Neurofeedback for ADHD and Insomnia: A Lasting, Non-Invasive Solution
November 12, 2025 - Smart TMS
Finding effective, long-term relief from ADHD and sleep problems can be challenging — especially when traditional treatments or medications cause unwanted side effects. At Smart TMS, we offer neurofeedback therapy as a safe, evidence-based, and medication-free approach that helps regulate brain activity, improve focus, and promote better sleep.
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a non-invasive method that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals learn how to self-regulate their brain function. During a session, small EEG sensors are placed on the scalp to measure electrical signals from specific brain regions. These signals are then displayed visually on a computer screen — for example, through animations or games — providing instant feedback about how the brain is functioning.
Over time, clients learn to modify their brainwave activity consciously. By encouraging healthier neural patterns, neurofeedback can reduce symptoms associated with ADHD, insomnia, and other issues related to poor focus, stress, and emotional regulation.
How Neurofeedback Works
Neurofeedback harnesses the brain’s natural ability to change and adapt — a process known as neuroplasticity. The training process typically involves:
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Recording brain activity using EEG sensors.
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Displaying that activity in real-time through visual or auditory feedback (for example, a video game that responds to your brainwaves).
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Rewarding desired brain states — such as focus or calmness — while discouraging unhelpful patterns like distraction or hyperarousal.
This process effectively “trains” your brain to operate more efficiently. With regular sessions, these new brainwave patterns become automatic and long-lasting.
At Smart TMS, most clients attend 25–40 sessions, usually two to three times per week. Sessions are completely non-invasive, comfortable, and designed around each client’s specific needs. Once optimal brain activity is achieved, further sessions are not typically required.
Who Can Benefit from Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including:
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Adults diagnosed with or showing symptoms of ADHD.
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Those experiencing insomnia or other sleep difficulties.
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Individuals struggling with focus, stress, or fatigue.
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Professionals, students, or athletes looking to enhance cognitive performance.
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People seeking to reduce reliance on ADHD or sleep medication (under medical supervision).
At Smart TMS, neurofeedback is suitable for adults aged 18 and over, and every programme is tailored to the individual’s goals and brain profile.
Neurofeedback for ADHD
For people with ADHD, the brain often shows an elevated theta-to-beta ratio — meaning slower “daydreaming” waves (theta) dominate over faster “focused” waves (beta). This imbalance can make it difficult to concentrate, plan, and control impulses.
Neurofeedback for ADHD specifically targets this imbalance. By rewarding the brain for producing more focused beta activity and less theta activity, clients learn to sustain attention and reduce impulsivity. Over time, these new patterns become natural and self-regulating.
Clinical evidence supports this approach: research shows that up to 85% of patients experience significant improvement in core ADHD symptoms, and 55% no longer meet diagnostic criteria after completing neurofeedback training. The treatment is safe, with no major adverse effects — only occasional mild fatigue or headache that resolves quickly.
At Smart TMS, neurofeedback for ADHD is designed for adults seeking lasting improvements in focus, attention, and emotional control, without medication or invasive procedures.
Neurofeedback for Insomnia and Sleep
Neurofeedback for insomnia helps calm the overactive brain patterns that make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Many individuals with insomnia experience “hyperarousal” — their brains remain in a heightened state of alertness even when they want to rest.
Through targeted neurofeedback training, the brain learns to regulate this overactivity, promoting relaxation and supporting natural sleep cycles. Research indicates that training sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) in the brain’s sensorimotor cortex may improve subjective sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms.
Although scientific studies continue to evolve, consistent findings show that neurofeedback helps many people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling more refreshed. At Smart TMS, our clinicians design a customised protocol to address your individual sleep patterns and lifestyle habits, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
The Smart TMS Approach
Your neurofeedback journey at Smart TMS begins with a comprehensive assessment. During your first session, our clinicians record your brainwave activity to identify unique patterns that may be linked to ADHD symptoms or sleep issues. Using this information, we create a personalised neurofeedback plan tailored to your needs.
Each 45-minute session provides real-time brain training through visual feedback, helping your brain learn healthier functioning. Progress is monitored throughout your treatment, and results are compared against your initial brain map to measure improvement.
Most clients begin noticing changes within three to four weeks, such as better focus, improved mood, and deeper sleep.
Why Choose Smart TMS for Neurofeedback?
Smart TMS is one of the UK’s leading providers of non-invasive brain therapies, offering both Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Neurofeedback Therapy. Our experienced clinicians specialise in evidence-based, medication-free treatments that promote sustainable mental wellness and peak cognitive performance.
We focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term fixes. By combining expert clinical guidance with state-of-the-art neurotechnology, we help clients achieve measurable, lasting improvements in focus, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Lasting Results, Naturally
Neurofeedback is a safe, scientifically supported method to enhance brain function, offering a lasting solution for ADHD, insomnia, and performance-related challenges. By retraining the brain’s natural rhythms, neurofeedback helps you take control of your focus, energy, and sleep — without relying on medication.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of neurofeedback for ADHD or sleep, the team at Smart TMS is here to guide you through every step of your journey.
References
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Smart TMS. (2025). Neurofeedback for ADHD & Sleep. Smart TMS UK. Retrieved from https://www.smarttms.co.uk
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Krepel, N., Sack, A. T., Heinrich, H., et al. (2020). The clinical relevance of EEG neurofeedback as treatment for ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 291, 113–134.
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Arns, M., Heinrich, H., & Strehl, U. (2014). Evaluation of neurofeedback in ADHD: The long and winding road. Biological Psychology, 95, 108–115.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.11.013 -
Pawluk, D., et al. (2021). Neurofeedback for insomnia: A systematic review of clinical evidence. World Journal of Psychiatry, 11(10), 841–857. PMC8546766
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Frontiers in Neuroscience. (2024). Surface neurofeedback for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, 1450163.
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Hammond, D. C. (2011). What is neurofeedback? An update. Journal of Neurotherapy, 15(4), 305–336.
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Cortese, S., et al. (2016). Practitioner review: Current best practice in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(3), 193–213.
