A wearable ultrasound patch has shown promise in enhancing REM sleep without the need for drugs or surgery. In a study involving 28 participants, the device reduced the time to enter REM sleep by 43 minutes and extended REM duration by approximately 16 minutes. Researchers also noted improvements in stress regulation and changes in brain circuits linked to emotional processing, suggesting potential benefits for mental health and cognitive function.
A wearable ultrasound patch developed by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has demonstrated the ability to enhance REM sleep in a small clinical study. The device, which is applied to the skin behind the ear, uses low intensity ultrasound waves to stimulate specific brain regions associated with sleep regulation. Unlike traditional sleep aids, the patch does not rely on pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures, offering a non pharmacological approach to improving sleep quality.
The study, published in *Nature Communications*, involved 28 healthy adult participants who were monitored over two nights in a sleep laboratory. Half of the participants received active ultrasound stimulation during the first night, while the other half received a placebo. The results showed that those who received the ultrasound stimulation fell into REM sleep 43 minutes faster on average and spent approximately 16 minutes longer in REM sleep compared to the placebo group. The device also appeared to reduce physiological markers of stress and influence brain circuits involved in emotional regulation.
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