Re-Timer Generation 2 - The wearable light therapy device

The Re-Timer is a University developed and scientifically proven light therapy device, which can re-time your body clock and so help to alleviate difficulties with: 

• Poor Sleep
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (or winter blues)
• Shift Work Adjustment
• Jet Lag

Superior green-blue light therapy :  The green-blue color has been chosen for both safety and efficacy. Green-blue light is most effective at influencing your sleep. 

100% UV-free :  Re-Timer light is UV-free and has been independently tested for eye safety to the international standard CEI IEC 62471.   

Optimal Light Delivery Angle :  Traditional, older style “light visors” deliver light from above. Much of the energy from a light visor will be blocked by your eyebrows. This reduces performance. Re-Timer is different – delivering light from below for maximum performance.   

Designed for just 60 minutes use a day : Re-Timer is worn while you are awake either in the morning or evening, depending on how you wish to influence your sleep. A recommended schedule of use is typically 7 days for 60 minutes each day.

Built with ease of use and convenience in mind : The Re-Timer is portable & comes in a sturdy carrying case so that you can take it with you wherever you go; and at just 75 grams (2.64 ounces) it is the weight of a regular pair of sunglasses. This means you can go about your daily routines, watch TV, eat breakfast or read the newspaper as you use Re-Timer.  

The Re-Timer is rechargeable : There are no batteries requiring regular replacement. Instead, the Re-Timer has its own in-built battery which is recharged via a USB cable. Simply plug the device into your computer or laptop.  

Re-Timer has an evidence-based pedigree which is second to none : The device's Australian production company remains University-owned and is dedicated to bringing the latest in Sleep Science to the Community.

About the Circadian Rhythm.

What is a Circadian Rhythm?
Often referred to as the “internal body clock”, the circadian rhythm influences the timing of all our bodily rhythms, including our sleep-wake rhythm.

The cycle is completed approximately once every 24-hour period, which is why these regular rhythms are called circadian (circa=about, dian=day) rhythms. 

Your sleep health and overall well being is dependent on your circadian rhythm working correctly; and remaining synchronized with night and day. The most important external indicator to help keep your body synchronized with this routine is light.

Why is light important to our circadian rhythm?
When the eye senses light, it sends a signal to your brain to be awake. As it becomes dark in the evening, your body produces melatonin, (often called the sleep hormone) telling your body it is time to sleep.

The combination of biological processes in response to light and darkness are crucial factors for your body to remain synchronized and sleep at the right time. If you do not receive light at the right times due to the winter months or lifestyle factors, this can confuse your circadian rhythm leaving you unable to sleep when you need to or contribute to the Winter Blues. Winter Blues is a mild form of low mood experienced during the winter months. 

What can disrupt your circadian rhythm?
Sleeping and waking difficulties can occur when there is a discrepancy between the circadian rhythm and an individuals preferred sleep period. This can occur for a number of reasons, and can cause a circadian rhythm disorder.

• Shift work: working different shifts requires you to adjust your sleep-wake times to accommodate your work life. Often this means having to sleep during the day which is contrary to your body’s natural rhythm, or experiencing fatigue during your shift.
• Travel: frequent travel may require you to cross multiple time zones. This can disrupt your existing sleep-wake rhythm and result in you feeling jet lagged and unable to sleep.
• Seasonality: lack of morning light during the winter can cause you to have trouble sleeping at night and then waking in the morning. This lack of morning light may also contribute to Winter Blues.

• Delayed Sleep Phase (also referred to as sleep onset insomnia): may cause you to have difficulty falling asleep at your desired bedtime. Typically, people are unable to sleep until after midnight and then find it difficult to wake up early in the morning for school or work commitments.
• Advanced Sleep Phase (also referred to as early-morning awakening insomnia): may cause you to feel overwhelmingly sleepy during the early evening, essentially rendering you unable to stay awake. Your bed times may be as early as 7pm causing a wake time of around 3am, impacting your work and social life.

• Poor sleep quality
• Insufficient sleep duration
• Sleepiness and fatigue
• Impaired overall well-being in family and social life
• Decreased motor and cognitive performance