SMR Deep Dive: Sterman's Cats to ADHD, Epilepsy & Sleep | NeuroNoodle Neurofeedback Therapy Podcast

Join EEG legend Jay Gunkelman (500,000+ brain scans read) and host Pete Jansons for a thorough exploration of Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) — the calming, stabilizing brainwave discovered by Barry Sterman.From cats trained on SMR that resisted toxic rocket fuel seizures (NASA origins) to modern uses in ADHD, epilepsy, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and arousal regulation — this episode breaks down the science, circuits, and clinical realities.✅ Key Topics Covered:Barry Sterman’s breakthrough: SMR-trained cats survived rocket fuel doses that caused vomiting, panting, salivating, and seizures in controls (ruined the dose-response curve)Brain circuitry: Thalamus (ventroposterior lateral nucleus) + reticular nucleus (acetylcholine bursts) → sensory-motor cortex feedback → red nucleus quieting → muscle spindle relaxationSMR as daytime "sleep spindle": Stabilizes red nucleus (Parkinsonism target), cuts sympathetic drive, deeper muscle relaxation, reduces sensory feedback to thalamusBenefits: Epilepsy stabilization, fibromyalgia (quiets sympathetic input to red nucleus), ADHD clusters (excess theta/alpha, beta compensation), arousal-performance curve centeringRisks: Overtraining SMR drops arousal too far → underarousal/grogginess/rebound giddiness (like kids pre-bedtime); counter with anterior beta (17Hz functional beta on tasks)Arousal-performance: SMR = brakes (calms overarousal); beta = accelerator (fixes underarousal); no fixed sessions (10 for mild insomnia, 24+ for severe)ADHD insights: Frontal suppressor strip → caudate/putamen/globus pallidus/thalamus loop (excess GABA inhibition); beta magnitude increases (more events, not amplitude)🕒 Timestamps / Key Moments:0:00 Welcome to NeuroNoodle + Pete & Jay chat (sunny day, Florida snow)2:04 Confusion on the live chat about SMR2:30 SMR Barry Sterman Screen share and clip    • Barry Sterman's Research on Epilepsy  4:10 Jay Gunkelman screen share on Barry Sterman circa 20008:07 Parkinsonism9:30 Fibromyalgia10:52 Arousal Performance26:10 Sleep Spindle29:31 Can you Over train SMR31:45 Insomnia studies (Salsburg/Graz: 10 sessions mild; 24+ severe/athletes)33:43 School of Neurotherapy free monthly talks (Jay's beta talk on 27th)34:50 Jay hydration wrap-up✅ Updates & Links:Jay Gunkelman's Suisun Summit: https://suisuncitysummit.com (2023 up, 4/5 coming)School of Neurotherapy (Tiff Thompson, Nick Dogris): Free monthly talks, register for invitesJoshua Moore (Alternative Behavioral Therapy): QEEG phenotypes workshop (85% mental health gains with phenotype-matched meds)Help keep NeuroNoodle Neurofeedback Therapy Podcast going!Support on Patreon 👉   / neuronoodle  Like, subscribe, share & hit the bell 🔔 for weekly episodes.LIVE Q&A every Wednesday 6 PM CST | 4 PM PST | 7 PM EST#NeuroNoodle #NeurofeedbackTherapyPodcast #Neurofeedback #SMR #JayGunkelman #PeteJansons #EEG #BarrySterman #ADHD #Epilepsy #Sleep #BrainHealth #MentalHealth #QEEG