Systems and methods for transdermal electrical stimulation to improve sleep

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for improving sleep by transdermal electrical stimulation (TES). In general, described herein are methods for applying TES to a subject, and particularly the subject's head (e.g., temple/forehead region) and/or neck with an TES waveform adapted to improve sleep, including reducing sleep onset (falling to sleep) more quickly and/or lengthening the duration of sleep. TES waveform(s) particularly well suited to enhancing sleep are also described herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) device for non-invasively reducing sleep onset and increasing sleep duration, the device comprising:
 a first electrode configured to attach to a subject's head or neck at a first location;   a second electrode configured to attach to the subject's head or neck at a second location; and   a controller having a waveform generator coupled to the first and second electrodes, the waveform generator configured to deliver a sleep inducing ensemble waveform to subject via the first and second electrodes, the sleep inducing ensemble waveform characterized by an electrical stimulation having a peak amplitude of greater than 3 mA, a frequency of greater than 250 Hz, and a duty cycle of greater than 10%, wherein the controller is configured to continue application of the electrical stimulation for a stimulation duration of at least one minute to enhance sleepiness, sustain sleep, or to enhance sleepiness and sustain sleep.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to allow the subject to select one or more of: stimulation duration, frequency, peak amplitude, and duty cycle. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply a biphasic electrical stimulation. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply an asymmetric biphasic electrical stimulation with respect to positive and negative going phases. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a duty cycle ranging from 10% and 90%. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a duty cycle ranging from 30% and 60%. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a peak amplitude of 5 mA or greater. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a frequency of greater than 500 Hz. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a frequency of greater than 750 Hz. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a frequency of greater than 5 kHz. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation for a stimulation duration of at least five minutes. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having amplitude modulation. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having the amplitude modulation with a frequency of less than 250 Hz. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the waveform generator to apply the electrical stimulation having a burst mode. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is configured to attach to the subject's temple region. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is configured to attach to the subject's neck above the vertebra prominens. 
     
     
         17 . A transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) device for non-invasively reducing sleep onset and increasing sleep duration, the device comprising:
 a first electrode configured to attach on a subject's head or neck at a first location;   a second electrode configured to attach on the subject's head or neck at a second location; and   a controller having a waveform generator coupled to the first and second electrodes, the waveform generator configured to cause the first and second electrodes to apply an electrical stimulation to the subject that induces a change in cognitive state and improves sleep and mood in the subject, wherein the electrical stimulation is 10 seconds or longer, has a duty cycle of greater than 10 percent, a frequency of 250 Hz or greater, and an intensity of 3 mA or greater, wherein the electrical stimulation is asymmetric with respect to positive and negative going phases.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the device is configured to allow the subject to select one or more of: stimulation duration, frequency, peak amplitude, and duty cycle. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the first electrode is configured to attach on the subject's head and the second electrode is configured to attach on the subject's neck. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , further comprising at least one sensor configured to monitoring one or more of: galvanic skin resistance, heart rate, heart rate variability, or breathing rate of the subject.