Over 75% of Doctor Visits Are Stress-Related – This Startup Thinks It's Invented the Solution

More than 120,000 people die per year as a direct result of work-related stress, and 75% to 90% of doctor visits have a stress-related component, according to the American Institute of Stress. 

These combined statistics result in a yearly healthcare cost to Americans totaling $190 billion.

One startup has created a simple tech wearable device that has left over 90% of users feeling “equally or more” relaxed than other solutions.


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Worn around your neck, Sensate’s device lies on your chest and vibrates, stimulating your vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions like digestion, heart rate and respiratory rate.

The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat. It’s naturally stimulated by performing functions like singing, humming or taking deep breaths — all actions that are associated with less stress and improved mood.

Sensate does this using its patented device that, when paired with its app, keeps you on track to consistently reduce stress levels. The app allows you to control the intensity of your device and plays soothing sounds to help you relax while using it. 

Users seem to like the device and app, which has a 4.8-star rating on the Apple Store.

Sensate’s traction has been attracting some big names. Angel investor Martin Tobias is invested in the earliest stages of Alphabet Inc.’s GOOGL Google, Docusign Inc. DOCU and OpenSea. Tobias is also an investor in Sensate and says the device changed his life. 

The company is backed by venture funds like TenOneTen, Expert Dojo and Unlock Venture Partners and recently received investments from Incisive Ventures and Dangerous Ventures.

It’s also currently raising on Wefunder, so anyone can invest in Sensate for a limited time. It’s already raised over $2 million from everyday investors on its Wefunder page.

See more on startup investing from Benzinga.

Posted In: NewsStartupsTechAlternative investmentsSensatestartup crowdfundingWeFunder
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