The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 9,731,126 to NeuroMetrix Inc. The patent covers novel technology whereby the Quell pain relief device automatically modulates therapeutic neurostimulation based on the user’s sleep characteristics. In addition, the patent includes claims related to providing device users with feedback about their sleep.

Most people with chronic pain experience sleep disorders, most often insomnia. Inadequate sleep worsens pain symptoms, which can precipitate a vicious cycle of decreased activity during the day and even less sleep at night. Quell is positioned to address the impact of chronic pain on sleep. It is the only transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator cleared by the FDA for use during sleep that is available over the counter. Quell also measures and tracks sleep data to help users understand the amount and quality of their sleep. These measurements are available via the Quell smartphone app and Quell Health Cloud.

“Chronic pain can be extremely disruptive to one’s quality of life. Many people find that their pain tends to increase throughout the day and peak at night. Unfortunately, those higher levels of pain can prevent them from getting to sleep and staying asleep,” says Shai N. Gozani, MD, PhD, in a release. “We are therefore particularly pleased to have received this latest patent for automated regulation of Quell therapy during sleep. This patent further expands our wearable pain relief intellectual property assets and enhances our long-term competitive position.”