Q&A: The device that gives you a rock-a-bye

For World Sleep Day 2020, Ian Bolland spoke to Lisa Viani, co-founder of sleep tech start-up Ensven, about its smart modular bed rocker system, designed to rock the user to sleep.

Where did you get the idea from for Ensven?

One of our co-founders has gathered experience in a sleep centre. It's been suspected by sleep scientists for a long that bed rocking helps with sleep because it helps babies and this effect has also been seen in animal experiments. Recently studies on human sleepers have confirmed this. We figured that in order for people to benefit from this, we'd have to offer a simple and cost-effective solution that is easy to install. This is how the Ensven idea came about.

What went into developing the device?

Mostly mechanical engineering and computer science and programming. And, of course, the underlying sleep science.

Tell us about the design – was it a secondary thought to functionality?

The design is functional. We aim to keep the units as low profile as possible and also have gently sloped sides to prevent injury to feet. Safety and reliability were also main design considerations.

Can you give us some insight into the materials used for the device?

We cannot yet share it fully, but it's nothing particularly exotic. The goal is that the units are rugged, reliable, and yet nice looking. The outer shell is made from plastic.

Is there any need for the user to purchase another bed for this to work?

No. This was one of the main design considerations. People should be able to use their existing bed and installation should be easy.

How can you develop this device further?

The system is already well developed. We have an app that will be regularly updated, adding features.