I tried truvaga plus for stress relief

Have you ever wondered why taking a deep breath can help you relax? It’s your vagus nerve at work. This essential nerve passes information between the brain, heart and digestive system to support heart rate, digestion and mood control, according to Cleveland Clinic.

“The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and is part of your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming you down,” says Ashwini Nadkarni, MDA board -certified psychiatrist at Mass General Brigham and Deputy Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Activation of the vagal nerve slows down your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and inhibits your body’s stress – or” fight or flight ” – answer.”

Given its influence on stress regulation, stimulation of the vagus nerve has received attention as a potential tool to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, improve sleep quality and support total well -being. And in fact, it is “associated with a greater ability to recover from stress and improved cognitive performance,” says Dr. Nadkarni. “Vagal nerve stimulation can also play a critical role in good cardiovascular and digestive health and even immune system regulation.

So how do you activate this powerful nerve? You can do it yourself with techniques such as deep breathing, hum and endurance activities such as jogging, says Dr. Nadkarni. There are also surgically implantable vagus nerve stimulation devices, which have been shown to be an effective treatment option for epilepsy, depression and migraine, according to a study in May 2022 in Clinical science.

And now, units that Truvaga Plus ($ 449, originally $ 499), a hand -held vagus nerve stimulator, gets popularity for its potential to offer a comfortable, nonsurgical strategy for harvesting the relaxation benefits with the vagus nerve.

Truvaga Plus is the company’s latest unit, which offers unlimited stimulation sessions and app-controlled functionality that allow you to adjust the device’s intensity, set the session reminders and track your use over time. This separates it from its predecessor, Find 350 ($ 269, originally $ 299), which is limited to 350 sessions and lacks app connection.

Truvaga Plus claims to relieve stress, Improve sleepAnd clear brain fog – but does it really deliver? Here is what happened when I tested the device for a week and if you would try it too.

Experts displayed in this article:

Ashini Nadkarni MD, is a board -certified psychiatrist at Mass General Brigham and Deputy Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

What i like with truvaga plus

My favorite with Truvaga Plus is that it worked! I integrated a two -minute session into my nightly routine before bed for a week. While I did not notice any effects for the first nights, in the middle of the week, I experienced noticeable physical relaxation before falling asleep. This relaxation reassured worried, competition thoughts, who helped me Fall asleep fasterSleep continuously all night (a remarkable improvement from my usual one or two awakes) and wake up more updated. This in turn improved my energy levels and focus and reduced stress during the day.

There is also research to support these soothing effects: for example a study in September 2022 in the journal “Brain science” found that vagus nerve stimulation May affect neurotransmitters involved in your sleep-wake-up cycle to regulate your sleep.

Another significant advantage is the simplicity of the unit. After connecting Truvaga plus to its accompanying app, I was ready to start my first session. At first I located my vagus nerve – instructions are provided, but it is generally close to the pulse point on the side of the neck – applied the provided gel in the area and placed the unit’s electrodes on my skin. I then initiated the session in the app and adjusted the intensity until I felt a stinging feeling that stretched my throat and into my face. The device was piping to let me know when my two minutes were over, and that was it. This simple installation made it a non-complicated addition to my night routine.

The comfort of the unit is also worth mentioning. Unlike more traditional methods that require specific conditions or extended time commitments, Truvaga plus a quick two -minute sessions fits seamlessly in my existing routine. Its compact size, comparable to a deck, made it easy to use at home and during the trip.

What is worth noting with truvaga plus

While non-invasive devices such as Truvaga plus are generally considered safe, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects, says Dr. Nadkarni. That is why it is always best to check with your doctor before trying one.

There are also some people who should avoid using vagus nerve stimulators completely. If you have an underlying heart or pulmonary condition such as cardiac arrhythmia, high blood pressure, Or sleep apnea, it is best to avoid these devices, says Dr. Nadkarni.

There are also several personal considerations to consider. First, the unit is priced at $ 499, which can be a significant investment. And like all wellness tools, individual experiences can vary. You may not notice any immediate benefits, and the device’s efficiency may depend on how consistent you use it.

Who is Truvaga Plus best for?

Truvaga Plus is best suited for those who are looking for a holistic view of stress management and overall wellness. If you find traditional vagus nerve stimulation methods-as deep breathing, meditation or cold exposure-challenging or time-consuming, you like the entertainment and efficiency of the unit. And if you like me specifically are looking for Sleep betterImprove mental clarity and reduce stress overall, truvaga plus can be advantageous.

However, it is important to remember that although the unit can be a valuable component in a wellness routine, it should not be seen as a fix-everything for underlying mood disorders, stress or anxiety. Integrating other healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and mindfulness technicians, is still important for your overall well-being, according to Mayo Clinic.

Is Truvaga Plus worth splurge?

It no one denies Truvaga Plus is an investment. But based on my improved sleep and energy levels, I would really recommend it as a simple, portable and effective part of a wider wellness routine, provided you use it regularly and have financial means to make the purchase. Just remember that this device (or any tool) is not a cure for stress, but rather a comfortable component of a multifaceted method.

If you have a tighter budget, traditional techniques will remain the most accessible and cost -effective ways to use the relaxation benefits with the vagus nerve. In the end, the decision to invest in Truvaga plus should be based on your personal preferences, finances and health goals. But for me it was 100 percent worth it.

Kathleen Ferraro is a Minneapolis-based writer with a master’s degree in journalism and almost a decade of experience in writing and editing. She specializes in health, wellness and science content, and her work has been presented in Bustle, Livestrong.com, well + good, outside and more.