Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a wearable patch that could assist people reach REM sleep faster and stay in it longer without any surgery and drug consumption.
The device, known as NEUSLeeP, perfectly combines gentle ultrasound stimulation with electrodes that monitor brain activity in real time.
Scientists stated the recently developed cutting-edge technology is able to efficiently target deeper areas of the brain involved in REM sleep while tracking the response of the brain.
Study shows faster REM sleep
Scientists experimented the patch on 28 participants, with findings published in Nature Communications.
On average, people using the device entered REM sleep 43 minutes earlier and spent about 16 extra minutes in the sleep stage.
The effects were observed in both healthy participants and people facing some sleep difficulties.
As per some participants, the patch remains comfortable, with the study discovering minimal adverse effects.
Impact on mental health
Additionally, scientists discovered some changes that could be associated with improved stress regulation.
Among healthy participants, the stimulation saw a significant increase in heart rate viability, a measure that is often linked to the body's ability to respond to stress.
Moreover, brain imaging showed changes in circuits involved in emotional processing. Researchers stated the findings could be essential because disrupted REM sleep has been linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.
More testing planned
Scientists stressed the need for larger studies before the technology can be considered a treatment. Future trials will examine whether NEUSLeeP could benefit people with chronic insomnia, depression and PTSD.
