– University of Texas at Austin
News
– A new wearable patch may help people reach REM sleep faster and remain there longer without medication or surgery. In a study of 28 participants, the device shortened the time to REM by 43 minutes and extended it by about 16 minutes. Researchers also observed signs of improved stress regulation and changes in brain circuits tied to emotion.
Researchers led by the University of Texas at Austin have created a soft wearable patch that improved REM sleep in real-world testing without medication or surgery. Known as NEUSLeeP, the device combines gentle ultrasound stimulation with electrodes that track brain activity as it happens. This allows the patch to influence deep areas of the brain involved in sleep while also monitoring the brain’s response.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to noninvasively target deep brain regions involved in REM sleep, while simultaneously monitoring brain activity,” said Kai Wing “Kevin” Tang, a recent UT biomedical engineering Ph.D. graduate who led the research effort. “Our skin-attached NEUSLeeP patch opens up new possibilities for understanding sleep and treating sleep disorders in home settings,” added Huiliang “Evan” Wang, assistant professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Bio
Details
Wearable Patch Helps People Reach REM Faster
The researchers tested the technology in a study involving 28 people, with the results published in Nature Communications. On average, participants entered REM sleep 43 minutes sooner and remained in that stage for about 16 minutes longer.
The benefits were observed in both healthy sleepers and participants experiencing some sleep difficulties. Users also described the patch as comfortable and safe, and the study reported minimal adverse effects.
Analysis
Possible Benefits for Stress and Emotional Health
Among healthy participants, NEUSLeeP stimulation also increased heart rate variability, which is commonly used as an indicator of the body’s ability to respond to stress. Brain imaging revealed changes in circuits associated with emotion, raising the possibility that the technology could support mood regulation and psychological resilience.
“REM sleep is not just about dreaming — it’s about emotional reset and stress adaptation,” explained Gregory Fonzo, assistant professor in the Dell Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and one of the project’s co-PIs. “By enhancing REM, we may help people better cope with stress and improve their overall well-being.”
Stay informed with the latest news on Wararka.so — your trusted source for Somalia and world news.
