Danielle Fujii, Creator of zDen

 




”Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”  Thomas Dekker


For Mother's Day this year, I bought myself a zDen since my daughter and I both have circadian rhythm sleep disorders. She has Non-24 (Sighted Non-24 Sleep-Wake Disorder), which is rare, and I have DSPD (Delayed Sleep-Phase Disorder). She's now homeschooling so she can get the sleep she needs, but it affects my own sleep.


I often have to take a nap during the day, and that's really hard to do when it's sunny outside! So zDen has helped me get better naps, as well as let me sleep well when I can't get to bed until 6 or 7 a.m. At night time it also blocks out the light coming through my window from the courtyard. 


When I contacted Danielle to thank her for creating such a helpful product, I wondered if she could answer some questions. She kindly obliged and also offered a discount code for those interested in trying out zDen (code at the end of the article).


My favorite things about zDen are that it blocks out 99% of the light and it folds up easily to be compact and portable. It has flaps with velcro so you can get airflow when you want it, and it can accommodate tubing from a CPAP machine. It's also made with non-toxic fabric, which was a concern of mine. There is a womb-like quality to it and I noticed it softens any noises from outside. Using zDen has helped me sleep better and I look forward to putting my head to my pillow whether day or night.



Why did you decide to start zDen?

I decided to start zDen after creating a personal version to block light during my migraine recovery. The zDen not only improved my sleep quality but also led to fewer migraine episodes, which inspired me to start the company.

 

How long did it take for you to be happy with the finished product?


It took 5 years of refining to reach the final prototype in 2021, which I'm truly happy with.

 

While creating it, were you able to get input from people who have sleep disorders or other issues?


Yes, I received valuable input on design and functionality from various individuals, including migraineurs, shift workers, and those with sleep apnea.

 

What is your work background? 


I'm an environmental designer with a passion for creation.

 

Where would you like to see zDen in the near future?


I envision zDen being used by college students to maintain healthy sleep habits away from home, by individuals with various sleep disorders, and by first responders and hospital personnel who work off-shift hours.

 

Any recommendations for favorite sleep music or sounds?


I personally find the sound of steady rain or a trickling creek very soothing due to its hypnotic rhythms.



You can purchase zDen on their website: https://myzden.com/

Discount code is: CSDN23





Naomi Mittet is a board member of the Circadian Sleep Disorders Network. https://www.circadiansleepdisorders.org/




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