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Skin patch worn while you sleep could manage stress during the day
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed NEUSLeeP, a soft wearable patch that enhances rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is vital for mood regulation, memory, and cognitive function.
- In a study with 28 participants, the patch helped users reach REM sleep 43 minutes faster and extend REM duration by 16 minutes on average, while improving heart rate variability, a marker of healthy stress response.
- Brain scans indicated changes in emotional circuits, suggesting additional mood benefits, and the patch was found to be comfortable and safe with minimal adverse effects for both healthy sleepers and those with sleep problems.
- The device uses gentle ultrasound waves and electrodes to stimulate deep brain regions linked to REM sleep, potentially aiding stress coping and overall well-being without invasive procedures or medications.
- Larger trials are needed to validate these findings and explore NEUSLeeP's potential as a treatment for chronic insomnia, PTSD, and depression.
