Studies reveal promising non-drug approach for stress and sleep problems

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Research in 2025 shows breathing technology supports stress relief and sleep

Antwerp, Belgium – September 8, 2025 / moonbird /

Brussels, Belgium, September 4, 2025: A pair of studies point to a simple idea with big potential, slow guided breathing can help people sleep and feel calmer. The handheld breathing coach from moonbird delivered strong usability ratings, encouraging sleep results over one month at home, and lab signals of relaxation during guided sessions.

What the one month sleep pilot found (LiCalab, n = 39)

Population and timeline: adults with self reported sleep problems used the device in daily life for 4 weeks.
Sleep quality: average PSQI improved by 3 points from baseline, an exploratory change often considered clinically meaningful.
Feeling restored: NRSS improved by 5.49 points on average.
How people used it: most used it 1–6 times per week, mainly to fall asleep at bedtime and after night awakenings.
What they liked: high marks for ease of use, design, and the standalone mode that works without a phone, used by 31 of 39 participants.
What to improve: some participants flagged size and perceiving the breathing rhythm as points of attention.

What the lab crossover stress study found (University of Liège, n = 36)

Design: each participant used two tactile devices in randomized order during 15 minute sessions, with EEG, ECG, and respiration recorded.
Breathing: respiratory rate slowed during both devices, with moonbird showing more sustained slowing after sessions.
Brain signals: during moonbird sessions, EEG showed higher delta power and lower alpha power; theta connectivity increased after sessions.
Heart measures: mean heart rate did not differ between devices during the trial. Time domain HRV SD NN increased during use for both devices, while frequency measures shifted toward higher LF and lower HF.
User choice: 79 percent preferred moonbird overall, rising to 94 percent when used second, citing one handed handling and intuitive expand and contract guidance.
Self report: short session ratings of relaxation and energy were similar across devices.

Why this matters

Scale of the problem: about one in three adults reports sleep issues.
Guideline support: the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends breathing exercises as an effective, drug free strategy for chronic insomnia in adults.
Practicality: moonbird makes slow breathing tactile and screen free, which participants valued for bedtime use.

“The data show that a simple, science based tool can help people unwind and sleep better,” said Stefanie Broes, CEO of moonbird. “We will keep investing in rigorous research to make effective, accessible support available to more people.”