9 Headband Tweaks Brain Waves for Improved Sleep

Elemind, a startup from Cambridge, Massachusetts, recently launched a 9 device aimed at neuromodulation. Co-founder and CEO Meredith Perry mentions that the wearable utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to track and influence brain oscillations via bone-conduction sound. This technology primarily focuses on dampening alpha waves to assist users in falling asleep.

Unlike other devices that only provide feedback on brain activity, Elemind’s headband seems to be the first to actively modify brain waves without requiring user intervention. In a clinical trial, 76% of participants experienced faster sleep onset with an average reduction of 48% in time taken to achieve sleep, comparable to results from pharmaceutical sleep aids according to Perry.

Perry describes the experience, stating, “It cuts through rumination, calming thoughts.” The headband features a cushioned design that incorporates EEG sensors and delivers sound through vibrations. It weighs about 60 grams, roughly equivalent to a small kiwi.

During a brief testing session, conducted in an unsuitable environment and lasting only 4 minutes, the headband delivered pleasant bursts of sound through a noisy atmosphere, effectively aiding the participant’s relaxation.

Mechanics of Brain Wave Modification

Brain states correlate with different frequencies: alpha waves at approximately 10 Hz occur when users are calm but awake, transitioning to theta waves and then delta waves as sleep deepens. Ryan Neely, vice president of science and research at Elemind, explains that the device processes EEG data to identify oscillation phases that trigger bursts of pink noise, disrupting problematic alpha waves.

The auditory stimulation is designed to create minor disruptions in brain wave patterns. Elemind’s protocol seeks to time these stimuli effectively to suppress alpha waves while promoting the slower theta waves associated with sleep.

Exploring Beyond Sleep

Elemind intends to extend its applications beyond sleep enhancement. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Washington are underway to investigate the device’s potential to elevate pain thresholds during sedation. Additional studies aim to evaluate the wearable’s ability to improve memory consolidation during deep sleep.

With current funding of million, Elemind expects to open sales for beta units at 9 soon. Subscription options will soon be available for cloud data storage and additional features.