I tried out the vagus nerve stimulator that Bryan Johnson wears before bed

Wear it every night, and you might bite your fight or flight.

The trendy new wearable might look simple and unassuming, but the Pulsetto FIT is packed with much more advanced health-tech than you might expect.

According to Pulsetto, the wellness device works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which drives the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. This complex system helps govern the body’s “rest and digest” functions, like recovering after a workout or calming down after a stressful event.

Until recently, most VNS devices were only available by prescription or through expensive monthly subscriptions, which is one of the reasons that led co-founder Povilas Sabaliauskas to launch Pulsetto as a consumer product. 

For Sabaliauskas, there was a preventive healthcare need that was not being addressed in the market. His belief is that “technology like this should be accessible before people reach serious problems — not only after.” 

“I’m really proud that we managed to bring this technology out of clinics and into everyday life,” Sabaliauskas told The Post. “The future of health is about prevention and understanding the whole body — especially the nervous system.”

In November, the brand announced that the Pulsetto Lite and Pulsetto FIT surpassed 100,000 users across the world — a milestone that hit ahead of the holidays, and could reflect the growing demand for non-pharmaceutical stress management solutions.

Burnout and fatigue are serious issues for millions of Americans, and Pulsetto could be the answer for some users.

Pulsetto

About 80% of users report better sleep and less stress with the Pulsetto, and all it takes is about four minutes a day. People are beginning to take notice of the research backing the wide-ranging benefits of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

A study by the Burrell College Institutional Review Board found that vagus stimulation increases brain alpha waves and reduces blood pressure. Further research from Biotethics found that it can even reduce depressive symptoms.

Longevity leaders are also turning to these devices. The first time I saw the device was on Netflix — when Bryan Johnson pulled it out in his acclaimed “Don’t Die” documentary.

“If I wake up at night, I can put Pulsetto on and use this for 10 minutes,” the biohacker shared in the clip. “It puts me back to sleep pretty quickly.”

Johnson has turned to Pulsetto — this is what we thought about it.

When I got hold of the Pulsetto myself, I was a bit surprised at how simple it looked — almost like a sleek headset, minimal and lightweight.

It’s adjustable and meant to fit all neck sizes. I slid in one of the extra magnetic pads provided, and it stayed on fine. You want it to be secure, but not overly restrictive. The box also came with a guide that instructed me to download the Pulsetto app.

The app starts by asking about your stress levels, sleep patterns and health goals, and then it creates a plan tailored to your needs. From there, you can start tracking your sessions. You could even pair the app with your other wearables to monitor your health readings over time.

According to a statement from the brand, “the app turns stimulation into a guided and personalized experience by helping users choose the right sessions, build consistent habits and track how their body responds over time.”

It’s astonishingly user-friendly; I’m not tech-savvy but I had it all up and running in minutes. Apply the included gel, place the band around the neck, turn on the power button and start a session. Through the app, you can pick from a library of soundscapes and meditations to go along with your session.

While the sensation takes a few sections to get used to, I actually found it pretty enjoyable. It feels like a rhythmic, wave-like vibration sinking into your neck. That area — right around your pulse — is pretty sensitive and rarely stimulated, so it’s a very unique experience.

Here’s what shocked me most — a calmness washed over me almost immediately

Pulsetto

While I didn’t think I was particularly stressed out before I put the Pulsetto on, my very first session seemed to unlock a deeper level of clarity and relaxation. The chatter in my mind just turned off.

I see why Johnson uses it to help get himself back to sleep. Fortunately, I still had enough energy to focus through the rest of my workday. But if it were up to me, I’d be hitting the bed hard after four minutes with the Pulsetto. With such an immediate relaxation-effect, it’s hard to deny that this device is the real deal.

Military veterans have also commented on the benefits of the device, claiming improved sleep and less nighttime anxiety.   

It’s still too early to judge long-term results, but the immediate grounding effect is undeniable. The brand also claims that with consistent use, you could lower your blood pressure and improve heart rate variability (HRV). However, these physiological shifts might take longer to become apparent.

Plus, with a slew of expert ravings about its myriad benefits, I’m not opposed to sticking with the Pulsetto program for a while. Afterall, it’s easy enough to use and cheaper than some of those gimmicky massage devices I’ll inevitably end up forgetting about.

The market for wearables is growing, and Pulsetto has found itself in a very favorable position — it’s hit the right nerve with me, at least. 

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.