Sleep-tech startup Somnee is strengthening its relationship with the NBA while unveiling the second generation of its AI-powered sleep headband, designed to help athletes and consumers alike achieve deeper, higher-quality rest.
A Smarter Sleep Solution
Founded in 2022 by neuroscientists from the University of California, Berkeley — including renowned sleep researcher and social media personality Dr. Matt Walker — Somnee has positioned itself as a leader in science-backed, drug-free sleep technology.
Its AI-powered headband uses electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors and proprietary neurostimulation to guide the brain into natural sleep rhythms. Somnee describes the device as an at-home “electroceutical,” aiming to help users fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve recovery.
The second-generation headband, now available for purchase online, offers several upgrades:
- A redesigned, pillowy-soft fit for all-night comfort
- Enhanced speakers and a reengineered companion app
- A phone-free mode to reduce blue-light exposure before bed
- Support for short naps
- A sleep journal, drawing from Dr. Walker’s research
CEO Tim Rosa, a former Fitbit executive, described the launch as a major step forward:
“This isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a whole new standard for how we approach sleep. Whether you’re a high performer, a wellness-minded professional, or someone battling sleepless nights, Somnee is here to change the way you rest, recover, and live.”
NBA Backing and Pilot Results
Somnee’s credibility in elite sports has been boosted by its growing ties with the NBA. Through the league’s startup incubation program, the headband was pilot tested with NBA and WNBA teams, where players reported improvements in:
- Total sleep duration
- Deep sleep and REM sleep
- Speed of falling asleep
- Mental sharpness and energy
On the back of this pilot, the NBA has now joined as an equity investor, alongside Khosla Ventures, Time Ventures, and other backers. This marks a deepening of the league’s commitment to tech-driven solutions for player health and performance.
Scaling Beyond Sports
Somnee isn’t limiting its ambitions to professional basketball. The company plans to integrate its technology into Equinox Hotels, offering high-performance sleep experiences to wellness-driven travelers. It has also partnered with telehealth platform Superpower to combine sleep data with blood biomarker insights — creating a holistic performance and recovery ecosystem.
Dr. Matt Walker framed the product’s mission in broader terms:
“With the new Somnee, we’ve translated the latest neuroscience into wearable technology that doesn’t just track sleep — it actively restores it. Our hope is to help address the global sleep-loss epidemic.”
Performance Claims
Somnee says users of its system:
- Fall asleep twice as fast
- Stay asleep for 30+ minutes longer
- Experience one-third less tossing and turning
The company also asserts that its AI-driven system outperforms melatonin, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and even prescription drugs such as Ambien — positioning it as a disruptive alternative in the $100 billion global sleep economy.
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IMAGE: Somnee
