Evaluation of alpha neurofeedback training to enhance sleep in remitted depression and anxiety sufferers with persistent insomnia

Abstract

This study evaluates whether neurofeedback training (NFT) to boost alpha wave activity in the central brain may effectively mitigate persistent insomnia in patients with remitted depression and anxiety. Thirty-two participants in clinical remission from depression or anxiety were enrolled and evaluated for insomnia severity. Individuals were randomly assigned in a single-blinded manner to either NFT or the sham treatment. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured using recognized scales for depression, anxiety and sleep quality. While subjective sleep quality, measured by the PSQI, showed significant improvements in the active group compared to the sham group at post training, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up, objective measures of sleep quality largely remained within the normal range, with few significant changes observed. Specifically, the active group exhibited notable improvements in alpha amplitude and duration during NFT sessions, which were not seen in the sham group. This highlights the potential of NFT as a complementary approach for improving sleep perception in this population, but further research is needed to confirm its effects on actual sleep architecture and long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Alpha wave activity; Anxiety; Depression; Insomnia; Neurofeedback training (NFT).