WASHINGTON – If you snore, you’re probably familiar with the sensation of someone smacking you upside the head in the middle of the night.

Soon, you may be able to simulate that experience, even if you are sleeping alone.

Japanese researchers have created a robotic pillow to help ease snorers out of their disturbing habit. The pillow, shaped like a polar bear, is fitted with a “paw” that will gently brush the sleeper’s cheek if it senses snoring.

The idea is that when the bear touches the sleeper, he will stop snoring by rolling over.

If that doesn’t work, there is always the possibility that the sleeper may stop snoring on the account that he is awake and terrified because his face has been creepily caressed by a pillow.

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