21st September 2020 Digital zen – smart homes for wellness

Modern life is fast-paced and complex, leaving many with little or no time to look after their wellbeing. It’s no surprise that anxiety and stress are on the rise, with 79% of British adults suffering from work-related stress.

We all know that stress is bad for us: the effects of long-term stress can disturb the immune, digestive, cardiovascular, sleep and reproductive systems. Continued long-term stress can result in serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other illnesses. But the good news is, most of the causes of stress can be mitigated, providing we’re otherwise in good health. 

Home is where the smart is

Smart home technology is disrupting the health and wellness industry by providing health solutions in the comfort of one’s home. Increasingly, both consumers and doctors are turning to smart home technology to manage a range of health issues, from chronic conditions to care of the elderly.

Smart technology can be used to improve our health and wellbeing, firstly by measuring key indicators, and secondly, by reducing our stress. AI and technology are providing everything from remote patient monitoring to videoconferencing doctors. 

Anti-viral air filtration

As smart home technology helps reduce the need for physical contact with surfaces and thus decreases the risk of infection, it’s becoming highly desirable for many in the age of COVID-19. David Shrier, a lecturer in technology and innovation at MIT’s Media Lab, predicts that future smart home technology will include UV disinfection lights that sanitise surfaces and sensors that recognise when an occupant is running a high temperature. He also believes there will be an array of tech that can diagnose conditions that previously involved a trip to the hospital.  

At present, smart home air filtration systems are hugely popular as they reduce dust, mould, bacteria and other allergens that may decrease the air quality at home. Consider investing in one for some breathing space. 

Stop feeling SAD with smart lights

Smart homes are also being used to treat conditions like SAD (Seasonable Affective Disorder) and depression. Automation allows lighting systems to dim and brighten with the natural rhythms of the sun. For SAD, therapists and physicians may prescribe light therapy which involves greater exposure to light and this treatment helps reduce symptoms of depression due to lack of sunlight. There are several products on the market claiming to do just that, such as John Goscha’s Brilli lightbulbs, which are designed to improve health and wellness by simulating the effects of sunrise and sunset. The product claims to keep circadian rhythms in balance, improve mood, reduce stress, increase focus, boost energy, minimise eye strain and increase alertness.

Smart homes have the power to transform our health, meaning we perform better in our daily lives. The technology can also help health services become more efficient and free up hospital beds. Although there are many sceptics, smart home technology has the power to save lives and money, enhance productivity and strengthen our healthcare system. Perhaps, as importantly, it allows us a degree of control over our own health and wellbeing, rather than simply being a passive player in a healthcare system that’s struggling to cope with burgeoning demand.