Brainwave entrainment through external sensory stimulus: a therapy for insomnia

Abstract

In this work audio, visual and haptic stimuli are used to improve overall sleep quality for insomnia. Audio signals at different frequencies are given to two ears and visual input to two eyes with eye-mask to prevent external light. Automated system is developed to give pressure at HT-7 with time and pressure control. It is self-administered and brain signals are acquired before and after therapy. Subjects who are not into insomnia (CONTROLs) are studied for sleep pattern to make baseline comparison. Delta power increases by 10% after the therapy in test group, becoming at par with CONTROLs. The statistical measure Cohen's d value indicates insomnia subjects who are not into oral medicine shows better response, in the sense their rhythmic changes became almost similar to that of CONTROLs with marked increase in REM state duration. Thus, this being a drug-free therapy could be useful to treat insomnia soon after diagnosis.