Now, 'smart' headphones to combat insomnia

The SleepPhones are a fabric band with earphones built in and manufacturers claim it could help people sleep more soundly and easily, without having to wake up their partner.

Current versions have a wire to connect to a phone, but a wireless version has also been introduced which has already won awards at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

The headbands have small headphones built in, and there are versions for sleeping and running as well.

"Being able to sleep soundly is crucial to feeling well overall, and SleepPhones help by playing relaxing audio, drowning out noises, and establishing a positive bedtime routine," said Wei-Shin Lai, one of the inventors of the headphones.

"In 2007, I had trouble falling back to sleep after patient phone calls late at night as a family doctor.

"My husband suggested that I listen to something to take my mind off of patient concerns. Since I didn't want to disturb my husband while he slept, I needed headphones or ear buds I could wear in bed," said Lai.

Lai said there was nothing comfortable on the market so she came up with stuffing speakers inside a headband to combat the problem.

The company is now set to introduce its first wireless version for USD 80.