Product: Pzizz
Company: Brainwave Limited
Link: www.pzizz.com
Price: $29.95 per module or $49.95 for two

When I first heard of Pzizz a few months ago before MacWorld, I simply laughed. A program that will play sounds and put me to sleep – could you blame me? And then about two weeks ago I had one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a while.

Research is continually showing that a good nights sleep and napping during the day can be beneficial: “Researchers announced today the results of an a 25 year study on the effects of napping in industrial and post-industrial nations. The study’s outcome was clear – “for 92.5% of workers, an afternoon nap increases their productivity, and their creativity and problem solving skill.” In layman’s terms, they not only get more done, but their work is better, too.” (Dateline: IP Clinic, Marin County, California.)

58 percent of adults report trouble falling asleep a couple nights a week, while 35 percent report suffering from insomnia at least a couple nights a week (http://www.neurocrine.com/ar03/indiplon.htm). In the face paced, demanding world we live in today, those statistics aren’t frighteningly surprising, especially considering I might say I fall somewhere within those statistics.

Pzizz is a simple program, comprising of two “modules”, the Energizer Module and the Sleep Module. Based on user settings, Pzizz will create an audio file (which you can play directly from Pzizz or export for use in iTunes or on an iPod) that help you to, well, get energized or fall asleep.

When creating a new audio file, you can choose which module to use, name it, chose your mix between voice and background music and determine the length of the file (anywhere from 15-60 minutes). Once a module has been created, it shows up in the source list in Pzizz, indicating its name, module type and length. Each time you select a created “nap” from the source list, Pzizz automatically recreates an original audio file for you based on the settings of that specific nap, so that you don’t get too familiar with the audio, which would decrease its effectiveness. This is a great feature, especially when you are considering the value you get for what you pay. When you purchase a tape or CD designed to help you fall asleep or get energized, you’re stuck with one repeating audio file for as long as you chose to use it. With Pzizz, each experience is brand new, the audio files never get dull or old. So while you might get stuck with one recording for a $40 CD, with Pzizz you’re essentially getting millions of combinations.

Overall the software was easy to use, but took a little bit to get used to. If you accidentally download the program without any modules, you might find yourself a little lost. Don’t forget that the sleep and energizer modules have to be downloaded and installed separately (unless you download the bundle). Once you make your first few naps, you should be alright handling the software.

Pzizz is a cross between a coaching system and hypnosis. The actual audio files consist of a man’s voice, speaking phrases such as: “Now, rest is on your mind. But soon, rest will be taken by your body” from the sleep module and “All you need to do, is let your mind and your body get more and more relaxed” from the energizer module. This calming voice is accompanied by even more relaxing music and sounds in the background.

If this all sounds corny, I can’t blame you. I had heard all the same and still mocked the idea of Pzizz. So if I can’t convince you that it works, I’ll go by the old adage, “actions speak louder than words”. Go to http://www.pzizz.com/downloads.asp where you can find a sample 15 minute energizer soundtrack and a sample 15 minute sleep soundtrack to try out for yourself. Keep an open mind and you may be surprised. I’ll wait, go ahead, try it now.

Okay, refreshed? I hope so.

Pzizz is so dynamic its perfect for anyone. Students, business people, on the plane, in the middle of the day, whenever or wherever you like. That’s the beauty of Pzizz, you control how long you nap for. If you find yourself getting less and less yours of sleep every night, or a little too tired in the middle of the day and in need of a refresher, this is going to bed the best $50 you’ve spent in a while. You can’t put a price on feeling great.

Keep in mind that every person responds to things like personal hypnosis differently, some more susceptible than others. Personally, I find the sleep module more effective for myself, but with time I hope to become a better “napper”. I look forward to seeing some new features and more modules in the future.

Product Requirements:

Mac

- Mac OS X 10.4 or later

Windows

- Windows XP / XP Pro / 2000
- 64MB RAM
- QuickTime 6.0.2

For more information, or to download Pzizz, visit www.pzizz.com