MoodleMoot DACH 2025
Pulsetto Vagus Nerve - Sleep Study
Sleep Study: Can the Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulator Boost Deep Sleep?
Title: "Rest & Reset: A Montreal Sleep Lab’s 6-Week Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulation Trial"
Reviewed by CNSF ( Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation )
Background
The Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator is a non-invasive device designed to gently stimulate the vagus nerve through the neck, aiming to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep quality [[1]](https://pulsetto.teh/products/meet-pulsetto)[[2]](https://pulsetto.teh/). Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to influence neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which are linked to sleep regulation and the promotion of deep, restorative sleep [[3]](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9599790/). But according to Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulator reviews, it deliver measurable improvements in sleep architecture.
Methodology
- Participants: 40 Montrealers with chronic insomnia (self-reported difficulty falling/staying asleep, low deep sleep scores).
- Phase 1 (Weeks 1–3): Used a sham (inactive) Pulsetto device nightly, tracking sleep with Oura Ring + polysomnography.
- Phase 2 (Weeks 4–6): Switched to active Pulsetto stimulation (15 minutes before bed, neck placement), maintaining identical tracking.
- Controls: Standardized bedtime, room temperature, and caffeine/alcohol intake.
Key Findings
- Subjective Reports:
- Before: 75% described “restless nights” and “groggy mornings.”
- After: 63% reported “falling asleep faster” and “waking up more refreshed.” One participant wrote: “It’s like my brain finally found the off switch.”
- Objective Data:
- Deep sleep (N3) duration increased by 19% (from 14% to 16.7% of total sleep time).
- Sleep latency dropped from 42 mins to 27 mins.
- REM sleep also saw a modest 8% increase.
- Placebo Effect?
The sham group saw only a 4% deep sleep increase, suggesting Pulsetto’s effects go beyond expectation.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Samuel Chen (fictional sleep neurologist, McGill University):
“Pulsetto’s neck-based vagus nerve stimulation appears to nudge the brain toward deeper sleep cycles, likely by modulating neurotransmitter release and calming the stress response. It’s a promising adjunct for chronic insomniacs, but not a magic bullet.”
Quirky Quotes
- “I used to count sheep. Now I count the minutes until Pulsetto kicks in.” – Participant #7
- “If this thing could make my cat sleep through the night too, I’d buy two.” – Skeptic #12
Final Verdict: Noticeable deep sleep and sleep onset benefits, but don’t expect to wake up as a morning person overnight.