A few years ago, during our MSc studies in the Netherlands, we experienced what profound effect the lack of light can have on our bodies, energy levels and mood. After doing extensive research on the topic, we found out that light therapy is a fantastic solution to help us feel more energetic during the dark and gloomy winter days.
We experimented with numerous products on the market (light boxes and visors) and realized that there was a need for a light therapy product, which is portable, personal and smart. That is why we started the creation of AYO – the world’s most advanced light therapy device. The product presents sleek and comfortable light therapy glasses, which are fully controlled and operated by a mobile app.
AYO helps athletes boost overall energy levels, improve sleep and beat jet lag during long travels for competition. Our product is the result of a three-year development, testing and engineering process and it uses the latest developments in Chronobiology (the science studying the human body clock) to deliver clinically-tested soft blue-turquoise light at proper timing and intensity directed by the goAYO mobile app.
The glasses emit a 470-475nm light with an irradiance of 250 μW/cm2 which helps in regulating the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and optimizing the circadian rhythm: this leads to enhanced energy levels and better sleep quality and habits.
The intelligence behind AYO is the mobile app for Android and iOS: the sophisticated algorithms perform an in-depth analysis of the user’s sleep habits and lifestyle preferences and provide a personalized approach by guiding the user in the optimal application to achieve the best results.
By wearing the glasses as little as 20 minutes a day:
Athletes who experience sleep problems can improve their sleep quality and habits and set their natural sleep rhythm for brilliant, energizing “sleep time” and healthier, more productive “wake time”. Depending on the individual need, AYO’s sleep programs can also help users wake up earlier or go to sleep later;
Shift workers can finally adjust their sleep-wake cycle to match their work schedule, so they can stay awake or fall asleep whenever needed, while feeling rested and energized.
Stressed or tired athletes, as well as people who suffer from winter blues or SAD can bring back their vigor and then experience increased energy;
Peak performers and professional athletes can improve their energy levels for optimum performance whenever they need it most; whether it is before an important competition, business meeting or mental exercise.
Athletes who travel frequently can beat jet lag quickly, feeling fully refreshed no matter how many time zones their latest trip has spanned.
We based our technology on Nobel Prize awarded mechanisms, which control the circadian rhythm, as well as many other clinical Chronobiology research efforts at leading institutions including Harvard, Oxford and NASA.
One of our scientific advisors Professor Bert van der Horst, Chairman of Health and Chronobiology at Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, says that AYO is “the first step in the personal adjustment of internal body clocks. It will help us to improve our lifestyle, remain healthy, and keep the doctor away”.
After just 2 years of being on the market, we are fortunate enough to have tens of thousands of happy customers in over 100 countries worldwide. We have leading airlines, Fortune 50 companies, military, Olympic athletes, some of the most influential business travelers and top performers and many others trusting our brand.
The vision of our ambitious company is to be the frontrunner and leader in personalized light therapy, helping millions of people live healthier, happier and more active lives.
Aleksandar Dimitrov is the co-founder and chief commercial officer of GoAYO: he is an energetic entrepreneur from Bulgaria and currently residing in Barcelona. He was named one of the “top global emerging young entrepreneurs to watch for” in 2014 by Inc. magazine and Kairos Society. He is an active member and major contributor to the Eastern European startup scene, and one of the 30 best Bulgarian leaders and entrepreneurs in 2011.
Aleksandar holds MSc. Entrepreneurship from Rotterdam School of Management and has a strong background in business. He is also an avid rock climber, marathon runner and a nature enthusiast. He is leading the whole commercial side of the business - Sales, Partnerships, Branding, and Customer Support.