Lumineo: A Holistic Solution for PTSD-Induced Nightmares
Lumineo is a therapeutic sleep device designed to help individuals suffering from PTSD-induced nightmares. Developed by Rora Pan for her thesis, Dreamscapes of Healing: Exploring Therapeutic Avenues for Nightmares, Lumineo combines advanced sensory, auditory, and visual technologies with light cues and guided deep breathing exercises to create a holistic sleep aid system. This multifaceted approach promotes restful sleep and alleviates the severity of nightmares, guiding users toward peaceful nights and rejuvenating mornings.
“Nightmares can arise for a number of reasons—stress, anxiety, irregular sleep, medications, mental health disorders—but perhaps the most studied cause is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
— Harvard Medical School
At the core of Lumineo’s functionality is its ability to promote deep breathing through the 4-7-8 method, a technique proven to help manage stress and anxiety. Guided by visual light cues, users are guided through breathing, enhancing relaxation and sleep quality. Lumineo also features three distinct auditory rings that provide different soothing sounds, which users can mix with base sounds to create a personalized auditory environment.
In addition to focusing on breathing and sound, Lumineo employs sound hypnosis and sensory stimulation to alleviate nightmares and promote smoother transitions to sleep. Lumineo creates an immersive environment conducive to calm and restorative sleep by targeting auditory, visual, and sensory pathways. The device is also compatible with the Apple Watch and can detect increased heart rates, a potential sign of nightmares. In response, Lumineo gently awakens the user with simulated sunlight, offering a soothing transition from sleep to wakefulness.
Rora says that the Lumineo project was created in response to learning that individuals struggling with mental health may avoid or drop out of therapy due to accessibility issues. One participant, Vicky, shared her experience: “I stopped going to my therapy sessions because my therapist wasn’t always available when I needed to talk. It’s a difficult issue to address, but it’s the main reason I decided to quit.” This insight guided Rora in developing Lumineo as an alternative tool for those who may not have consistent access to therapy, offering a self-guided, therapeutic approach to improving mental well-being.
Process & Research
Lumineo's design and functionality are shaped by three key elements, carefully developed during the prototyping stages. First, the top section of Lumineo features a ripple pattern, creating a calming atmosphere while also serving as a vinyl surface for switching and mixing auditory inputs. Second, the top button, inspired by the traditional Chinese custom of “walnut therapy,” has an organic form with three edges that connect to the ripple pattern, activating the auditory functions. Lastly, the middle section of Lumineo houses a guided deep breathing exercise lamp. The final project was constructed using 3D modeling and Arduino coding, completed in the VFL and PoD studio.
Rora says that user testing garnered enthusiastic feedback, with many peers expressing a desire to have Lumineo at home, underscoring the device's perceived value and comfort. However, the research process presented significant challenges, particularly in engaging with PTSD sufferers. "To handle this sensitively, I obtained certification in Trauma-informed Coaching & Counseling," Rora explains. "This certification has significantly enhanced my confidence and competency in conducting interviews with PTSD sufferers. More importantly, it has equipped me with the necessary skills to ensure that these interactions are conducted in a manner that minimizes the risk of re-traumatization."
To learn more about Rosa Pan’s work, take a look at the other thesis projects that make up Dreamscapes of Healing: Exploring Therapeutic Avenues for Nightmares. Find more of her design work at rora.myportfolio.com.