorative function
of sleep that they need.
The company has developed a
method based on the biophysical
principle of binaural perception,
in which a small phase
shift in sound from two audio
channels creates a gap in the
region of 4 Hz. This is the region
of deep relaxation called the
delta phase.
The research breakthrough
came for Infrasonics in 2001,
when they first succeeded in
bringing delta waves into the
brain. Since 2008 they have
been investigating the suitability
of audio sleep therapy for
elderly patients with severe
dementia. Current research
focusing on high resolution
procedures to enhance binaural
perception has raised questions
of bio-feedback that are
being investigated by Dr. Ralf
Stürmer of the University of
Wuppertal. An initial study has
already been completed.
Infrasonics Audio Engineering
could meet the 96 kHz requirements
of the task, but the
delta wave range is so small
that no equipment could be
found anywhere in the world
suitable for relaying such high
resolution sound. Again the
company approached UW, and
the university’s Knowledge
Transfer Office contacted a
group of graduates who were
able to develop an entirely new
sound generation system. Infrasonics
has been testing the
first three prototypes. Sound
fidelity is exceptionally good
– significantly better than current
mp3 players or audio CDs.
It is hoped that the improved
equipment will bring new insights
and solutions in the field
of sleep and dementia therapy.
Infrasonics GmbH
Wißmannstraße 30
50823 Köln
Germany
Telefon: +49 (0)221 1680424-0
Telefax: +49 (0)221 1680424-9
E-Mail: info@infrasonics.de
www.infrasonics.de
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