Should you buy a sleep training headset?
Originally published at Gadget Flow on August 01, 2019.
- What is the best bedroom tech available right now? Head over to the dedicated Bedtime category for our top picks!
- How much sleep do you actually need? According to the CDC, healthy adults need around 7 hours’ sleep. Kids and retirees need more.
- How does sleep training work? Some devices attempt to tune your brain for sleep in the evening using exercises and various forms of sleep therapy.
Sleep is a very precious commodity. Without rest, your mind turns to mush and your mood can easily fall through the floor. While most people manage to get just about enough shuteye, some of us struggle to fall asleep at night. Sleep training headsets are meant to recalibrate your brain for rest. But do these gadgets actually work? And what are the alternatives? We decided to find out.
What is a sleep training headset?
Essentially, it’s a device that attempts to tune your mind for sleep at the relevant time of day. Such products use a variety of different methods, from brain training to light therapy.
For instance, URGOnight monitors your brainwaves using EEG technology and uses related exercises to encourage sleepy thoughts. In contrast, AYO tries to reset your body clock using light.
Do sleep training headsets work?
Because sleep training headsets all use different technology, it’s difficult to make a general statement about efficacy. However, the principle behind these headsets is perfectly sound.
In recent years, studies have shown that our body clocks are more malleable than previously thought. Even if you’re a night owl, it’s perfectly possible to become an early bird — you just need to re-tune your brain.
Headsets that use brain training exercises for sleep are fairly new, so the science is still somewhat unproven. That said, the early results are promising.
In contrast, devices that use light and sound to prepare you for sleep are far more tried and tested. If you are struggling to combat jet lag, for instance, this may be the way to go.
The best sleep training headsets
If you do decide to use technology, these devices should help you get some shut-eye:
URGONight Brain Sleep Trainer
This EEG headset gets you to practice key brain training exercises three times a week during the day so you can sleep better at night.
Price: $349 USD, pre-order
Dreamlight Pro Rechargeable Sleep Mask
Using soothing sounds, Dreamlight Pro helps to calm your brain each night before sleep. In addition, the mask analyzes your sleep patterns overnight to help diagnose problems.
Price: $299 USD
Dreem Smart Sleep Headband
Dreem uses multiple techniques to help you rest. The headband can play relaxing sounds and guide you through meditation, while the companion app offers sleep coaching programs.
Price: $440.52 USD
AYO Blue Light Wearable
These smart glasses shine blue light onto your eyes to get your brain active at the right time of day. In turn, this should make your mind ready for sleep at bedtime.
Price: $299 USD
Luminette 2 Bright Light Therapy Glasses
Luminette 2 also uses light therapy to recalibrate your body clock. You simply wear the device for 20–45 minutes each day to feel the full effects.
Price: $199 USD
