Why stress hits so hard

We’ve all felt it — racing heart, shallow breathing, a restless mind that won’t switch off. Stress is the body’s survival system kicking in, but in today’s world, it often stays switched on far too long. That’s where scientists are turning to a surprising ally inside us: the vagus nerve

Meet your body’s ‘relax button’

The vagus nerve is like a hidden superhighway running from your brain down through your chest and into your gut. It carries signals back and forth, helping regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion, and even inflammation

Its most important role in stress? It acts as the brake pedal for your nervous system. When stress puts your body into ‘fight or flight,’ the vagus nerve helps bring you back into ‘rest and digest.’ The stronger this system is — often referred to as vagal tone — the easier it is for your body to calm down after experiencing stress

Tapping into the Vagus Nerve

Until recently, treatments that targeted the vagus nerve involved surgery and implanted devices, mainly for epilepsy or severe depression. But now, new non-invasive wearables promise to give your vagus nerve a boost without the need for an operation

These gadgets usually work in one of two ways:

• Ear-based devices: Small clips or earbuds deliver gentle electrical pulses to a branch of the vagus nerve in your ear
• Neck-based devices: Handheld stimulators or bands sit on the side of the neck to activate the vagus nerve through the skin
• Lifestyle hybrids: Some devices rely on vibration or sound to indirectly stimulate the vagus nerve and calm the body

Leading Wearables on the Market

Here are three of the most talked-about devices available in Europe today:

• Nurosym (Parasym) – An ear-based device that directly stimulates the vagus nerve through the tragus of the ear. It’s CE-marked as a medical device in Europe and backed by dozens of peer-reviewed studies showing improvements in heart rate variability, fatigue, and anxiety. Price: about £599. While the evidence is strong compared to other consumer options, the high cost and mixed user experiences (in terms of comfort and electrode placement) are worth noting
• Pulsetto Fit – A neckband-style stimulator that targets the cervical branch of the vagus nerve. It’s more lifestyle-oriented, app-driven, and marketed for everyday stress, sleep, and anxiety. Price: around £288. Reviews are generally positive (average rating 4.9/5), although large independent clinical trials are still limited
• Sensate 2 – A non-electrical device that uses infrasonic sound and vibration, placed on the chest, to trigger calming vagal responses. It’s simple to use, well-reviewed (with an average rating of 4.6/5), and less intimidating than electrical devices. Price: about £290. The evidence is more anecdotal and wellness-based than strictly clinical, but many users report reduced stress and improved sleep

Other players include gammaCore (a handheld VNS device with medical approval for migraines and cluster headaches) and vibrotactile systems like Apollo Neuro, which use subtle vibrations rather than electricity

Do they actually work?

The science so far is promising, but not definitive:

• What’s known: Studies suggest that stimulating the vagus nerve can lower heart rate, improve heart rate variability (a key measure of resilience to stress), and calm brain regions linked to anxiety. Users often report immediate feelings of relaxation
• The limits: Most robust evidence comes from clinical conditions like epilepsy or migraines. Stress-specific studies are smaller, and responses vary between individuals. Consumer devices sometimes run ahead of the research, making claims stronger than the science currently supports

Beyond gadgets: everyday ways to boost vagal tone

You don’t need a device to give your vagus nerve some love. Simple practices like:

• Slow, deep breathing
• Cold water splashes on your face
• Singing or humming
• Yoga and meditation

…can naturally stimulate the vagus nerve and help your body unwind

The Bottom Line

The vagus nerve is a powerful stress regulator hiding in plain sight, and wearable technology offers an exciting new way to tap into it. Devices like Nurosym, Pulsetto, and Sensate show that the field is maturing, with some offering strong clinical backing and others leaning more toward consumer wellness.

While the early research looks hopeful — especially for relaxation and resilience — the science is still catching up to the hype. For now, think of these wearables as helpful tools in your stress-management toolkit, not magic fixes. And remember: sometimes the simplest techniques — a walk outside, a few deep breaths, or a song sung at the top of your lungs — might be just as effective at telling your vagus nerve, “It’s okay to relax.”