The Science Behind Sereno
Every claim on Sereno is grounded in published research or clearly framed as guidance. This page lists our primary sources so you can read the evidence yourself.
Breathwork & Nervous System
Claim: Controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, supporting cortisol reduction within minutes.
Source: Perciavalle, V., et al. (2017). The role of deep breathing on stress. Neurological Sciences, 38(3), 451–458. View →
Claim: Slow-paced breathing (< 10 breaths/min) increases heart rate variability and activates the vagal brake, shifting the nervous system toward calm.
Source: Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 353. View →
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Claim: CBT is the most evidence-validated psychological treatment for anxiety and depression, with decades of controlled trial support.
Source: Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Psychological Bulletin, 132(1), 17–42. View →
Claim: Mental health conditions represent a leading cause of disability globally, with depression and anxiety among the most prevalent — underscoring the need for accessible interventions.
Source: World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health and COVID-19: Early evidence of the pandemic's impact. WHO. View →
Binaural Beats & Audio
Claim: Binaural beat technology shows measurable effects on self-reported relaxation, focus, and mood in controlled studies.
Source: Wahbeh, H., Calabrese, C., & Zwickey, H. (2007). Binaural beat technology in humans: A pilot study to assess psychologic and physiologic effects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 25–32. View →
Habit Formation & Streaks
Claim: On average, it takes 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic — not 21 days as is commonly cited. Consistency, not perfection, drives habit formation.
Source: Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009. View →
Mindfulness & Meditation
Claim: Mindfulness-based interventions consistently reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in meta-analytic reviews across clinical and non-clinical populations.
Source: Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183. View →
Sereno is not a medical device and does not provide clinical treatment. These tools support general mental wellness. If you're experiencing a mental health condition, please consult a qualified professional.