Modulation of sleep using electrical vestibular nerve stimulation prior to sleep onset: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES

Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system (VeNS) has been shown to improve Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) when delivered during sleep. We hypothesize that repeated electrical vestibular stimulation, when delivered prior to sleep onset, will improve ISI scores. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect that VeNS had on ISI scores when delivered prior to sleep onset. A secondary aim was to provide initial data indicating "length of time to effect" that will allow more appropriate design of a larger randomized control trial (RCT).

METHODS

The present study was an experimental study (pre and post without control). The participants acted as self-controls. After recording the baseline values, electrical vestibular nerve stimulation was administered as intervention once in a day for 30 min, 1 h prior to sleep onset using ML1000 device (Neurovalens, UK) for 14 days.

RESULTS

There was significant decrease in the ISI scores followed by the electrical vestibular nerve stimulation. Further, participants reported a significant increase in well-rested sleep post the intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports our hypothesis that VeNS has a positive impact on ISI scores when delivered on a regular basis prior to sleep onset.