US: Luxury brand Equinox Hotels has partnered with sensory innovation studio White Mirror and sleep scientist Matthew Walker to introduce in-room sleep rituals at its New York property.
The Sleep Lab at Equinox Hotels New York is a science-based sleep optimisation experience, designed to enhance rest and recovery.
Rituals blend technology with morning and evening routines to align with the body’s circadian rhythm. Four Premier King rooms with river views have been outfitted with the technology.
Experiences include:
- Guided breath work, visually enhanced by warm-spectrum red and orange lights which are known for minimal disruption to melatonin production.
- Audio-visual content which down-regulates the nervous system, using slow tempos and rhythmic entrainment.
- A wakescape – an audio-driven ritual designed to replace harsh alarms with gradual sensory stimulation, awakening guests softly and restoring energy naturally.
Additional amenities include adaptive mattresses with personalised temperature control, a contrast therapy shower with steam and ice functions, a travel sleep kit, and a sleep assessment each morning viewed from a bedside device.
Chris Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, said: “The Sleep Lab is not just an evolution of our commitment to sleep – it is the future of high-performance regeneration. We have designed a first-of-its-kind experience that merges science and luxury, enabling our guests to achieve peak recovery and performance through optimised sleep.”
Katie Tardif, brand director of Equinox Hotels, added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with White Mirror on the development of the Sleep Lab — their expertise in sensory health and immersive audio and visual content has helped bring our vision to life. The Sleep Lab represents the next frontier in high-performance health. By blending cutting-edge science with unparalleled luxury, we’ve created a groundbreaking experiment and experience that elevates recovery and maximises sleep for optimal performance.”
Tom Middleton, co-founder, White Mirror Studio, said: “Our shared mission is to deliver rituals that facilitate deeper, more restorative sleep and smooth transitions from sleep to wakefulness, addressing the global sleep problem that affects a third of adults.”
Walker said: “Our objective is to bring the rigour of sleep science into the hospitality space, offering an experience that is not only luxurious but also scientifically validated. Sleep is the foundation of human performance, and The Sleep Lab offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their health, cognition, and overall well-being.”
Highlights:
• Equinox Hotels has introduced Sleep Lab rooms at its New York property.
• The initiative was created in collaboration with White Mirror and sleep expert Matthew Walker, offering rituals aligned with circadian rhythms and nervous system regulation.
• Four Premier King rooms have been upgraded with immersive lighting, audiovisual tools, and a gentle “wakescape” alarm alternative to support restful sleep and natural wakefulness.
• Rooms also included smart amenities such as adaptive mattresses with personalised temperature control, a steam/ice contrast shower, travel sleep kits, and a digital morning sleep assessment.
