Eight Sleep has unveiled the Pod 6, a new and smaller version of its sleep-regulating system, designed to fit snugly under your bed. The Pod 6 cools or warms your bed faster and is cheaper than its predecessors, making it a tempting upgrade for those seeking a better night's sleep.

The system, available through Eight Sleep’s online store, includes a Standard version priced from £2,699 for a full-size mattress to £2,999 for king and California king sizes, alongside a cheaper Solo option for single sleepers, priced at £1,999. Both models come with a mandatory subscription ranging from £199 to £399 per year, which enables the AI-powered Autopilot feature to adjust the temperature throughout the night.

Enhancements to the Pod 6 include a more compact control hub, with the new system now being 20 percent faster at making temperature adjustments. Eight Sleep claims this hub has been “rebuilt from scratch,” delivering more performance in half the space of previous versions. The system also boasts 18 biometric sensors, up from two in the Pod 5, allowing it to track a range of health metrics for two individuals, from heart rate to sleep stages, and even detect snoring.

The Pod 6 is designed to be smarter and more efficient, but at what cost? While it promises a more comfortable sleep, the subscription model and the high price tag might keep some potential customers awake at night. Will we soon all be slumbering in a high-tech cocoon, or will the Pod 6 just be another mattress gadget that collects dust?