Review Summary
My in-depth review of the NuCalm System - can NuCalm really help with stress and sleep
Neuroscience is an area that is gaining traction as more and more people start searching for help with stress and anxiety management.
Tech gadget brands are focused on bringing relief to a stressed public.
I see ads on Facebook and Instagram daily for products that could reduce my stress and help my anxiety. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and social anxiety disorder. It's an area of my life that I am passionate about improving. I know what it's like to suffer from something that you can't or struggle to learn to control.
Whenever I see these ads, I make an effort to get in touch with the brand for a product review article. I don't get paid to write a review, and I will share my honest option and if it works for me.
I hope that this honest NuCalm Neuroscience review will give you insight into the workings of NuCalm, my experience and help you make an informed decision.
What is the NuCalm system?
NuCalm is "the world's only patented neuroscience technology clinically proven to resolve stress and improve sleep quality - without drugs."
NuCalm is clinically proven to help relax the brain and the body naturally and within minutes. It works with the brain circuity in the limbic system that is responsible for activating the stress response.
How is NuCalm different? NuCalm has held a unique position for over three decades with no rivals or comparable products. Over the last 14 years, renowned experts including academics, scientists, doctors, and researchers have conducted independent research.
While there are many stress-reducing and sleep-improving products on the market, NuCalm is the only one backed by over 30 years of patented, clinically proven neuroscience technology. This is technology that has been used by US Military Special Forces, FBI, pilots, and Olympic athletes.
This complex neuroacoustic software is now available to consumers through an easy to use mobile app.
What are the benefits of NuCalm?
- Improve sleep - get deep, restorative sleep, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Manage stress - can help to improve mood, boost energy, focus, and clarity.
- Boost Recovery - can help people recover faster from training, strengthen the immune system, and strengthen resilience.
Pros
- Many positive testimonials from customers
- Portable
- Very easy to use
- The app is simple, easy to use and has great resources and information
- Different subscription options
- Backed by science and clinical studies
- Proven stress relief
Here is a quick 2 minute overview to introduce you to NuCalm:
There is some terminology that might be confusing at first. The simplest way I can break it down for you is that each NuCalm Plan has a combination of Channels (DeepSleep, Rescue, Focus, PowerNap, Ignite) each Channel as 1 to 12 Journeys.
What are NuCalm Channels?
Each Channel is a result of engineered neuroscience that guides your brain to a specific frequency range. Results are consistent and clinically proven. There are 6 channels.
DeepSleep (Frequency Range 4Hz-0.5Hz) 6 Journeys
DeepSleep helps you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and get the restorative sleep you need. Play this one at bedtime by selecting it on your mobile app and playing it in your bedroom through a speaker. Turn it off in the morning when you wake up.
Rescue (Frequency Range 12Hz-4Hz) 12 Journeys
Rescue is for recovery and cellular restoration. This channel will help you with stress and to move beyond your fears, anxiety, and depression. Rescue works with your body's parasympathetic nervous system for cellular restoration and complete recovery. One thing I was very impressed with was the fact that Rescue was "Used in over 2,000,000 surgical procedures as a safe and effective replacement for general anesthesia."
The health benefits of Rescue can be felt immediately. You'll see these benefits listed on their website but I wanted to highlight them here too because they are so impressive!
- Reduce stress and stopping unnecessary production of stress hormones
- Improve sleep quality and get restful sleep
- Calm nerves and put you back in control of your emotions
- Relieve anxiety and fears
- Speed up recovery from physical exertion and injury
- Restore your body’s natural biological clocks and circadian rhythm
- Lower inflammation
- Provide pain relief
- Enhance immune strength and resilience
Rescue is my favorite channel and the one that I use the most. It is an immersive experience and to use Rescue you want to find a quiet spot you can lay down so that you will not be interrupted. Put an eye mask over your eyes and put on your best headphones. Select your Rescue journey from the app and enjoy the relaxation.
Rescue can be used daily. Ideally between 12pm and 4pm but anytime after you wake up and up to 3 hours before your bedtime is recommended.
Focus (Frequency Range 15Hz-20Hz) 4 Journeys
The focus channel provides a variety of benefits like improved clarity, concentration, higher-level cognition, analytical thinking, comprehension, stimulation, energy, and even inspiration. If you are someone that is easily distracted, this is a great channel to help tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand. Headphones are recommended.
PowerNap (Frequency Range 12Hz-4Hz) 4 Journeys
As the name suggests, PowerNap is if you need to recover and recharge and you are short on time. PowerNap is just 20 minutes and is really beneficial if you had a bad night of sleep, have jet lag or just need to restore some energy in as short of a time as possible. PowerNap gives you the benefits of 2 hours of restorative sleep in just 20 minutes! Headphones and an eye mask are highly recommended.
Ignite (Frequency Range 39Hz-41Hz) 5 Journeys
Ignite is trusted by US Military Special Forces, professional sports teams, and Olympic athletes. It guides you to your peak performance by dialing up your brain waves to the highest frequencies. You can expect increased mental clarity and increased strength and endurance. Use headphones or in-ear buds. Do not use it within three hours before bedtime and stop listening if you start feeling agitated.
FlowState (Frequency Range 12Hz-7.83Hz) 5 Journeys
This channel is great for entering that perfect mental "flow", the calm mind, enhanced creativity, improved focus and concentration but with a mental state of calmness. Basically it will leave you feeling clam, less stressed, focused, and restored. If you are feeling mentally or emotionally exhausted this is a great channel to tune into.
This channel is best with headphones and an eye mask. Same as Rescue - ideal time to listen is 12pm to 4pm and not within 3 hours of your bed time.
You can subscribe to a channel individually or choose a NuCalm plan which has a combination of specific channels curated for specific goals. I'll get more into the details about Plans shortly.
Now that you have a better sense of the differences between the NuCalm channels, we can get more into the plans and choosing the plan that best works for you.
How to choose a NuCalm Plan
There are a few NuCalm Subscriptions to choose from and you can pick the plan that aligns with the outcome you want to achieve. Each plan includes specific NuCalm Channels.
SleepSuite (Sleep)
If you are suffering from poor sleep, NuCalm can prime your mind for deep, restorative sleep.
This was created for people who prioritize the significance of restful sleep and are committed to enhancing their sleep quality without having to resort to medication.
If this is your primary goal, the SleepSuite subscription is for you.
The Channels included in this plan are:
- DeepSleep
- Rescue
- PowerNap
Core Plan (Stress/Anxiety)
If you are suffering from stress and anxiety, NuCalm can help you de-stress. This plan was designed for people who want to maximize recovery from stress, lower their stress, and also want to improve sleep. It will reliably reduces stress, improves sleep quality, and helps you overcome fear, anxiety, depression without drugs. CORE enhances your health, immune strength, resilience, and longevity. If this is your goal, the Edge Core subscription is for you.
The Channels included in this plan are:
- Rescue
- Focus
- Ignite
Peak (Performance)
Peak was created for those who want to boost their performance and focus. it can amplify your energy, focus, determination, and overall performance. If poor performance is your primary concern, NuCalm can prime your mind for high intensity action. If this is your goal, Edge Peak subscription is for you.
The Channels included in this plan are:
- Rescue
- PowerNap
- FlowState
Edge (Most Popular)
Edge is the most popular because it includes a mix of all everything we just went over. It gives you the most value and you can manage any mental state on-demand.
All the Channels mentioned above are included:
- Rescue
- PowerNap
- FlowState
- DeepSleep
- Focus
- Ignite
How much does NuCalm cost?
NuCalm is available for at-home use, and there are 3 options available. The difference between the options is the number of sessions a month you want to do. Each option is available as a monthly subscription or an annual subscription.
NuCalm pricing starts at $14.99 per month. This price is for subscribe to one channel. If you what access to ONLY ONE channel you can pick your channel here and get started.
Keep in mind that refunds are not offered. You will be a 7 day notification that your subscription will be renewing so that you can cancel it. You can cancel or change your plan at any time.
Each of the NuCalm Plans I went over above has a monthly or annual subscription option. Here is a quick breakdown of the each plan along with pricing:
NuCalm SleepSuite
With this option, you can expect to restore your sleep.
- Monthly subscription: $29.99
- Annual subscription: $299.90 total (You save $60)
- Try NuCalm SleepSuite
NuCalm Core
With this option, you can expect to reduce stress, improve sleep, health, and your immune system..
- Monthly subscription: $29.99
- Annual subscription: $299.90 total (You save $60)
- Try NuCalm Core
NuCalm Peak
With this option, you can expect to improve your performance with increased focus, improved mental and physical performance and recovery.
- Monthly subscription: $29.99
- Annual subscription: $299.90 total (You save $60)
- Try NuCalm Peak
NuCalm Edge (most popular)
With this option, you get access to all the channels and experience the benefits associated with each.
- Monthly subscription: $49.99
- Annual subscription: $499.90 total (You save $100)
- Try NuCalm Edge
NuCalm Mastermind
Mastermind takes the NuCalm experience to a whole new level. This plan give you access for 5 years, 200 NuCalm biosignal processing discs, 50% off additional disc purchases, and 5 additional annual EDGE subscriptions for you to give to friends and family.
- $3,495 / 5 years
- Learn more about NuCalm Mastermind
NuCalm Coupon
For my readers I have an exclusive coupon discount you can use to get 10% off your first month! To get 10% off your first month of NuClam use the code FJBLOG10 at checkout! This is a one-time discount and please do not share this code on any coupon websites.
How does NuCalm work?
Before I get into how to use NuCalm, I want to touch on the science behind it.
NuCalm is "clinically proven to relax the brain and body within minutes." It works with the brain stem, hypothalamus, and limbic system. NuCalm works to slow brain waves. Within minutes of using NuCalm, you will begin to feel the effects.
Quick video on what to expect with your first NuCalm session:
OPTIONAL STEP: Apply the NuCalm Biosignal Processing Disc
The discs are not necessary but will upgrade your NuCalm Journey to Clinical Strength. You can learn more about the science of the discs here. Here is also a video with more information.
The NuCalm disc should be placed on the inside of your left wrist. The disc sends signals to interrupts your adrenaline response by activating your brain's natural relaxation system.
Step 2. Open the NuCalm app on your smartphone
The NuCalm neuro acoustic software in the mobile app sends specific frequencies that will slow brain wave function to a level that will allow for optimal relaxation and recovery. Select the Channel and Journey you would like to listen to.
Step 3. Connect your headphones, cover your eyes, sit back, relax and enjoy the NuCalm
To officially start your NuCalm session, connect your favorite pair of headphones and start the NuCalm session from the app.
Headphones and Speakers Recommendations
I do want to call out that not all headphones and speakers will give you the same results. The journeys have a specific frequency range and if you have a low quality headphones or speaker then you will not be able to achieve the results. You can take a look at the list of recommended headphones on their website here.
You can do some research to find the frequency range of the headphones or speaker that you have if it is not on that list. One of the recommend headphones is Sony WH-1000XM5 which has a frequency range of 2.4 GHz band (2.4000–2.4835 GHz. My headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM4 which have that same range.
What does NuCalm Feel like?
The feeling that comes with a NuCalm session is kinda hard to describe; it really has to be experienced. The best that other NuCalm users and I can express the NuCalm feeling is that you will feel relaxed, calm focused, but also energized and in the present moment.
NuCalm mobile app
The NuCalm mobile app is available for iPhone and Android users. It's a great source of information and will help answer any questions you might have as a beginner.
After you purchase your NuCalm subscription you can download the app and set up your profile. In your app you can see your Channels.
The Tutorial section has information on questions like:
- How do I set up my NuCalm?
- When should I do a NuCalm session?
- How long should my NuCalm session be?
- How should I feel during and after a NuCalm session?
- What do I need to know about the NuCalm Discs?
- And many more!
NuCalm 101
The app and the website have articles and helpful information that will help you learn about the science of NuCalm, how it works with your brain and body, how it can help improve stress, sleep, and quality of life. Here are some helpful quick links:
- Getting started with NuCalm
- Read about the neuroscience and research
- Headphone recommendations
- NuCalm on YouTube
NuCalm reviews and consumer testimonials
You can read and watch video testimonials from REAL people as they share their journey with NuCalm.
Many MANY people use NuCalm to help improve their sleep.
Other people also use it to help with stress and provide a calming feeling throughout their day.
There are tons of reasons people use NuCalm:
- Improve sleep quality
- Relive stress
- Help with Jet lag
- Anxiety relief
- Addiction
- Muscle repair
- Pain relief
- Deep states of relaxation
- and more!
The point is people see results and they keep using it because it really seems to help!
As you can imagine, anyone with anxiety would be more than thrilled to try NuCalm!
My Experience
I could hardly wait for my NuCalm kit to arrive.
I'll admit, I was tacking that package through USPS tracking and watching it like a hawk!
After downloading the app, I quickly setup my profile, filled out my goals and health stats.
The NuCalm app will take you though the setup process and show you step by step how to get started.
First Session:
I followed the instructions and placed the disc on the inside of my left wrist.
I decided to start my first session while the rest of the household was asleep and pets where not in the same room as me.
Phone on do not disturb? Check.
I selected my NuCalm journey. I opted for the shorted 30min session. (as someone with ADHD, the thought of sitting still for more then 5 minutes is doubtful, since the 30min was the lowest time commitment option, I selected it, covered my eyes with the eye mask and laid down.
I'm having a hard time describing what happened next. All I know is that it was magical.
As the beautiful sounds swirled around me I could feel my whole body relax. It was as though I could feel my entire body as once but also parts of it individually. My whole body, but especially my arms and chest became very heavy.
The thought of moving my arms seemed like an impossible task. But the feeling was so wonderful that I wouldn't dare even try for the fear of losing the deep relaxation. The 30 minutes went by so quickly and I continued to lay their in darkness for at least another 10 minutes soaking in relaxation.
I was calm, relaxed, grounded.
I finally started to wake my body up by wiggling my fingers an toes.
I peaked though my eye mask to check the screen of the NuCalm app.
I was given 2 options: "Repeat the session" or "End the session"
Without even a second of thought I quickly pressed the button to repeat the session again. I laid back down and drifted back into bliss.
After my first NuCalm session
After a NuCalm session you should feel relaxed but also energized.
So why did I feel tired?
I open up the app in search of answers and found the answer in the "Learn" tab. According to Ann from the NuCalm team:
"If you are feeling tired after NuCalm, your session may have been too short or was interrupted before your body reached homeostasis or internal balance. Try going to your natural endpoint next time which will allow your body to guide you out of a session vs the timer pulling you out of a very deep state where you may feel more groggy." - Ann, NuCalm
Following Sessions
I continue to use NuCalm and it's a part of my routine that I look forward to the most. Several times I didn't get enough sleep and NuCalm sessions helped my feel rested and energized.
If you have a restless mind, difficulty with meditation, anxiety, sleeplessness, or stress, NuCalm could be your solution.
👉 Try NuCalm
August 30 2023 Update
I recently started my NuCalm subscription again and I forgot how amazing the session itself felt.
If you have a Garmin watch you are familiar with the Garmin Body Battery and other than sleep, a NuCalm session is the only thing that increases my body battery!
I was shocked when I checked my watch 3 hours after my session to see that my body battery has increased since the session!
Mind blown. 🤯
Who should use NuCalm?
Not only that, but it's also been used by the U.S. military, FBI, 49 professional sports, and it's been used in 2 million surgical procedures!
People from all backgrounds use NuCalm. Some use it for sleep, anxiety, stress management, and balancing their mind.
NuCalm is very safe and can be used by almost anyone. It is recommended that children under 5 should not use the NuCalm discs. Still, they can listen to the neuro acoustic software ambiently .
Final thoughts - Does NuCalm really work?
Yes, NuCalm is FDA-approved and proven to work in clinical studies.
From my own experience, NuCalm completely quiets my mind and allows my body and mind to go into an amazing state of relaxation. Sometimes I even feel myself going into a deep state of relaxation floating between a semi-conscious dream state.
It's amazing and something that is best experienced to fully understand.
With the number of testimonials from NuCalm customers and the NuCalm money-back guarantee, you don't have a reason to not make this investment in your health and well-being.
Share your comments & questions!