Acupressure wristband: You're getting sleepy

A new wristband by biomedical device company HBI promises to let troubled sleepers skip the Ambien and still get a better night's slumber. The DreamKeeper 400 relies largely on acupressure techniques, stimulating the median nerves on the inside of the wrist through electrostatic pulses and adjustable vibration.

HBI says the drug-free device doesn't emit an electronic current or cause pain and tingling, and adds that it can be safely used by people with pacemakers.

(Credit: HBI)

Somnolence seekers strap the drug-free device on for 30 minutes prior to going to bed. In addition to stimulating a specific pressure point thought to be responsible for stress relief and sleep, the device's proprietary breath synchronization program guides users to slow their breathing. This reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and prepares users for sleep. Basically, it's like a personal meditation mentor (and in fact, might be handy to have around the office for those stressful board meetings or run-ins with the boss).

HBI cites clinical studies showing that 70 percent of subjects using an early version of DreamKeeper reported improvements in the quality and duration of their sleep within three weeks. The suggested retail price for the product is $149.99, and it's currently available at Target.com, Amazon.com, and HBIUSA.com.

The DreamKeeper 400 isn't the first device to merge technology and acupressure points, however. The digital Aculife Magnetic Wave Therapist claims to bridge ancient Chinese medicine with modern technology by digitally locating your so-called acupoints so you can apply a "small amount of electricity" accordingly.

[lablover]

I wonder if they need someone to test the Dreamkeeper 400.
Ambien is nothing.

[eglazier]

it is wonderful what spending $150 and the placebo affect can do for those who are suggestable.

[dwobbema]

That's a clinical study?!? I don't think so. And the whole idea of accupressure being effective is simply pseudo science. Good for nothing except as the prior commenter noted, as a placebo, possibly. Why doesn't the government do more to stop this junk science?

[edahgal]

As a cancer survivor who had lots of chemo, my oncologist confirmed that there is good science to support the use of accupressure bands to alleviate nausea. I do understand that it can seem like suggestability to someone unfamiliar with Eastern treatment modalities, but accupressure and accupuncture have been used successfully for several thousand years. Bill Moyers hosted a special from China showing it used as the only anesthesia during brain surgery; the patient, clearly groggy, was nonetheless able to answer questions with an open skull.