Should you buy a sleep training headset?

Gadgets Super User 02 December 2020 Hits: 1217

When you struggle to sleep at night and someone promises a cure, it’s only natural to jump at the offer. But should you spend money on a sleep training headset? We decided to take a closer look at the evidence.

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.

Should you spend money on a sleep training headset? We decided to take a closer look at the evidence

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.

Light therapy is a proven technique

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

: URGONight trains your brain during the day

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

: Dreamlight Pro uses sound

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

: Dreem takes a mixed approach

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