Urgotech has commercially launched its sleep device, Urgonight. Leveraging neurofeedback therapy, it is a daytime sleep training system that trains the brain to produce the brainwaves clinically associated with sleep.
Comprised of a wearable electroencephalogram (EEG) headband and app, it aims to help people naturally learn to increase the brainwaves that impact sleep, using technology that has been clinically proven to help people to fall asleep 40% faster and cut night-time interruptions by half.
Neurofeedback technology uses real-time displays of brain activity, audio and visual cues and reward strategies to teach people to identify and modify behaviour to influence a desired outcome. The technology is used to treat and manage conditions such as sleep, ADHD, improve critical thinking, athletic capabilities and even musical performances. Until now, they have been carried out in a clinical environment with medical professionals. Urgonight brings this technological solution into the home.
During the night, brains emit waves that control multiple aspects of sleep including how fast a person falls asleep, progress through various sleep cycles and how sleep is protected from environmental disturbances such as sounds. The frequency of these brainwaves can be increased in the unconscious brain by increasing the frequency of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) brainwaves people produce during the day. It is these SMR waves Urgonight is able to detect and people can learn to control, leading to better sleep by increasing the speed at which people fall asleep and reducing the number of times they wake up during the night.
Worn and used during the day, rather than at night, the adjustable headband uses sensors to measure brainwave activity.
The Urgonight headband uses two channels and dry electrodes that do not require the application of gel. It is placed above the sensorimotor cortex of the user’s brain to capture readings and is protected against ambient noise and interference to ensure accuracy with the cables on its electronic board shielded to French Office of the Atomic and Alternative Energies standards.
The system is designed to be used 20 minutes a day, three times a week. People place the headband over their head and connect it to the dedicated iOS and Android app. Within the app, users can see their brainwaves in real-time before they start the dedicated 20-minute brain training exercises.
The sleep training programmes consist of playful exercises inspired by various themes. Within the games, users are assigned tasks (that are triggered when SMR waves are produced) and see their results, scores and in real-time. There are several themes to choose from with tasks ranging from growing leaves on trees, herding jellyfish and drawing relaxing patterns.
The app also allows users to access stats and achievements and share successes and progresses on social media. A virtual coach in the app guides them throughout their journey, explaining the exercises and providing advice on improving scores. Programmes continually adjust to the individual user to ensure their brains are in a constant learning curve and results continue to improve over time.
Guirec Le Lous, founder of Urgotech, said: “After years of testing, perfecting and proving Urgonight has the ability to help people improve their sleep, we are excited to officially bring Urgonight to market and help people better catch ZZZ’s. Never before has the technology that’s used in clinical sleep centres been made so accessible to the public in an affordable, comfortable and a fun way. We are excited to see the impact Urgonight can make on people’s lives.”
