Systems and methods for transdermal electrical stimulation to improve sleep
AssigneeThync Global, Inc.
InventorsWilliam J. Tyler, Alyssa M. Boasso, Hailey M. Mortimore, Sumon K. Pal, Jonathan Charlesworth
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for improving sleep by transdermal electrical stimulation (TES). In general, described herein are methods for applying TES to a subject, and particularly the subject's head (e.g., temple/forehead region) and/or neck with an TES waveform adapted to improve sleep, including reducing sleep onset (falling to sleep) more quickly and/or lengthening the duration of sleep. TES waveform(s) particularly well suited to enhancing sleep are also described herein.
Claims32
A method of non-invasively reducing sleep onset and increasing sleep duration, the method comprising:
- attaching a first electrode to a subject's head or neck at a first location and a second electrode to the subject's head or neck at a second location, wherein the first and the second electrode are coupled to a transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) applicator worn by the subject;
- applying a sleep inducing ensemble waveform characterized by an electrical stimulation between the first and second electrodes, wherein the electrical stimulation has a peak amplitude of greater than 3 mA, a frequency of greater than 250 Hz, and a duty cycle of greater than 10%;
- and
- continuing application of the electrical stimulation for a stimulation duration of at least one minute to enhance sleepiness, sustain sleep or to enhance sleepiness and sustain sleep.
A wearable transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) applicator for facilitating, inducing, and/or maintaining sleep in a subject, the device comprising:
- a body;
- a first electrode;
- a second electrode;
- and
- a TES control module at least partially within the body and comprising a processor, a timer and a waveform generator, wherein the TES control module is adapted to deliver a sleep inducing ensemble waveform characterized by a transdermal biphasic electrical stimulation signal of 10 seconds or longer between the first and second electrodes having a duty cycle of greater than 10 percent, a frequency of 250 Hz or greater, and an intensity of 3 mA or greater, wherein the biphasic transdermal electrical stimulation is asymmetric with respect to positive and negative going phases;
- wherein the wearable TES applicator weighs less than 50 grams;
- and
- at least one sensor configured to be coupled to the body for sleep monitoring of the subject.
A method for improving sleep comprising delivering a sleep inducing ensemble waveform characterized by transdermal electrical stimulation of a subject's peripheral nerves of the head and neck and inducing a change in cognitive state that improves sleep and mood in the subject, wherein the transdermal electrical stimulation is 10 seconds or longer, has a duty cycle of greater than 10 percent, a frequency of 250 Hz or greater, and an intensity of 3 mA or greater, wherein the transdermal electrical stimulation is asymmetric with respect to positive and negative going phases.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.