A new pair of sleep-focused wireless earbuds promises to improve sleep quality by measuring brain activity in real time.
Sleep technology startup NextSense has unveiled SmartBuds, which use built-in electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors to track electrical activity in the brain throughout the night.
EEG is the gold standard for analysing sleep stages, but until now has largely been limited to clinical settings using wired sensors placed on the scalp.
Unlike most sleep trackers that estimate sleep quality using movement or heart rate, SmartBuds directly detect brain activity to identify light sleep, deep sleep and REM.
The system then delivers precisely timed audio cues designed to encourage longer periods of deep, restorative sleep rather than simply blocking external noise.
Six EEG sensors are embedded into each earbud, housed inside conductive silicone tips that maintain skin contact inside the ear. This allows continuous brain monitoring without headbands or external hardware, while keeping the earbuds comfortable enough to wear overnight.
According to NextSense, the system adapts over time by learning individual sleep patterns and adjusting audio playback to better match each user’s nightly rhythms.
Early beta testing suggests the approach may work.
Across more than 1,000 nights of real-world EEG data, nearly 50% of participants reported better or much better sleep and improved morning recovery.
Testing also showed increases in slow-wave brain activity, which is linked to physical recovery and memory consolidation.
Physically, the earbuds resemble other sleep-specific designs, with a compact charging case and soft silicone construction aimed at side sleepers. Each earbud weighs five grams and ships with multiple tip and wing sizes to suit different ear shapes.
Battery life is rated at up to nine hours per charge, with the case providing up to four additional full charges. The earbuds can also be used for music, audiobooks and white noise outside of sleep.
The SmartBuds are currently available only in the US, priced at US$399.99, with a limited early-bird offer of US$249. Australian availability has not yet been announced.