Sleep Science Podcast S3E6 - Hongi Ngo: Exploring Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation
Aug 23, 2025
Hongi Ngo, a psychology lecturer at the University of Essex, developed a groundbreaking technique called closed-loop auditory stimulation (CLAS) designed to manipulate sleep oscillations. He explains how CLAS can enhance memory consolidation by timing auditory bursts to brain rhythms. The discussion covers its potential in boosting immune function and reducing epilepsy symptoms. Ngo also explores the synergy between CLAS and targeted memory reactivation, along with exciting future applications like transcranial magnetic stimulation to further unlock the mysteries of sleep and memory.
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From Physics To Human Sleep Experiments
- Hongi Ngo started as a theoretical physicist and moved into experimental sleep work during his PhD.
- He began by analysing lullabies and then adapted animal auditory stimulation findings to humans.
Why Closed-Loop Beats Open-Loop
- Closed-loop means detecting ongoing brain oscillations and timing sounds to extend them rather than playing sounds randomly.
- Timing stimulation to the slow-oscillation upstate prolongs trains and avoids forcing the brain.
Efficiency Over Quantity For Slow Waves
- CLAS doesn't increase total slow-wave sleep but reorganizes and amplifies the efficacy of existing slow oscillations.
- The same amount of sleep becomes more effective for memory and related functions.