This post is part of a paid collaboration with Sensate. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Sensate for collaborating on this post!

If you’ve followed me on Instagram for any time at all, you have probably heard me talk about my struggles with insomnia. I’ve been a poor sleeper for as long as I can remember, and in recent years have found it more and more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. For me, one of the hardest parts of my evening routine is winding down after a long day. I always feel “tired and wired”, and am certainly guilty of looking at my phone for far too long before going to bed.

Last year I was introduced to a vagus nerve toning and relaxation device from a company called Sensate. What is a vagus nerve toning device you might ask? Great question! Sensate is a small wearable device that helps tone and benefit the vagus branch of the Autonomic Nervous System. Sensate emits near-infrasound vibrations, when positioned on the chest bone, these vibrations are transmitted via bone conduction into the chest cavity. Sensate is paired with their brilliant app to offer audio sessions (which can be enjoyed without the sensate device).

Before I started using Sensate back in Spring 2020, I didn’t know much anything about the vagus nerve. What is it? Well, the vagus nerve is a long nerve that connects the brain to the gut and other organs like the heart and lungs, and belongs to the part of the nervous system that is responsible for calming the body after periods of stress and anxiety. The Sensate device has been tested in a clinic, and can be used for a recommended period of 10-30 minutes at a time. I always use my device with the free Sensate app soundtrack library (which has TONS of soundscape options, guaranteeing you’ll find a few sounds you like!).

It has been my goal to use my Sensate device and app for 10-15 minutes before falling asleep, and often when I use it I fall asleep in mere minutes. The key for sticking with any routine is ease of use, and Sensate couldn’t be any easier or user-friendly! Simply find a comfortable place to rest or lie down (ideally where you wont be disturbed for 10-30 minutes), open the Sensate app on your phone and allow the device and the app to synch, and place Sensate on your chest and relax while the sonic frequencies help relax your body and mind.

I also love that I can use Sensate before bed, without disturbing Yale. I simply play the soundscapes in my headphones, and he said he is not bothered by the vibrating sonic frequencies (of which you can turn up or down the intensity in the app). I truly rely on this device so often that it just lives in the case where I store my headphones. It has become an essential part of my evening routine, and I’m so glad to have found this product!

As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions about Sensate! I hope it is able to serve you and improve your sleep the way it has mine!

Use code HEALTHMASON for $20 off your Sensate device!