A randomized study on the effect of a wearable device using 0.75 Hz transcranial electrical stimulation on sleep onset insomnia

• DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1427462
• Publication Date: 2024-10-23T05:10:45Z
• Authors: Stephen B. Simons; Maria Provo; Alexandra Yanoschak; Calvin Schmidt; Isabel Gerrard; Michael Weisend; Craig Anderson; Renee Shimizu; Patrick M. Connolly
• Keywords: Sleep onset latency; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Sleep; Sleep induction

Introduction The normal transition to sleep is characterized by a reduction in higher frequency activity and an increase lower frontal brain regions. In onset insomnia these changes are weaker may prolong the sleep. Methods Using wearable device, we compared 30min of short duration repetitive transcranial electric stimulation (SDR-tES) at 0.75Hz, prior going bed, with active control 25Hz same individuals. Results Treatment 0.75Hz significantly reduced latency (SOL) 53% when pre-treatment baselines was also more effective than which SOL 30%. Reductions displayed order effects suggesting possibility placebo. No were observed stimulation. decrease treatment proportional individual’s baseline wherein those suffering from longest pre-treated SOLs realized greatest benefits. Changes correlated left/right EEG signal coherence around frequency, providing possible mechanism target for focused treatment. Stimulation both frequencies decreased perceptions symptoms measured Insomnia Severity Index, comorbid anxiety State Trait Anxiety Index. Discussion Our study identifies new potential that comparably current state-of-practice options including pharmacotherapy cognitive behavioral therapy safe, effective, can be delivered home.