09/04/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | APR 9, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Responsive living over passive tracking o How wearables along with air conditioner work together to optimise sleep environment F OR YEARS, the concept of a “smart bedroom” has centred around convenience. Devices could be controlled through apps, scheduled to turn on and off, or adjusted remotely. the night.

How the ecosystem works Rather than maintaining a fixed temperature, this mode is designed around one key insight: your ideal sleep temperature changes across different sleep stages. Using biometric data captured from the ring or watch, the system adjusts the environment dynamically: 0 As you fall asleep: The room is cooled quickly to create an immediate sense of comfort 0 During early sleep cycles: Temperature is maintained at a lower level to support deeper rest 0 As your body enters deeper stages (NREM): The system gently raises the temperature to prevent overcooling as body temperature drops 0 Across REM cycles: Adjustments continue subtly to match your body’s natural fluctuations 0 Towards morning: A slightly warmer, softer environment helps prevent sudden cold awakenings These changes happen automatically and continuously, up to multiple adjustments throughout the night, based on your sleep cycle. Paired with WindFree cooling, airflow is dispersed gently without direct cold drafts, helping reduce common sleep disruptions such as chills, dryness or sudden temperature shock. New approach to smart cooling The result is a bedroom On the ground, Projek Oh! Bulan , founded by Zuraidah Daut, addresses access by placing donation boxes in public spaces and distributing menstrual products to students in rural schools. The aim is to ensure no one misses school because they cannot afford basic necessities. There is also growing interest in sustainable alternatives such as reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups and period underwear. These options reduce long-term costs while lowering environmental impact, offering a more practical solution for some communities. Moving beyond affordability Malaysia has taken steps to improve access by zero-rating menstrual products. However, affordability alone does not address deeper challenges. A more coordinated approach is needed – one that brings together access, education and infrastructure. Providing free sanitary products in

But true smart living goes beyond automation. Today, technology is beginning to respond to the human body itself. Instead of relying on fixed settings, the bedroom is becoming a responsive environment – one that adapts to you as you sleep. At the centre of this shift is Good Sleep mode, now enhanced to work seamlessly with the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch. Through the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem, cooling is no longer simply programmed – it becomes biometric-responsive. responsive living Sleep tracking has become a familiar part of many wellness routines. Wearables monitor sleep cycles, movement and heart rate, providing users with a score or summary the next morning. But what if the data did not just sit in a report? By linking your wearable monitor to your air-conditioner via SmartThings, your sleep data is activated in real time. The system detects when you fall asleep and automatically initiates Good Sleep mode, removing the need for manual adjustments. What follows is not automation as we know it. It is a system that responds continuously, throughout From passive tracking to Globally, only about 46% to 47% of schools provide basic water and sanitation facilities needed for menstrual hygiene. Many also lack proper disposal bins, leaving students to manage in ways that can be uncomfortable and, at times, embarrassing. Around 10% of those who menstruate miss school due to limited access to menstrual resources. Beyond infrastructure, silence plays a role. In many homes and communities, menstruation remains a topic that is rarely discussed. Boys are often left out of the conversation, while girls are expected to manage it quietly. This combination of limited facilities and social stigma shapes how menstruation is experienced, often turning a natural process into a source of stress. Community efforts gaining ground Across Malaysia, grassroots initiatives are working to shift access and awareness. Campaigns such as Haid,

Sleep cycles can now not only be monitored, but it can be used to activate a responsive environment.

0 For elderly users, gradual temperature changes help avoid discomfort from sudden cold exposure 0 For parents, indirect airflow offers peace of mind for infants and young children 0 For wellness-focused users, sleep tracking becomes actionable – not just informational In this context, cooling becomes

environment that adapts naturally to the rhythms of the human body. Rather than relying on fixed timers or manually set temperatures, Samsung’s connected ecosystem introduces a more intuitive approach to comfort – one that learns, responds and adjusts automatically. It also reflects a broader understanding of real-life needs:

more than a convenience feature. It becomes part of a broader vision of AI-powered living, where devices work together quietly in the background to support everyday wellbeing. The future of better sleep is not about doing more before bed. It is about creating an environment that already knows what to do – the moment you fall asleep. normalise the topic and reduce stigma over time. Basic facilities remain essential. Clean water, soap and proper disposal systems form the foundation of safe menstrual hygiene, yet they are not always consistently available. Better data is also needed. National-level research can help measure the scale of period poverty in Malaysia, allowing for more targeted and effective policies. Matter of dignity and access Period poverty is not only about products. It reflects whether individuals can go about daily life without disruption, discomfort or stigma. Addressing it requires more than short-term solutions. It calls for sus tained efforts that recognise menstrual health as part of broader conversations around public health and equality. As awareness grows, the focus shifts towards practical action – ensuring that access, education and infrastructure move forward together, so that menstruation remains what it is meant to be: a normal part of life. This article is contributed by Taylor’s University Associate Professor Dr Chong Wei Ying and Norshahila Mohamad Razak.

Period poverty in Malaysia highlights gaps beyond access to pads DEFINED as the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities and education, period poverty continues to affect communities globally and in Malaysia. It is not only a health issue, but one closely tied to dignity, education and equality. Jangan Hide by the All Women’s Action Society focus on reframing menstruation through education and open conversation. Workshops and reusable pad-making sessions create safe spaces, particularly in underserved communities.

While Malaysia has taken steps to improve access, affordability alone does not address deeper challenges. – 123RFPIC

schools, especially in lower-income areas, is one step, but it requires consistent implementation.

Education is equally important. Introducing menstrual health into school syllabi for all genders can help