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Abstract

This Perspective article discusses the emerging potential of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique for enhancing self-regulatory processes, particularly emotion and sleep regulation, in healthy individuals. Offering high spatial precision and the ability to target both cortical and deep brain regions, TUS uses focused ultrasound waves to induce acute and delayed effects on brain activity. We propose that combining TUS with neurofeedback methods and/or specific cognitive training exercises may capitalise on these neuroplastic effects, thereby augmenting and prolonging their impact to support lasting improvements in self-regulation. We focus on the domains of sleep and emotion regulation, where such an integrated approach may strengthen resilience and promote healthier functioning in the general population. Our aim is to highlight the potential of TUS-based integrated interventions for supporting mental health and well-being in non-clinical populations and to outline key directions for future research.

Publication Date

2025-12-19

Publication Title

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Volume

19

ISSN

1662-5161

Acceptance Date

2025-11-26

Deposit Date

2026-08-17

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This research was supported by a NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR203308) (to MK), a UKRI Medical Research Council Future Leaders Fellowship grant and BBSRC grant (MR/T023007/1, MR/Y034368/1, and BB/Y001494/1) (to EF).

Keywords

self-regulation, emotion, sleep, transcranial ultrasound stimulation, neurofeedback, non-invasive brain stimulation, neurotechnology

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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