Reference: Barnes, C. M., Guarana, C., Lee, J., & Kaur, E. (2023, February 9). Using Wearable Technology (Closed Loop Acoustic Stimulation) to Improve Sleep Quality and Work Outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/apl0001077

Written by Vanessa Melendez, B.S.

Prior research shows sleep predicts how people feel, perform at work, and relate to others. Do you have difficulty getting enough sleep? Does insufficient sleep affect your decision-making, cognition, and performance? According to neuroscience research, to improve sleep quality you might benefit from using a sleep headband with closed-loop acoustic stimulation. An algorithm reads bio-signals to present click noises every 50 milliseconds. This amplifies the sleeper’s slow-wave activity, characterizing deep sleep. Researchers asked, “Does implementing this tool help employees achieve work-related outcomes as a result of improved sleep quality?” Researchers sampled 150 university employees and a data analytics company, randomly assigned to two conditions: the headbands group with the acoustic stimulation mode turned on and the control group wore headbands turned off. After 10 days, researchers reversed the headbands for another trial. Participants then completed surveys measuring sleep duration and quality, and work-related outcomes. Results? When participants experienced the acoustic stimulation, there were progressive increases in work engagement, task performance, and helpful behaviors. The headbands were more effective for younger employees who might be more likely to get less sleep. Closed-loop acoustic stimulation may be a worthwhile investment if you are a night owl!

Written by Vanessa Melendez, B.S.