NeurOptimal neurofeedback improves sleep

Insomnia is widespread within the general population. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, more than 35% of people are struggling with some kind of sleep disorder. 

Earlier this year, Ed O’Malley, PhD, presented findings from a research study that incorporated NeurOptimal neurofeedback with behavioral therapy for insomnia.  The study was conducted at the Sleep Disorders Lab at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, the teaching hospital for Yale University.  He found that on average it took only 15-16 NeurOptimal sessions to resolve patients’ sleep issues. He also found that the neurofeedback training helped subjects tolerate the standard cognitive behavioral therapy much better.

On average the patients were getting only about 30% of the optimal amount of sleep per night and they typically took up to an hour or more to fall asleep.  Many were taking sleep medications.  By the end of the study, 90% of them went off their meds completely. They were all falling asleep within 15 minutes and obtaining 85-100% of their optimal amount of sleep.  Lead researcher, Ed O’Malley holds a Ph.D. in neurobiology and is one of the nation’s leading experts in sleep medicine.

NeurOptimal now available at my office

I recently purchased a NeurOptimal neurofeedback system for the purpose of helping my clients sleep and to reduce their overall internal fear that creates anxiety of all types.  Most people do not know that there are 10 different methods of conducting neurofeedback.  NeurOptimal is the only one that is designed to work with the brain as a non-linear dynamical system. It does not “push” the brain in any way.   NeurOptimal does not diagnose or treat any disorder; rather, it works by training the brain as a whole. When a client's brain optimizes itself, they are generally less symptomatic and will be able to function better within their diagnosis.  Often, but not always, a client is better able to utilize their medication and thus a reduction in dosage may become necessary.  I always consult with the physician on these matters.   

A 2010 doctoral dissertation on NeurOptimal found that within the first six sessions, most clients notice improved qualities of sleep, reduced anxiety, improvement in mood, increased self-awareness, improved coping, and a generalized sense of feeling better overall.  Changes were described as occurring easily and naturally, as from within. Clients also reported the diminishment of individuals’ particular issues. Most clients experience changes that surprised them, were unexpected, or were beyond their presenting issues.

Clients typically find NeurOptimal neurofeedback system effective in resolving issues in five general categories: 1) help with specific cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges (ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, etc.), 2) slowing the effects of brain aging, 3) achieving an artistic or athletic performance edge, 4), enhancing academic performance, 5) wellness and personal growth.

NeurOptimal is essentially a brain workout. It trains your brain to be more flexible and resilient. A brain that is more flexible adapts and responds quicker and more appropriately to changes in the environment.  A brain that has more resilience is able to “bounce back” from a negative event.  Those with more flexible and resilient brains report feeling happier and more peaceful.  In general, it’s recommended to have 20-30 sessions to achieve optimal benefit, however, many will notice feeling much better in fewer than 10 neurofeedback training sessions.