Smithsonian.com reports that the Human Charger works by beaming light through your ears. Yes, you read that right: light through your ears. You use it either on your flight, or once you land. The iPod-esque device delivers beams of white light via earbuds, delivered in 12-minute doses — i.e. the “charging.”
Why does this work better than, say, a good long nap? See. the human body has light-sensing proteins in the brain, eyes and skin. These proteins usually receive cues visually, but can actually sometimes perceive light without any input from the eyes.
READ MORE: British Airways Wants Us to Feel “Mindful” on Their Planes
The scientist and engineer behind the Human Charger first developed the light technology to better get through the long, dark winters in northern Finland, where Valkee is located. Too much darkness and minimal daylight can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), aka seasonal depression. Their technology is approved to treat the mood disorder, but in a recent April 2015 study, researchers found promising evidence that this practice of administering light through the ears could have a significant impact on jet lag, too.
But the science is a little iffy. A different study found that administering light therapy via the ear canal has no impact on changing the circadian rhythm or level of alertness. And, for what it’s worth, a tech reporter at the Guardian gave it a test run, and said it made zero impact whatsoever on his sleepiness. But that doesn’t mean it won’t work for everyone.
If jet lag is a huge annoyance in your life and you’re willing to experiment, the Human Charger’s £139.89 ($218.91) price tag may be worth it. It’s , and set to launch in a week on Amazon U.S. Hey, it’s worth a try.
