What’s the vagus nerve? And why stimulate it?
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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a treatment that stimulates the vagus nerve, one of 12 pairs of cranial nerves that originate in your brain. These nerves help your brain communicate with your body in various ways. While more research is needed, VNS has been linked to improvements in migraine symptoms, mental health, and even gut health.
Previously, it required invasive surgery to implant a device in the chest and was only recommended for certain cases of depression and epilepsy. Now that noninvasive options are available for home use, they’re talking a big game — claiming to help you regulate your nervous system so you respond better to stress and anxiety and sleep a bit sounder.
Healthline’s commerce editor, Catherine Conelly, and social media manager, Tim Mojica, used these pricey devices to see if they actually live up to the hype. So, do they? Keep reading to find out! |
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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
August 31, 2026 • 3 min read |
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Catherine and Tim tried two popular vagus nerve stimulators: the wearable Pulsetto and the handheld Truvaga.
According to Dr. Nancy Hammond, MD, the exact parameters have not been extensively studied, but she says these devices work best when used once or twice a day, for up to 45 minutes. (More than 8 hours daily can damage the vagus nerve, so it’s definitely not an all-day endeavor.)
Catherine used the Pulsetto at least once a day every day for 35 days and counting. She always used it for 10 to 20 minutes as part of her bedtime routine, and sometimes for 5 to 10 minutes in the afternoon when she knows she’s prone to feeling overwhelmed. Tim used the Truvaga twice daily for 20 days and counting, totaling 4 minutes per day (2 minutes per session).
What’s the verdict? Both highly recommend buying a vagus nerve stimulator if your budget allows! While expensive, they believe it’s a solid investment in your self-care and well-being.
Catherine calls the Pulsetto an overstimulated parent’s dream. “After using the Pulsetto daily for over a month, I’m convinced a vagus nerve stimulator device should be covered by insurance for parents.”
“While the sensation can feel unusual at first, I found it satisfying and came to enjoy the ritual of using it,” Tim adds, noting that he felt relaxed either immediately or within a few minutes to hours.
To read their full experience and learn more about VNS and whether it’s right for you, check out our write-up below. |
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| ✨ Over to you: Have you heard of vagus nerve stimulators? If you’ve tried a VNS device, how did it work for you? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to chime in! |
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| Tested and approved |
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| Pulsetto FIT |
| This is the wearable VNS device that Catherine tested — and still uses! Designed to offer convenient moments of calm at home or on the go, the Pulsetto FIT is lightweight, comfortable, and easily connects with the Pulsetto App. You can customize sessions based on your preferences, track your usage, and pair your experience with soothing audio. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s definitely worth a shot, especially since you can return it for free. |
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| Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. |
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
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Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.
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