Yale Neuroscientist Launches Innovative Device for Enhanced Sleep

A new device aimed at transforming sleep has been unveiled by Dr. Nailin Yao, a Yale-trained neuroscientist. On November 28, 2025, she announced the launch of the Panbrain Lume, a groundbreaking intranasal near-infrared (NIR) photobiomodulation device. This innovative solution seeks to address the global sleep crisis by promising deeper sleep and faster sleep onset within just eight minutes of use. The device is currently available for backing on Kickstarter.

Fusing Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science

The Panbrain Lume merges principles of traditional Eastern wellness practices with contemporary neuroscientific research. Dr. Yao, a former postdoctoral fellow in psychiatry at Yale University, emphasizes the device’s reliance on scientifically-backed mechanisms. The technology harnesses near-infrared light, a beneficial spectrum that mimics the active components of sunlight.

For centuries, Eastern methods such as moxibustion and Shai Bei have utilized warmth and light to restore balance and vitality. Dr. Yao explains, “Think of Lume as targeted, digital sunshine for your brain. The near-infrared light energizes the mitochondria in your brain cells, enhancing cellular energy production and promoting natural healing processes that occur during deep sleep.”

How the Device Works

The unique delivery mechanism of the Lume device utilizes the nasal cavity’s rich network of blood vessels, providing direct access to the brain’s sleep-regulating centers. By applying a gentle stream of near-infrared light at bedtime, Lume signals the brain to prepare for restorative sleep.

Dr. Yao highlights the significance of this direct approach: “This innovation allows us to target the brain more effectively, helping individuals wind down and improve their sleep quality.”

With the growing prevalence of sleep disorders, the Lume device stands out in a crowded market filled with unverified sleep aids. Its foundation in peer-reviewed research on photobiomodulation adds a level of credibility that many competitors lack. “We are not selling magic; we are selling accessible, proven science,” Dr. Yao asserts.

The launch of Panbrain Lume comes with a promise of measurable results. By enhancing mitochondrial function, the device offers a scientific method for improving what is often described as “Yang energy” in Eastern practices.

As part of the Kickstarter campaign, early backers can secure the device at a special price starting at $330. The campaign also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing consumers to try the device risk-free.

For those interested in exploring this novel approach to sleep enhancement, further details and pre-order options can be found on the Kickstarter page.

About Dr. Nailin Yao and Panbrain Technologies

Dr. Nailin Yao is recognized for her expertise at the intersection of neuroscience and technology. As the founder of Panbrain Technologies, her mission is to create science-backed health devices that enhance everyday wellness through innovative applications of brain-machine interface principles.

With the launch of Panbrain Lume, Dr. Yao aims to make a significant impact on the way individuals approach sleep, blending ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding to tackle a critical issue in today’s fast-paced world.