Soon, a bed that downloads movies, changes temperature, and gives massage

Melbourne, February 1 : A bed that downloads movies to watch before bedtime, adjusts pillows, changes the temperature, and even gives a massage is being created.

The US concern, which will take care of the bed's marketing, calls it the 'Starry Night Bed'.

Mark Quinn of the company has revealed that the bed will come with sensors, temperature controls, internet connectivity, and a home theatre options.

"No one in the bedding industry has ever put so much technology into a bed or sleep system. It's a first for us and a first for the industry," ABC online quoted Quinn as saying.

He says that vibration sensors in the mattress will be capable of picking up a person's snoring, tossing and turning, and breathing patterns.

The bed is being programmed to elevate the snorer's head seven degrees to open airwaves. It will return to its original position when the snoring stops.

For the first 30 days, the bed will track the sleeper's sleeping habits to learn the sleep pattern. It will also be capable of sensing any unusual restlessness, and offering recommendations for a better sleep.

Besides, water circulating through small channels in the mattress may be warmed or cooled, as per the sleeper's preferences.

"I think it's a phenomenal step forward combing the best technology with some in-depth psychological principles," says sleep specialist Rubin Naiman, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Arizona's program in integrative medicine.

"As the technology becomes more refined and economical, it can set a new standard for bringing sleep monitoring into the home," he says.

Naiman, however, admits that too much of dependence on such technologies may be harmful.

"One concern is that people would overdo the entertainment piece," he says.

Watching news or over-stimulating action or horror films right before bed, he adds, may disrupt sleep.

"It's the blue end of the spectrum that suppresses melatonin," says Naiman, referring to a natural hormone closely associated with sleep patterns.

High cost is an obstacle to the bed's way into the average home.

The company has plans to launch the bed by 2009. It will be sold for 20,000 to 50,000 dollars.

ANI