We use technology to do a lot of things around our homes: from security systems to thermostats to smart calendars and voice activated devices. So why not harness some of the power of technology to help us sleep better?
If you want to try an app to help you sleep, here are three you can download and test out.
Sleep Cycle
This one app can be a “one stop shop” for you sleep tracking needs. Sleep Cycle has built in sleep coaching programs, where it tracks your sleep patterns and provides feedback on how you can increase your sleep time. It also has guided mediations to help you fall asleep faster. When its time to wake up, there is an alarm clock function which is programmed to wake you at the best point of your sleep cycle for a refreshed feeling, not groggy and seeking out the snooze button. It also has a feature to record your coughs, snores, and even sleep talking to help you better understand your sleep patterns.
Cost: Free to download the app and access limited content; $10/month or $40/year for full access.
Available for iOS and Android.
Headspace
This app may be best known for guided mediation, but it also has other features to help you sleep better and longer. One of these features are sleepcasts, which are 45 to 55 minute long audio experiences aimed at helping you visualize calming experiences, like peaceful walks outside. While this app is easy to use for beginnings to meditation, the free version is a bit limited in content choices.
Cost: Free to download the app and access limited content; $13/month or $70/year for full access
Free trial period: 14 days with a yearly subscription
Available for iOS and Android
Calm
If you love a good bedtime story, this is the sleep app for you. With a library of bedtime stories for both kids and adults to enjoy, you can be lulled to sleep each night by people with soothing voices, including celebrities like Harry Styles! The paid version offers even more story options, as well as meditations, ASMR, relaxing music, and even stretching exercises you can try before bedtime. It may be one of the more costly options upfront, but you will have access to a variety of high-quality sleep content.
Cost: Free to download the app and access limited content; $70/year for full access
Free trial period: 7 days
Available for iOS and Android.
Check back in a few weeks and we will review another batch of sleep apps. In the meantime, give one of these highly rated options a try and see if it has you falling asleep sooner!