Deepening sleep using an EEG wearable featuring modeling-based closed-loop neurostimulation

ObjectiveClosed-loop neurostimulation (CLNS) during slow-wave sleep (SWS) has been shown to enhance slow-wave activity, predominantly using laboratory equipment. To further advance CLNS research and its potential applications, there is a need for user-friendly EEG wearable equipment featuring CLNS that can support long-term CLNS studies in both clinical and home settings. ApproachHere we evaluate whether modeling-based CLNS (M-CLNS) with acoustic stimulation of slow oscillations (SOs) can be effectively implemented using a self-applicable EEG headband with forehead electrodes. We assess the performance of M-CLNS stimulus targeting over the EEG headband together with short-term, stimulus-locked, and more enduring enhancement of SWS. We validate our results against simultaneous recordings obtained using gold-standard laboratory PSG equipment. Main resultsOur findings demonstrate that the SO phase can be reliably assessed and accurately targeted using M-CLNS with the EEG headband. We show an immediate enhancement of SO dynamics in the short-term, as well as an enduring increase in power spectral density across SO and delta frequencies (0.75 - 5 Hz) across SWS. These results are in line with previous studies using M-CLNS with laboratory equipment. SignificanceThese findings demonstrate that M-CLNS with acoustic stimulation can successfully be applied using an EEG headband on the forehead to target SOs, leading to both immediate and enduring enhancements of SWS. In conclusion, M-CLNS in a self-applicable EEG headband may offer a promising tool for portable and non-invasive enhancement of SWS, with future potential for clinical and home-based applications.