Listening to Your Own Brain Waves Sound Enhances Your Sleep Quality and Quantity

Abstract

This pilot study examined the effects of relaxing personalized sound sequences (PSS), derived from individual slow-wave brain activity on sleep in adults with subjective insomnia complaints. Thirteen participants underwent one-night polysomnography to record delta wave activity (0.5-4 Hz), which was then transformed into individualized sound sequences. A randomized, single-blind, crossover protocol was then conducted at home, including two conditions of 3 to 5 consecutive nights: listening to the PSS and a non-personalized placebo sound sequence (PLA) for 30 minutes at bedtime. Objective sleep was assessed using a dry-electroencephalographic (EEG) headband and subjective sleep with a digital sleep diary. Compared to PLA, the PSS condition significantly increased total sleep time ({Delta} = +18.9 min, p = 0.05) and REM sleep proportion ({Delta} = +2.3%, p 20 min, n = 4) in PLA condition experienced greater improvements with PSS. These preliminary results suggest that listening to ones own slow brain waves converted into sound may improve both sleep quality and quantity in individuals with moderate insomnia, with potentially enhanced benefits for those with more severe sleep difficulties. HighlightsO_LIPersonalized soundtracks were created by transforming each participants N3 slow-wave activity into audio sequences to listen to before bedtime. C_LIO_LIParticipants reported significantly better subjective sleep quality when listening to their own brainwave-based soundtracks compared to placebo. C_LIO_LIObjective measures increased total sleep time and REM sleep during nights with personalized sound exposure. C_LI