Sleep problems are estimated to affect a great number of the general population in Ireland. In fact, recent research (carried out by Laya Healthcare) showed that almost 80% of people are sleep deprived
This issue came in to focus for Ray Murphy, founder of O’Suan Sleep, when he received an injury to his lower back. Not only did the pain disturb his sleep, his pain seemed to him to be worsened by lying in bed.
Coincidentally, Ray’s wife, Hazel got orthotic insoles around the same time, to deal with a pain issue that she was experiencing with her hip Orthotic insoles are special shoe inserts that are made to suit each individual, often using pressure scanning technology.
Ray had been in the bed business – both selling and manufacturing mattresses in County Wexford – for about 10 years at this stage so he was familiar with how beds are manufactured and knew how important it is to have the right bed. He also saw the difficulties encountered by customers in selecting the most appropriate bed surface for their needs.
It occurred to Ray that some of the thinking behind orthotic insoles could work for beds too. People spend 7 to 10 hours in bed every day of their lives and pressure is being applied during that time from the mattress to the body.
The restrictions during Covid gave Ray the time to develop, test and perfect his idea – to use scanning technology to map each person’s pressure points and create their individual sleep system according to their body’s needs.
Pictured at O’Suan Sleep are Luke Hayes Manager of O’Suan Sleep, Hazel Murphy, Breda Banville, Mary Nolan and Mary Kelly. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Layers of natural materials are used which are breathable and cooling, including coconut fibre, natural latex, cashmere wool and silk. These are cut to size and adjusted for each client, then layered over 2,000 pocket springs and encased in an easily removable and washable cover.
An O’Suan Sleep pillow has also been developed following the same innovative concept.
Dr. John Collier of iD Consulting, was commissioned to carry out an independent study to determine the benefits of the O’Suan Sleep System. The study specifically investigated the effect of the O’Suan Sleep System on the sleep quality of participants who self-reported as having problems sleeping due to bad sleep hygiene or posture resulting in pain.
10 people who self-reported sleep problems and / or self-reported pain that disturbed them during sleep took part in the research.
Each participant was scanned using the innovative pressure-mapping technology employed by O’Suan Sleep. An O’Suan Sleep System was then selected for each subject, using layers of natural materials designed and custom made to support the pressure points identified in the scan.
Information on the duration and quality of sleep as well as pain scores for each of the people taking part was gathered at the outset of the study and again after 1 month and then at the end of a second month.
The results at the end of month two show that there was a significant improvement in all of the participants’ sleep scores. On average, participants self-reported getting one additional hour of sleep per night. Those with more severe sleep issues at the start of the study self-reported an average of 2 extra hours of sleep per night. All participants self-reported that they felt more alert during the day.
Nine out of the ten study participants self-reported that their pain levels reduced by more than 50%.
Overall, the research carried out by Dr. John Collier of iD Consulting demonstrates a meaningful improvement in sleep quality and pain reduction, as self-reported, amongst the participants in the study group.
At present there are two O’Suan Sleep studios in Gorey and Wexford town – the aim is to expand into other towns and cities as the business grows.
Visit www.osuansleep.com for more information on products and booking
