Health and well-being are significantly impacted by stress. Failing to reduce stress can disrupt sleep, mood, and appetite. Prolonged exposure to chronic stress has been associated with serious health problems like heart disease, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, wearable devices have emerged, claiming to offer various health advantages, including stress relief. Apollo Neuro is one such product in this category.
This article discusses what Apollo Neuro is, its claims, rationale and the evidence and whether it works or not.
Also read: What does OEM mean?
What is Apollo Neuro?
Apollo Neuro is a wearable gadget that’s part of the field of neurotechnology. It uses silent, soothing vibrations to communicate with your nervous system, signalling safety and control. The device offers various modes, each with specific intensity and frequency settings, catering to different needs like energy, focus, and relaxation. Users are advised to wear it for intervals ranging from 15 minutes for meditation to two hours for sleep.
The Claims
The makers of Apollo Neuro make bold claims about its effectiveness.
- They assert that the device delivers a ‘novel touch therapy’ that restores balance to the body.
- It is said to retrain the nervous system, leading to better sleep, improved focus, and a sense of balance.
- Over time, users are told that their bodies will recover from stress more swiftly, facilitating relaxation, better sleep, and deep focus.
Apollo Neuro also purportedly strengthens and rebalances the autonomic nervous system while enhancing heart rate variability. This, according to the company, boosts resilience in stressful situations, reducing the time spent in fight-or-flight mode.
Reasoning
The science behind Apollo Neuro involves specific vibration frequencies that are believed to counteract the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system’s rest and digest response, it aims to reduce stress. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker for this activation, as higher HRV is associated with calm and focus.
However, it’s essential to note that the scientific explanation of how vibrations mitigate stress remains complex and somewhat unconvincing.
The Evidence
While Apollo Neuro’s website references more than 50 articles on chronic stress and related topics, none of these studies specifically pertain to Apollo Neuro itself. There appears to be a lack of rigorous, large-scale studies on the device’s effectiveness.
A few small studies on the website report positive effects within minutes of using Apollo Neuro. For example, a study with 38 healthy subjects found improvements in calmness, cognitive performance, and HRV. However, these studies lack the depth and independence typically associated with rigorous scientific research.
Does Apollo Neuro work?
Apollo Neuro offers an intriguing concept for stress management. However, it’s essential to approach it with caution. The evidence supporting its claims is limited and not independently verified. Many stress reduction methods are available that don’t require high-tech devices.
In conclusion, it’s important to explore stress management techniques that have a solid scientific foundation and consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice.
Also read: What does WRD mean on the internet?
