Efficacy of Brain Entrainment Technology on Sleep Quality in Military Healthcare

This study is a follow on study to the Sound Mind Warrior (SMW) Study which assessed

the efficacy of an innovative auditory-neurophysiologic technique called Brain

Entrainment Technology (also known as Binaural Beat Technology [BBT]).  The SMW

study assessed the efficacy of BBT (in the “theta” brainwave frequency) on stress and

stress related cardiovascular measures (ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT02328690]). 

This study will now assess BBT (in the “delta” brainwave frequency) on sleep quality in

a population of military healthcare beneficiaries.  The aims of the study are: 1) To

assess if there is a significant improvement in sleep quality after using BBT when

compared to baseline sleep quality, 2) To assess if there is a correlation between sleep

quality and c-reactive protein levels after using BBT when compared to baseline

measures, and 3) To assess if there are any significant correlations between the

participants’ demographics and the various outcome measures after using BBT.

DESIGN: This study will follow a prospective, one group pre- and post-intervention

design. 

METHOD: A sample of 162 military healthcare beneficiaries will use the technology

every night for two weeks. While using the technology, quantitative and qualitative sleep

measures as well as c-reactive protein levels will be obtained to be compared to

baseline measures.

LONG TERM OBJECTIVE: To conduct a series of randomized control trials using this

technology in the various other brainwave frequencies (ex. beta brainwave frequency to

improve focus, vigilance and resiliency) in a controlled laboratory environment with

more sophisticated physiologic measures (ex. electroencephalography, cardiovascular

reactivity, diurnal biomarkers, etc.). 

MILITARY NURSING IMPLICATIONS: BBT does not require a doctor’s order nor does

it need to be administered by an advance practice provider.  It can be an independent

nurse initiated action at the bedside, in an outpatient setting, and even on the battlefield. 

Since military nurses themselves are vulnerable for poor sleep quality due to working

varying hours and shifts, BBT can also be used as a self-care option, in turn ensuring

patient safety which is one of the key factors to becoming a High Reliability Organization.