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This article is part of CNN Underscore’s Sleep Guide, All week focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be showcasing new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new and be sure to subscribe CNN’s underrated news to see them all.
If you’re like me and countless others, you may have trouble sleeping at night. Dodow is looking to change that, a stomach ache at a time, with a sleep aid that focuses on soothing breathing.
This device is intended to help you relax and clear your mind as you prepare to fall asleep. It comes in the form of a small saucer and touching the top will trigger a slow-pulsing blue light. This dim light shines on your ceiling to help you regulate your breathing.
When it expands, you inhale and when it contracts, you exhale. When you follow this slow breathing rhythm, you allow your body to relax and help it enter a calmer neurophysiological state. This is often referred to as “rest and digest,” in which the muscles relax, the heart rate slows, and the body normally conserves energy. You can use an 8-minute or 20-minute light cycle and three brightness levels.
Dodow equipment price $59.99 from mydodow.com. The company also has individual price shaving packages.
The sleep aid machine has a simple and elegant design. The white disc is slightly under 3.5 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick.
There’s a small punch-hole pattern at the top that includes touch controls to cycle the light, turn it off, and change settings. The top also has a small set of LEDs that emit blue light, and around the edge of this surface is a thin lip that slopes upwards.
At the bottom of the device is a light blue disc that acts as a kickstand with a handle. The Dodow The logo is engraved on it and below are two images that show you how to activate the 8 minute or 20 minute light cycle.
Below that, there’s a horizontal divider that you can twist to unlock the battery compartment. The device runs on three AAA batteries that you insert into this compartment, which are easily unlocked with a coin or screwdriver. It’s a beautiful, minimalist design with a pleasing color scheme.
Once you’ve inserted the batteries, you’re ready to get started. It is difficult to overstate the simplicity of this device. For an eight-minute cycle, simply press the tip once. For a 20-minute cycle, tap it twice.
From there, all you have to do is focus on the light and tune your breathing to it. If you want to manually turn off the light before the cycle ends, you can keep your finger on the surface for three seconds. It will also automatically turn off the light once either cycle is over. A booklet provides detailed instructions.
Although the light is not very bright, you can switch between the three brightness settings with ease. While the device is off, hold your finger on top for three seconds. After the light comes on, release your finger and then tap the surface to switch between brightness levels. When you are satisfied with the level, hold your finger on the surface for three seconds again to turn off and save your settings.
I have been used Dodow for over two months and didn’t have to replace the battery. And considering how little power it uses and how often I run it, I don’t anticipate running out of battery for a long time. Plus, since it’s battery-powered (and it’s so small), you can take it with you wherever you go without cables.
Staring at a flickering light and breathing in rhythm may sound like an odd ritual, but I found it easier to get used to than I expected.
The light has a soft color and is less than 1 lux, so it does not cause glare. And it’s easy to get used to the breathing pattern the light dictates. It’s not too fast or too slow, just slow enough to help you relax. I find it most helpful not to worry too much about being exactly right – just do your best to follow the pattern. You may want to use a 20-minute cycle when starting out. After a while, it will become easier to synchronize with the light and fall asleep. After just a few nights, I used the eight-minute cycle and fell asleep before it ended.
When I said earlier that I had trouble sleeping, I meant it. Not only do I have trouble falling asleep, but I often have trouble falling asleep even with a consistent schedule. Using Dodow has greatly improved my ability to fall asleep.
In the pamphlet, Dodow suggests that you focus on your body out of light and try to breathe through your lower abdomen. I’ve found that this technique, combined with light, provides me with deep and full breathing as well as a way for my mind to focus and get rid of distracting thoughts. You can even try, as the brochure suggests, noting “inhale” and “exhale” as you inhale and exhale. It’s all about relaxing your body and mind.
Dodow also advises against “trying” to fall asleep. If you focus specifically on trying to fall asleep, you can become preoccupied with that thought, thereby sabotaging yourself. Instead, try to focus on techniques and sleep should come naturally. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t work out very well. With practice, you should improve.
If you’re wondering if this is all mumbo jumbo, science behind it is sound. In fact, intentionally slowing your breathing can shift your body into a relaxed state. This state, which acts on a circuit called the parasympathetic nervous system, slows your heart rate, relaxes your muscles, and halts the release of stimulant chemicals in your brain. Belly breathing is also an effective breathing method. And finally, focusing on being in sync with your light and body can help you tune in to other thoughts and environmental distractions.
The Dodow sleep aid is a unique and useful device. It helps me fall asleep faster and more consistently. It is not difficult to learn how to synchronize your breath with the light, and as you get used to the process, you will feel the results. Only inhale when it expands and exhale when it contracts.
And it won’t hurt if you try to breathe from your belly and follow the other tips contained in the pamphlet.
Try one for $59.99 from Dodow’s website. If you like, you can purchase a package on the website that cuts the cost of individual units and shares the secret to a better night’s sleep with family and friends.
