Fonzo Co-PI on Project for Ultrasound Device That Improves REM Sleep

A new bioelectronic device developed by Gregory Fonzo, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, and a team of researchers at The University of Texas at Austin could improve REM sleep without medications or invasive procedures.

Called NEUSLeeP, the flexible wearable device combines electrophysiological sensors with transcranial ultrasound to stimulate and monitor deep brain structures during sleep. In a study published in Nature Communications, participants using the device reached REM sleep an average of 43 minutes faster and experienced a 4.6% increase in total REM sleep.

“REM sleep is not just about dreaming—it’s about emotional reset and stress adaptation,” said Fonzo, one of the study’s co-principal investigators. “By enhancing REM, we may help people better cope with stress and improve their overall well-being.”

The research team is now planning larger clinical trials to validate the findings and investigate NEUSLeeP’s potential as a treatment for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and chronic insomnia. The researchers also envision the device being used for at-home sleep monitoring, neuroscience research, and personalized sleep interventions.

Read more about the device.