Apollo Neuro is a blessing in the form of a wearable device. It claims to reduce stress and boost your mood all without invasive interventions, or demanding any investment of your energy. And it delivers.
Picture having a guardian angel for your nervous system—a celestial being that appears whenever dysregulation and overwhelm strike, easing your suffering with a simple touch. While Apollo Neuro may not manifest as an angelic figure, its effects come remarkably close.
In the article, we’ll explore the magic of Apollo Neuro, its benefits, how to wear it without looking like a criminal, and why it’s a must-have for your nervous system regulation toolkit.
What is Apollo Neuro?
Apollo Neuro is a cutting-edge wearable device that combines science and technology to help regulate your nervous system.[*] Broadly speaking, it’s a discreet, non-invasive, and easy-to-use solution that aims to improve your overall well-being by assisting in stress reduction, better sleep, and enhanced focus.
How Does It Work?
At the heart of Apollo Neuro’s magic is the understanding of the body’s stress response system. The device delivers a blend of low-frequency vibrations, known as gentle waveforms, to mimic the natural rhythms of the body. By delivering these soothing vibrations, Apollo Neuro activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system—the rest-and-digest mode—while dialing down the sympathetic nervous system responsible for fight-or-flight responses.
In essence, it speaks the language of your nervous system, helping it find its natural equilibrium.[*]
Who is it Designed to Help?
Apollo Neuro can benefit the whole family, and is an excellent choice for:
- Nervous system regulation
- Anyone suffering from exhaustion and fatigue and looking for a low-effort intervention
- Those struggling with stress
- Anxiety sufferers
- Those with sleep issues
- Anyone simply looking to improve their overall well-being
It’s an excellent choice for individuals who find it challenging to dedicate time to complex stress-reduction practices or those who want an extra layer of support alongside their existing wellness routines.
What are the Potential Benefits?
The potential benefits of Apollo Neuro are extensive, including:[*]
- Improved stress resilience[*]
- Better sleep quality[*]
- Enhanced focus
- Increased emotional well-being
- Improved HRV (heart rate variability)
Keep reading for my experience with the Apollo Neuro.
Can Apollo Neuro Help Regulate Your Nervous System?
The Apollo Neuro helps regulate your nervous system via subtle vibrations that send signals of safety to the brain. These messages let the body know it’s not in danger and nudge it towards a parasympathetic state. Activating this “rest-and-digest” mode helps you switch from a state of stress to one of calm and balance.
Entering a parasympathetic state also encourages your body to release calming neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, boosting those blissful feelings of relaxation and well-being.
How Does Apollo Neuro Affect HRV?
What the flip is HRV anyway? Heart rate variability is a physiological measure that reflects the balance between our sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems.
When we’re stressed or anxious, HRV tends to decrease, indicating a state of fight-or-flight. An increase in HRV signifies greater adaptability to stressors and a more resilient nervous system.
Apollo Neuro has been shown to improve HRV by promoting a healthier balance between these two systems. The device’s gentle vibrations encourage your body to shift into the rest-and-digest mode, resulting in increased HRV.[*]
How to Use Apollo Neuro
One huge benefit of the Apollo for regulating your nervous system is ease of use. The device offers various modes (vibes) which you can pick and choose to suit your needs. You can select different play times and even create a daily vibe schedule.[*] To get started, simply:
- Sync your Apollo to the app
- Choose where to wear your device
- Select your ‘vibe’. Some popular options include: ‘Social’, ‘Recover’, ‘Calm’, or ‘Fall Asleep'[*]
- Choose your level of relaxation or alertness
- Optionally set a vibe schedule
What is the Apollo Neuro App?
Apollo Neuro comes with a user-friendly app that provides real-time control and customization. The Apollo Neuro app allows you to switch between different modes, adjust the intensity of the vibrations, set a mode schedule, and track your usage.
I have personally found the Apollo Neuro app incredibly simple to use, and love that I have the option to adjust my ‘vibe’ at any time to suit my current situation.
Apollo Neuro Competitors
While Apollo Neuro is a pioneer in the field of wearable nervous system regulation, there are other options available like the TouchPoints device. Apollo neuro competitors typically offer similar benefits, but Apollo’s research-backed approach and sleek design make it our preferred device.
The choice between Apollo Neuro and its competitors ultimately comes down to personal preference. It’s always worth exploring different options to find the device that aligns best with your needs and lifestyle. Keep reading for our honest comparison below.
How to Wear Apollo Neuro
I won’t lie, my primary and only concern upon receiving my device was how to wear my Apollo Neuro. The device comes with a velcro wristband to be worn around the wrist or ankle. I started wearing it around my ankle as I thought this was more discreet until multiple people asked if I was on probation. Yes, it looks like you’re under house arrest on a tether (that’s an electronic tag to my UK friends).
Since I purchased my Apollo, they’ve introduced the option of attaching the device to a clip – which I much prefer. I can now enjoy the nervous system benefits without looking like I’m on the run.
What’s important though is that whether you choose the velcro band or clip, the device should be worn near a bone.
Wearing Apollo Neuro on your ankle is one option, but you can also wear it on your wrist if you are using the velcro band. In this case, it just looks likes any other smart wearable. If you opt for the clip, you can attach it to your clothing and place it near your collarbone or hip bone. The choice is yours, and it largely depends on your comfort and convenience.
It is also worth noting, as someone who has worn my device for several years, that the clip is a more durable option. After a while, I found wearing the Apollo Neuro on my ankle with a strap quite irritating. The velcro lost its sticking power and the device would frequently drop off.
How Often Should you Wear Your Apollo Neuro?
The frequency of wearing your Apollo Neuro largely depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some choose to wear it daily, making it part of their morning routine and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Others prefer to use it as needed, putting it on during stressful situations or before bedtime for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Can you wear it too much?
Apollo Neuro is designed to be safe for regular use, and while there don’t seem to be any hard and fast rules, the team at Apollo recommends a minimum use of 3 hours per day for 5 days a week.
For most users, wearing Apollo Neuro constantly throughout the day is not necessary, however, it has been suggested the more you use it, the better.
Read on for my personal Apollo routine.
Apollo Neuro vs. Touchpoints – Which is Better for Nervous System Regulation?
The choice between Apollo Neuro vs. TouchPoints depends on your specific requirements. Here’s a quick comparison:
Apollo Neuro Pros
- Sleek design in a choice of colors
- Easy setup
- Good selection of modes to suit a range of circumstances
- Ability to set a mode schedule
- Simple to use (both the device and the app)
- Proven to increase HRV – a crucial metric in measuring nervous system regulation
- Optional ways to wear
- Science-backed, demonstrating improvements is sleep, recovery, focus and stress reduction
- Optional payment plan
Apollo Neuro Cons
- Potentially looking like a criminal if you choose to wear the device round your ankle
- Velcro looses grip after considerable wear
- A higher price point vs. TouchPoints, however, there is a great discount offered on a refurbished option
TouchPoints Pros
- Science-backed, demonstrating improvements in stress and anxiety reduction
- Shown to reduce stress in as little as 30 seconds
- A budget-friendly wearable
- Simple to use and set up
- Multiple ways to wear/carry the devices
- Optional payment plan
TouchPoint Cons
- Lacks the range of modes available with Apollo
- You have to wear/carry 2 devices
- Not as attractive as the Apollo Neuro. If you’re going to look like a criminal, you may as well look good in the process.
- No dedicated studies presently on affects on HRV
All in all, both devices can support a dysregulated nervous system, but Apollo Neuro’s variety of modes, and dedicated tracking tools may give it an edge for those seeking a more comprehensive option.
Apollo Neuro also gets a bonus point from us for it’s proven effects on HRV.[*]
How Long Until you See Benefits?
The timeline for experiencing benefits from Apollo Neuro can vary from person to person. Some report feeling a subtle shift in their mood and stress levels within a few days of consistent use. However, it’s important to note that the device’s effects can be gradual and cumulative, similar to the benefits of regular meditation or mindfulness practices.
For some, it may take up to 30 days to notice significant improvements in sleep quality, stress resilience, or focus.
Remember that the key to reaping the rewards of Apollo Neuro lies in consistent and frequent use.
Apollo Neuro and Autism
Apollo Neuro has shown promise in helping individuals with autism by providing sensory support and stress reduction.[*] However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine its suitability for your specific situation. You can find more insights from patients and parents here.
Apollo Neuro for PTSD
For individuals dealing with PTSD, Apollo Neuro may offer relief by helping to manage states of emotional shutdown and improve sleep, and mood.[*] It provides a safe and non-invasive way to help regulate the nervous system, contributing to a sense of control and stability.
The Apollo can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive treatment plan, but always consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on managing PTSD.
Is Apollo Neuro Waterproof?
Apollo Neuro is water-resistant, which means it will withstand the odd splash. However, it’s not fully waterproof, so avoid giving it a dunking.
I can confirm though that my device did survive a complete submersion in the toilet. My clip worked its way loose and it plummeted, to my utter disgust and dismay, into the depths of my toilet. I said a prayer and fished it out. I’d advise against any experiments to test its waterproofness though.
Why I Love Apollo Neuro
I adore Apollo Neuro for its ability to effortlessly complement any nervous system regulation protocol. It’s a calming touch of reassurance when you need it most, and is at its most valuable when you feel so paralyzed by dysregulation you can’t dig your own way out.
Here’s What My Apollo Schedule Has Looked Like Over the Last 3 Years:
- Daily wear for up to 6 hours
- A set weekday and weekend schedule
My Favorite ‘Vibes’
- Recover – for when I feel VERY dysregulated, after stressful events, and when I feel particularly rundown. This is my go-to mode.
- Social – for assisiting with social anxiety and calming my nerves is work-related events and meetings
- Focus – for when I’m about to enter a situation I feel nervous about.
The Benefits
I have noticed many subtle but considerable benefits, including:
- An instant feeling of reassurance when I feel the vibrations kick in
- A clearer head and improved focus
- Much easier social interactions
- A sense of calm in high-anxiety situations
- Feeling supported in my body after extreme stress
- Having it kickstart my journey of regulation
- It’s gentle support when I lack the energy to participate in other practices
Is the Apollo Neuro Worth It?
If you’re deeply dysregulated, suffering from intense exhaustion and low energy, it’s an excellent first step. Unlike other nervous system programs and protocols that often require some level of active participation, Apollo Neuro helps you regulate without exerting any energy. It’s a very powerful intervention for those who cannot currently commit to anything too taxing.
If you are already practicing regulation techniques, it remains an excellent support, silently working in the background and helping you stay on track.
Apollo Neuro is a remarkable wearable that promises to make a significant impact on your nervous system regulation journey. It’s discreet, easy to use, and backed by science, making it a powerful intervention for anyone seeking a more relaxed and balanced life.