Health & Wellbeing

URGOnight uses EEG-based brain training to help improve your sleep

URGOnight uses EEG-based brain training to help improve your sleep
The device uses neurofeedback to train the user into entering a brainwave state claimed to improve sleep
The device uses neurofeedback to train the user into entering a brainwave state claimed to improve sleep
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Twenty-minute sessions, three times a week for a month is what the makers claim you need before you will see results from the URGOnight
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Twenty-minute sessions, three times a week for a month is what the makers claim you need before you will see results from the URGOnight
The URGOnight device has four electrodes for measuring brain activity
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The URGOnight device has four electrodes for measuring brain activity
The ultimate retail price of the URGOnight is suggested to be US$500
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The ultimate retail price of the URGOnight is suggested to be US$500
Early bird rates can get you a unit for $250
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Early bird rates can get you a unit for $250
The URGOnight device does not need to be worn at night in bed
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The URGOnight device does not need to be worn at night in bed
The URGOnight is used to help the user train themselves into being able to enter an ideal brainwave state for sleep
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The URGOnight is used to help the user train themselves into being able to enter an ideal brainwave state for sleep
The app holds a variety of exercises to help the user get in control of their brainwaves
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The app holds a variety of exercises to help the user get in control of their brainwaves
The device uses neurofeedback to train the user into entering a brainwave state claimed to improve sleep
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The device uses neurofeedback to train the user into entering a brainwave state claimed to improve sleep
The URGOnight device follows on from a number of different EEG neurofeedback headsets aimed at the consumer market
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The URGOnight device follows on from a number of different EEG neurofeedback headsets aimed at the consumer market
Although the company cites two studies to back up claims the device will improve sleep, both studies are small and not entirely conclusive
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Although the company cites two studies to back up claims the device will improve sleep, both studies are small and not entirely conclusive
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With a good night's sleep being so important to our health, it's not surprising to see so many gadgets designed to deliver us into the Land of Nod. URGOnight is a novel sleep training device designed to improve your ability to get to sleep, and stay asleep, through the use of neurofeedback and brain training. The system, comprising an EEG headset and accompanying mobile app, is currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo.

Consumer electroencephalography (EEG) headsets have been around in various forms for several years and are generally based around a psychophysiological principle called neurofeedback. This involves a subject watching some kind of brain activity display in real-time, and using certain exercises to try to directly regulate specific brain functions.

In the past we have seen neurofeedback EEG headsets designed to help you relax, improve focus, and even enhance one's ability to lucid dream. URGOnight, the latest iteration of the technology, promises to improve your sleep by training you to better control your SMR, or sensorimotor rhythm – an idle brainwave rhythm thought to engender deep relaxation and ultimately enhance sleep quality.

The URGOnight device follows on from a number of different EEG neurofeedback headsets aimed at the consumer market
The URGOnight device follows on from a number of different EEG neurofeedback headsets aimed at the consumer market

The URGOnight is claimed to help a user better generate SMR brainwave states on demand, with the headset comprising four electrodes that measure brain activity. The headset pairs with a smartphone app that guides the user through different exercises geared towards helping induce the ideal SMR state for relaxation and sleep. The company claims after around one month of 20-minute sessions, three times per week, a user should begin to notice the results.

And those results are claimed to be an ability to fall asleep faster, and sleep more solidly through the night without frequent waking. Since the device is a training system it does not need to be worn at night or in bed. Instead, the goal of the system is to teach a user effective techniques that can be used at night when falling asleep.

The app holds a variety of exercises to help the user get in control of their brainwaves
The app holds a variety of exercises to help the user get in control of their brainwaves

There is not a large volume of scientific research to suggest this kind of SMR neurofeedback training actually works to improve sleeping habits. The company behind URGOnight does quote two studies to back up its claims, although it is worth noting both studies are relatively small and were not testing this particular URGOnight system.

Still, these consumer-grade EEG-based neurofeedback devices are fascinating, offering individuals compelling ways to try and biohack their own brainwaves. The URGOnight certainly looks to be one of the more sophisticated units made to date but that sleek design will come at a price. The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign is offering the device at an earlybird rate of US$249, moving up to $299 soon, before ending up at a retail price of $500.

Take a closer look at the device in the promotional video below.

Source: URGOnight

URGOnight: Train Your Brain to Sleep Better. Learn More at URGOnight.com

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