Wearable Patch Uses Ultrasound to Target REM Sleep Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a wearable patch called NEUSLeeP that uses focused ultrasound combined with embedded electrodes to target deep brain regions associated with REM sleep. The device, published in Nature Mental Health, aims to address sleep disorders by influencing the brain’s ability to transition into REM sleep, a critical phase for emotional processing, stress regulation, and cognitive restoration. The study involved 28 participants, including both healthy sleepers and individuals with sleep difficulties, and demonstrated a 43-minute reduction in the time required to enter REM sleep. The technology operates as a closed-loop system, meaning it continuously monitors brain activity through embedded electrodes and adjusts ultrasound pulses in real time. Unlike traditional deep-brain stimulation, which requires surgical implantation and a neurosurgeon, NEUSLeeP is noninvasive. It targets the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a pea-sized brain structure involved in movement and arousal, which is typically difficult to access without invasive procedures. The patch sends ultrasound waves to this region while simultaneously capturing EEG data to fine-tune its stimulation. This adaptive approach is likened to “adaptive cruise control for the sleeping brain.” The study’s findings suggest that the patch could have broader implications beyond insomnia. Researchers note that disrupted REM sleep is linked to conditions such as PTSD, depression, and chronic stress, where the phase is not just a symptom but potentially a contributing factor.#university_of_texas_at_austin #neusleep #subthalamic_nucleus #nature_mental_health #discovery_to_impact
Wearable Ultrasound Patch Enhances REM Sleep Without Medication or Surgery Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a soft, wearable patch called NEUSLeeP that improves rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without the need for drugs or surgery. The device uses gentle ultrasound stimulation combined with electrodes to monitor brain activity in real time, allowing it to target deep brain regions associated with REM sleep while tracking the brain’s response. This noninvasive approach marks a significant advancement in sleep research and treatment. The technology was tested in a study involving 28 participants, with results published in Nature Communications. On average, users entered REM sleep 43 minutes faster than usual and spent approximately 16 minutes longer in the stage. These improvements were observed in both healthy individuals and those experiencing sleep difficulties. Participants reported the patch as comfortable and safe, with minimal adverse effects noted during the study. The device’s ability to influence deep brain areas linked to REM sleep while simultaneously monitoring brain activity represents a breakthrough. "This is the first time we’ve been able to noninvasively target deep brain regions involved in REM sleep, while also monitoring brain activity," said Kai Wing "Kevin" Tang, a recent Ph.D. graduate in biomedical engineering who led the research. Huiliang "Evan" Wang, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering, added that the patch opens new possibilities for understanding sleep and treating disorders in home settings. Beyond improving sleep duration, the patch showed potential benefits for stress and emotional health.#university_of_texas_at_austin #neusleep #kai_wing_kevin_tang #huiliang_evan_wang #gregory_fonzo
