In the heart of Amsterdam, where the city’s vibrant electronic music scene meets cutting-edge technology, a groundbreaking event unfolded – the “Sleep Rave.” Hosted in a dark chapel at the Hotel Arena, this innovative gathering was a surreal fusion of beats and beds, where attendees experienced a unique exploration of the impact of sound on their state of rest.
The Sleep Rave, a first-of-its-kind experiment, brought together 30 participants who lounged in comfy beds bathed in the gentle glow of purple lights. The eight-hour DJ set, delivered by the renowned Dutch electronic music duo Mr. Belt & Wezol, served as the immersive soundtrack to this nocturnal journey. The event, in collaboration with tech giant Samsung, aimed to investigate how the flow of certain sounds influenced the sleep patterns of participants.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, a wearable tech marvel, played a pivotal role in tracking the sleep metrics of the attendees throughout the night. This partnership sought to unveil the potential connections between music, sleep quality, and wearable technology. Attendees were not only treated to a serene environment and lavender mocktails but also engaged in conversations about their nocturnal habits and the advanced technology that could monitor and enhance their sleep.
Leading the discussions was Dr. Els van der Helm, a distinguished neuroscientist and sleep expert who has previously consulted with Spotify and other high-profile brands. The discourse delved into the evolving sleep rituals of Gen-Z and Millennials in the Netherlands, shedding light on the intricate relationship between music and sleep science.
Mr. Belt & Wezol, referring to their set as “Dory-fied music,” drew parallels to the floaty and whimsical character Dory from Finding Nemo. The experiment concluded with warbling bird calls, gently nudging the ravers awake, as organizers unveiled the sleep data harvested by the Galaxy Watch 6.
Dr. van der Helm emphasized the significant role music plays in the sleep routines of the younger generations, highlighting the potential for a unique alliance between electronic music and sleep science. Building on the insights gathered from the Sleep Rave, on October 29th, Dr. van der Helm and Mr. Belt & Wezol will release an optimized 90-minute sleep set, tailored to enhance rest based on the findings of the Amsterdam study.
Carlijn Prins, Digital Marketing Communication Specialist at Samsung Electronics, expressed the company’s commitment to raising awareness about the importance of sleep. “With this ‘Sleep Rave,’ Samsung wants to make people aware of the importance of sleep and show how the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 can help gain insight into sleep patterns,” she said. “Based on these insights, people can work more specifically on their health, both during the day and at night.”
The Sleep Rave not only blurred the lines between music, technology, and sleep science but also opened up new possibilities for understanding and optimizing our nightly rest. As the realms of entertainment and well-being continue to converge, events like the Sleep Rave provide a glimpse into the future, where technology enhances our understanding of our own bodies and lifestyles.
