An AI-powered health feature in the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra bed recently advised a user to consume alcohol to improve sleep quality, according to a report by The Verge.
Victoria Song, a senior reporter for The Verge, detailed an incident where the smart bed's AI-generated summary suggested that alcohol consumption could reduce snoring. The app notification stated that alcohol 'relaxes the throat muscles, which can reduce airway obstruction and thus lower snore frequency.'
The recommendation caused immediate friction for the user. Song reported that her spouse confronted her after seeing the notification, shouting, 'I HATE THIS!' while showing the smartphone screen.
While the AI-generated summary claimed that keeping the habit of drinking would lead to feeling 'more rested and focused,' the report notes that scientific consensus contradicts this. The Verge cited the Sleep Foundation, noting that while alcohol may assist in falling asleep faster, it significantly reduces overall sleep quality.
AI-driven health advice
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of generative AI in consumer health technology. Song, who purchased the $5,000 device for its ability to regulate temperature and reduce snoring, described the experience as a 'most unwelcome' interruption to her morning.
Despite the bed's physical benefits—such as maintaining different temperatures for partners and reducing noise—the integration of AI summaries has introduced unexpected and medically questionable advice into the user experience.
