Using neurofeedback for better sleep

A startup aims to reduce mental distress and enhance sleep quality by combining health data with personalised remote neurofeedback training

Spotted: Oslo-based Drowzee is on a mission to improve sleep quality and reduce mental distress. Unlike other sleep monitoring devices, Drowzee uses an active brain training technique called Neurofeedback.

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that teaches the brain to regulate itself by measuring brain waves and providing a signal back to the brain – usually in the form of audio or video. Positive or negative feedback is produced for desirable or undesirable brain activities, helping the brain to associate these patterns of activity with the feedback.  

While there still isn’t a plethora of research, health professionals are beginning to recognise the benefits of neurofeedback for patients. From helping with ADHD to chronic, long term sleep problems, neurofeedback users around the world have reported significant improvements in their overall wellbeing.

Drowzee has developed what it calls ‘Pendulum therapy’. Through an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset combined with software, the company creates neurofeedback sessions to achieve slow wave neuron patterns. By combining the data gathered through these session with data on daily activity monitored through a mobile app, Drowzee’s algorithm is able to generate personalised sleep schedules for better sleep. The mobile application can also be synced with any health wearable device owned by the user, such as a smart watch.

Other health tech apps recently spotted by Springwise include an AI-powered mental health app for families, a medical matchmaking app providing personalised insights, and an app for at-home hormone tracking.