Improvements in sleep induced by far-infrared (FIR) radiation were also observed in a pioneering study by Honda et al. (1988). This study aimed to investigate the sleep-modifying effects of FIR radiation using an animal model.
Far-infrared (FIR) bioceramics are materials that emit far-infrared radiation, which is a type of energy perceived as radiant heat by the skin. These bioceramics can be integrated into various products, such as fabrics, to harness their therapeutic benefits, leveraging the body's heat to emit and reabsorb FIR for potential health improvements (Vatansever and Hamblin, 2012).
In their experiment, rats were individually placed in special recording cages, each equipped with two ceramic disks (40 mm in diameter and 5 mm thick). One disk was coated with a thin layer of FIR irradiative film, while the other had a non-active control film. The researchers monitored the rats' sleep patterns, particularly focusing on paradoxical sleep (PS) and wakefulness (W).
The findings revealed a significant difference between the two groups during the third trisection of the recording period. Rats exposed to the FIR radiation showed a prolonged duration of wakefulness and a reduced duration of paradoxical sleep.
This study underscores the potential of FIR radiation to influence sleep patterns, suggesting that FIR bioceramics could play a role in sleep modulation. Although conducted on rats, these results provide valuable insights into the potential mechanisms through which FIR technology may affect sleep, paving the way for further research in humans.
