discover the power of

Neurofeedback for Sleep Improvement

Sleep deprivation or insomnia has become all too common, posing significant risks to both brain and body health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled insufficient sleep as a public health crisis, akin to the warnings issued about smoking decades ago.

Even one night of inadequate sleep can yield measurable effects, including delayed reaction times, mood swings, impaired memory, and hormonal imbalances. Prolonged sleep deprivation can result in chronic pain, cognitive decline, and compromised coordination. Research indicates that just one week of insufficient sleep can trigger changes in over 700 genes.

For those grappling with sleep disorders such as insomnia or narcolepsy, the challenges can be particularly daunting. Neurofeedback has emerged as a promising solution for improving sleep quality and managing symptoms effectively.

a guy sleeping peacefully

Unlock the potential for better sleep with neurofeedback. Experience the transformative power of optimized brain function and regain control over your sleep patterns.

No matter what your symptoms are, a calmer you is possible!

Sleep disorders can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can differ from person to person. Here are common symptoms of sleep disorders.

  • Trouble Falling Asleep
  • Waking up During the Night
  • Fatigue or Low Energy
  • Difficulty Paying Attention
  • Tension Headaches
  • Daytime Sleepiness

  • Not Feeling Well-Rested After a Night’s Sleep

  • Irritability, Depression, or Anxiety
  • Ongoing Worries About Sleep

  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms

You have questions, we have answers!

We’ve gathered a list of commonly asked questions for your convenience. If you don’t see the information you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Simply click on the question that interests you to navigate directly to the relevant section.

Let’s start by clarifying what neurofeedback is NOT. Neurofeedback is NOT electrical stimulation or any kind of shock to the brain. In fact, it’s completely noninvasive and pain-free. Nothing ever goes to or in your brain.

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses the electrical activity of the brain to reinforce optimal brain wave patterns through operant conditioning, thus improving one’s life.

Neurofeedback is a superior solution because it doesn’t just ease the symptoms. It addresses and changes what is causing the symptoms or problems at the source in your brain. Your brain learns how to function differently in a way that relieves problematic symptoms or behaviors.

Neurofeedback training has many scientifically documented benefits both for the brain and body, including stress reduction, improved sleep, better focus and memory, heightened mental clarity, more emotional and behavioral regulation, enhanced cognitive performance, and more. Give it a try today, we bet your brain is capable of the changes you desire!

Yes.

Some clients are able to decrease their medication over time with their prescriber. Grey Matters does not do any medication adjustment.

In a neurofeedback session, qEEG sensors are placed on your scalp, recording your brainwaves and sending the information to a computer in real time. The computer, by way of auditory or sound feedback, teaches your brain to perform at optimal levels by a method called operant conditioning which harnesses your brain’s reward system.

All learning is at a subconscious level. You don’t actually have to “do” anything. With consistent repetition through auditory feedback, the brain learns to self-regulate and makes physiological changes to perform more optimally and will continue to make the adjustments after the initial training. Because it’s a learning process, the results of neurofeedback occur gradually over time.

During a 35 to 45-minute session, you sit comfortably in a chair. You have the option of having a footstool, blanket, and eye mask for relaxation. You are given headphones to listen to the training sounds and can either watch scenic images, read, journal, or just kick back and relax. For the younger ones, they can color, draw, read, do homework, or play with Legos.

Consistency is key. The brain requires a minimum of 2 sessions per week to learn and retain new patterns. An average of 35 sessions is needed for the brain to make permanent neuroplastic change. Remember, your brain is learning, and learning takes time and repetition. If you have multiple diagnoses or are on psychological medications, more sessions may be required for your desired results.

There are no long-term negative effects.

Just like taking your temperature with a thermometer does not deliver anything to your body, a qEEG brain map or a qEEG-guided training session does not deliver anything to your brain – it only reads your brain’s electrical activity. The auditory feedback you hear encourages your brain to “exercise.” So, similar to the variety of feelings after a good workout at the gym, some people experience symptoms such as being more tired or more wired, and few will develop a slight headache after a session. These symptoms go away within hours and are not long-lasting.

Our Brain Coaches are here to assess your training progress, discuss any symptoms you may experience, and provide educated feedback to you during your journey.

Grey Matters will assign you a Success Coach who is here to help you successfully navigate your journey. Together, we assess and work on your sleep hygiene, diet, screen time, exercise, and stress management, among many other factors, to help you improve not only your brain but also your overall well-being.

We also offer a variety of Wellness Testing to enhance your training outcome.

Just like riding a bike, once you learn how to do it, your body doesn’t forget. However, if you haven’t ridden your bike in ten years, you aren’t going to be as comfortable or skilled when you get back on it.

Maintenance recommendations are based on individual assessment and will be discussed towards the end of your initial training. Typically, a 1-2 times a month schedule will be recommended. After all, you wouldn’t hire a personal trainer to get in the best shape of your life and then stop going to the gym altogether, would you? Don’t lose your brain gains by stopping altogether either.

Grey Matters Brain Training Studio suggests starting with our Four-Week Introductory Neurofeedback Program, designed to help you take the first step toward a healthier mind and improved quality of life. With our expert guidance and state-of-the-art neurofeedback technology, you can experience positive changes in your mental well-being.

We do not accept insurance; however, we offer a variety of payment options.

We accept:

  • Cash, checks, all major credit cards, and Apple Pay
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and HRA Health Reimbursement arrangement.
  • Financing options are available through First Financial Bank with little to no interest
  • Advanced Care Credit
  • Vagaro Pay Later
  • Monthly Payment Plans

Think about the cost of therapy, medications, dissatisfaction with life, lost work hours, and the hope to feel better. It’s worth it. Come on in, we got you.

We use Brainmaster amplifiers and BrainAvatar software, which are FDA-approved.

Sources: 1. S., C., Archer, S. N., Bucca, G., Laing, E. E., Slak, A., Kabiljo, R., Lo, J. C., Santhi, N., von Schantz, M., Smith, C. P., & Dijk, D. (2013). Effects of insufficient sleep on circadian rhythmicity and expression amplitude of the human blood transcriptome. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(12), E1132-E1141. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1217154110
2. Bekker, M. Balt, K., Bipath, P., Jordaan, J., du Toit, P. (2021). The effect of infra-slow fluctuation neurofeedback training on a cohort of insomnia participants. NeuroRegulation, 8(3), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.8.3.137
3. Lazar, Z. I., Dijk, D., Lazar, A. S. (2017). Infraslow oscillations in sigma and sleep spindle activity in humans: effect of frequency, topography, sleep history and circadian phase. Sleep Medicine, 40: e181. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.529