VENEX and Stanford Sleep & Circadian Neurobiology Laboratory Study Shows DPV576 (PHT Fiber) May Improve Sleep Efficiency and Reduce Nighttime Awakenings

VENEX Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Atsugi, Kanagawa; CEO: Taichi Nakamura), which operates recovery-related businesses based on the science of rest, develops a range of proprietary products, including textile products using its patented DPV576 (PHT) technology. In the newly announced study, VENEX conducted joint research with Professor Seiji Nishino, director of the Stanford Sleep & Circadian Neurobiology Laboratory (SNCL), and other researchers. Building on previous findings related to improved perceived restfulness from sleep, the study objectively indicated effects including fewer nighttime awakenings and improved sleep efficiency. The company’s proprietary DPV576 (PHT fiber) technology is a patented functional fiber made with a unique formulation of nanoparticles including platinum. Previous studies have reported results such as reduced stress, immune activation, and increased parasympathetic nervous system activity. This study focused on the number of nighttime awakenings, a factor that affects perceived restfulness from sleep, and examined the impact of wearing garments using DPV576 (PHT fiber) together with Professor Nishino, author of The Stanford Method for Ultimate Sleep and a leading figure in global sleep science. The results showed that garments using the technology improved sleep efficiency. The paper was published on April 5, 2026, in the international academic journal Sensors (Sensors 2026, 26(7), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26072247). Sleep efficiency is calculated as “actual sleep time ÷ time spent in bed × 100.” It is an indicator not simply of long sleep duration, but of how efficiently a person slept. In general, a target of 85% to 90% or higher is often cited. In this experiment, sleep efficiency reached 92.5%, exceeding the target level (p<0.05). The use of DPV576 (PHT fiber) also reduced the number of nighttime awakenings by approximately 33% (p<0.01). Increased awakenings can prevent deep sleep, lower sleep quality, make it difficult to fall back asleep, and cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue. They are also generally associated with increased health risks such as hypertension, diabetes, and mental health disorders. The study further showed that wake after sleep onset decreased by approximately 12 minutes when DPV576 (PHT fiber) was used (p<0.05). Longer periods of wakefulness during the night are generally considered to fragment sleep and reduce sleep quality. However, because this wake time is often counted within total sleep time, it tends to receive less attention. Aging also has a significant effect, with reports indicating that nighttime wakefulness increases by about 10 minutes per night for every 10 years of age. In recent years, sleep quality has increasingly been evaluated not only by sleep duration, but also by sleep efficiency, or how continuously a person can sleep. More frequent nighttime awakenings fragment sleep and are known to reduce the sense of restfulness. This study examined whether a non-invasive approach using clothing could improve such everyday sleep issues. VENEX focuses on rest, one of the three major elements of health alongside exercise and nutrition, as a key factor for improving performance. The company develops, manufactures, and sells recovery-support products, including its flagship recovery wear designed specifically for use during rest, and also conducts research, educational activities, services, and development related to recovery. The company began as a care-products manufacturer that developed and sold mattresses for bedsore prevention. Today, it develops recovery-related products based on the science of rest. Company name: VENEX Co., Ltd. Representative: Taichi Nakamura, Representative Director Address: Asaoka Building 4F, 4-4-13 Nakamachi, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0018, Japan Phone: 046-200-9288 Established: September 30, 2005 Business: Development, manufacturing, and sales of recovery-support products; recovery-related research, educational activities, services, and development Website: https://www.venex-j.co.jp/