Better Sleep for Better Living

To support the CVS Health goal of offering consumers the opportunity for better sleep, Sprout conducted in-depth research regarding the stressors that can inhibit restful, productive sleep. We then developed new product solutions positioned for lowering stress levels. Given the fundamental importance that sleep plays in health, wellness, and personal energy across all demographic types, Sprout sought the simplest solution that could appeal to the broadest audience. With this goal in mind, we created the Calming Breathing Coach, a handheld aid to help guide breathing with gentle vibrations that produce a calming effect.

Sprout’s research into sleep and its impact on overall wellness helped to guide our design process and fostered key insights. Elevated cortisol levels, commonly associated with high stress, can result in disrupted sleep patterns, less fitful sleep, or even a loss of general sleep hours which can lead to a variety of issues affecting personal wellness. We understood that one activity that everyone can practice to reduce stress levels is a conscious approach to breathing. Controlling how we breathe can slow our heart rate, in turn reducing the release of cortisol, and increasing the likelihood of falling asleep soundly. Users simply hold the Calming Breathing Coach in the palm of their hand as light, gentle vibrations help guide breathing. Control of this early sleep stage sets users up for a smooth transition into deeper sleep patterns and more healthy rest.

Every aspect of the Calming Breathing Coach was designed to be simple and approachable — from the intuitive, three-step interface, to its compact, mobile size and soft form. We relied heavily on our in-house 3D rapid prototyping to deliver many form study models to help define surface contours and proportions. Sprout then created working breadboard models, integrating final components and confirming all aspects of the device to secure approval from CVS Health management.