Neurofeedback and Sleep- A Powerful Tool

Insomnia is widespread within the general population.  Many individuals rely on medications, sleep aids, cognitive-behavioural therapy, sleep hygiene protocols, or even try to take a more holistic approach by utilizing meditation or relaxation strategies.  All VERY understandable pursuits as a lack of sleep takes its toll in every area of our life; it is no surprise that people are willing to try anything in order to get a good night of zzzz’s.

While these strategies can be effective for many individuals, they often still struggle.  And this is where neurofeedback comes in….

How can neurofeedback help with my sleep?

Chronic sleep problems can likely be related to an underlying hyper-arousability, or, an inability to quiet the mind.  Neurofeedback provides training to decrease this hyper-arousability and train the patient’s brain to naturally shift into a more calm, relaxed, optimal state of being.  In fact, better sleep is one of the first signs that clients have indicating that their neurofeedback training is helping!

In a recent study conducted by Ed O’Malley (Ph.D. Neurobiology) using NeurOptimal® neurofeedback technology, he found that on average, it took only 15-16 neurofeedback session to resolve patients’ sleep issues.  Many had only been getting about 30% of the optimal amount of sleep per night, and typically took up to an hour or more to fall asleep.

By the end of the study, almost every one of the patients fell within “real” normal levels of sleep and were falling asleep within 15 minutes.  In addition, of those that had been taking sleep medications, 90% of them went off their meds completely, while some decided to stay on their meds but still experienced improved sleep.

Please visit our Research page to learn more about how neurofeedback can help with your sleep.