If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, you’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, nearly half of all Americans report experiencing symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights per week. That’s where sleep apps come in. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of sleep tracking apps that can help you track and improve your sleep. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 sleep apps based on user reviews and expert recommendations.
10 Best Sleep Apps
- ShutEye
- Sleep Cycle
- Calm
- Sleep as Android
- Pzizz
- Headspace
- BetterSleep
- Sleep Time
- SleepWatch
- Pillow
Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, sleep apnea, or just want to optimize your sleep for better health and productivity, there’s an app for that. Read on to discover the best sleep apps and find the one that’s right for you.
Key Takeaway
- Determine whether you want to track sleep patterns, improve sleep quality, or address specific sleep issues like insomnia or sleep apnea. Different apps offer various features to cater to specific needs.
- Consider both user reviews and expert recommendations when choosing a sleep app.
- Ensure the app is compatible with your device’s operating system, whether it’s iOS or Android.
- Some advanced sleep apps may offer smart alarms, relaxation techniques, and integration with other smart devices in your bedroom.
- Since individuals have different sleep needs and preferences, it’s a good idea to try out a few different apps to determine which one works best for you.
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Do sleeping apps actually work?
Many sleep apps can help people to improve their sleep quality and duration. However, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to healthy sleep, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people may find that using the app helps them fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer, while others may not experience any benefits.
There are many factors that can influence sleep quality, such as age, health, lifestyle, and environment. Therefore, it’s important to consider all of these factors when trying to improve your sleep hygiene and include sleep tracking apps as just one part of a holistic approach to sleep health. It’s also important to be aware that sleep apps may not be as accurate as other methods of tracking sleep habits, such as sleep studies conducted in a laboratory setting.
Overall, the effectiveness of a sleep app will depend on the individual user and their specific sleep needs and goals. It may be helpful to try out a few different sleep apps to find one that works best for you. It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing chronic sleep problems or have concerns about your sleep health.
10 best sleep apps to help you sleep better
1. ShutEye
ShutEye is a sleep app that helps you track and improve your sleep each night by providing personalized feedback and recommendations based on your sleep patterns. This sleep app offers a variety of tools to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, including sounds and ambient noise, sleep stories, a sleep tracker, and a smart alarm. It also includes a snore detector to inform you of how much you snore during the night.
Pros | Cons |
• Offers a wide selection of sleep sounds and relaxing music • Offers personalized feedback and recommendations based on your sleep patterns • Includes features such as a sleep diary and relaxation exercises • Provides information on the effects of caffeine and alcohol on sleep | • May not be as comprehensive as some other sleep apps in terms of tracking and analysis • Some users have reported issues with the app’s accuracy or reliability |
2. Sleep Cycle
This app tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you up during the lightest phase of your sleep cycle, which can help you feel more rested and refreshed in the morning. It also includes features such as a sleep diary, sleep notes, and personalized sleep recommendations.
Pros | Cons |
• Wakes you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle • Provides detailed sleep analysis and tracking • Offers personalized sleep recommendations | • May not be as accurate as some other sleep tracking methods, such as wearables • Some users have reported issues with the app’s accuracy or reliability |
3. Calm
This app offers a variety of tools and resources for improving sleep, including guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation music. It also includes a feature called Sleepcasts, which are narrated stories designed to help you fall asleep.
Pros | Cons |
• Offers a wide range of relaxation and meditation resources • Sleepcasts can be a helpful tool for falling asleep • Highly rated by users | • May not be as effective for tracking and analyzing your sleep as other apps • Some features, such as Sleepcasts, require a subscription |
4. Sleep as Android
This app uses your phone’s accelerometer and microphone to track your sleep patterns and wake you up at the optimal time within a designated 30-minute window. It also includes a snore tracker and a smart alarm that gradually wakes you up with increasing volume.
Pros | Cons |
• The sleep tracking is fairly accurate and the smart alarm is gentle on the wakeup. • The app also includes a wide variety of sleep sounds and a sleep diary feature to help you track your sleep patterns | • The app may not be as reliable as others at tracking sleep stages • The snore tracking may not be as reliable as other apps |
- Available on: Android
- Price: $0.99-$19.99 per item
5. Pzizz
This app uses a combination of music, sound effects, and binaural beats to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It also includes a smart alarm that gradually wakes you up with increasing volume.
Pros | Cons |
• The app’s sleep-inducing audio tracks are designed to be effective • The smart alarm is gentle on the wakeup | • The app may not be as comprehensive as others in terms of tracking and analyzing your sleep patterns • It relies on the use of headphones or earbuds to deliver the audio tracks effectively |
6. Headspace
This app offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to help you relax and sleep better. It includes a variety of themed meditation and mindfulness sessions, as well as sleep stories and sounds to help you fall asleep.
Pros | Cons |
• High-quality meditation and mindfulness content • Variety of themed sessions and sleep stories • Includes calming sounds to help you fall asleep | • Does not track or analyze your sleep patterns as comprehensively as other sleep apps • Does not include a smart alarm or snore tracker • Some users may find the subscription price to access all content expensive |
7. BetterSleep
This app offers a variety of relaxation techniques, including guided meditations, calming sounds, and white noise, to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It also includes a smart alarm that gradually wakes you up with increasing volume.
Pros | Cons |
• Wide selection of relaxation techniques and sounds • Effective smart alarm. | • Some users may find the in-app purchases for additional content expensive |
8. Sleep Time
This app uses a combination of sound analysis and movement tracking to track your sleep patterns and wake you up at the optimal time. It also includes a snore tracker and a smart alarm that gradually wakes you up with increasing volume.
Pros | Cons |
• The app provides comprehensive sleep tracking and analysis • The smart alarm is gentle on the wakeup. | • Some users have reported issues with the app’s accuracy or reliability • The snore tracking may not be as reliable as other apps |
9. SleepWatch
This app tracks your sleep patterns and provides detailed sleep analysis, as well as personalized sleep recommendations based on your sleep data. It also includes a smart alarm that gradually wakes you up with increasing volume and a snore tracker.
Pros | Cons |
• Comprehensive sleep tracking and analysis • Includes a smart alarm and snore tracker | • Some users have reported issues with the app’s accuracy or reliability • The snore tracking may not be as reliable as other apps • The app does not offer any relaxation techniques or sounds to help you fall asleep |
- Available on: iOS
- Price: $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year
10. Pillow
This app tracks your sleep patterns and provides detailed sleep analysis, as well as personalized sleep recommendations based on your sleep data. It also includes a smart alarm that gradually wakes you up with increasing volume, a snore tracker, and a variety of relaxation techniques and sounds to help you fall asleep.
Pros | Cons |
• Comprehensive sleep tracking and analysis Includes a smart alarm, snore tracker, and relaxation techniques and sounds | • Some users have reported issues with the app’s accuracy or reliability • The snore tracking may not be as reliable as other apps • The app does not offer a sleep diary or sleep notes feature like some other sleep apps |
We hope this list of the top 10 sleep apps of 2023 has helped you find the right tool to improve your sleep. Remember, the key to finding the best sleep app for you is to try a few different ones and see what works best.
With so many options available, there’s no reason to suffer from insomnia or poor sleep quality any longer. Whether you’re dealing with specific sleep disorders or just want to optimize your sleep for better health and productivity, there’s a sleep app out there that can help. So don’t wait any longer; download a sleep app today and start getting the rest you deserve.
FAQ
What features should I look for in the best sleep apps of 2023?
The best sleep apps of 2023 should track sleep data, stages of your sleep cycle and provide some sleep assessment. Sleep apps features to look for are also dedicated sleep sounds, sleep improvement recommendations, and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, some advanced sleep apps may offer features like smart alarms that wake you up during your lightest sleep stage, relaxation techniques to help you drift off to sleep, and integration with other smart devices in your bedroom. Select the best sleep app that will help you understand and improve your sleep.
Can sleep apps help with specific sleep issues?
Sleep apps may be helpful for general sleep improvement, but for specific sleep issues, it is recommended to consult with a sleep expert or healthcare professional. Sleep apps may also provide insights and recommendations, but they are not a substitute for medical advice and treatment.
What are the benefits of using sleep apps?
Using sleep apps can provide several benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your sleep patterns, receiving personalized sleep improvement programs, and monitoring progress towards your sleep goals. Sleep apps can also help you identify potential sleep issues and guide you toward making lifestyle changes that promote better sleep.
Can sleep apps replace the need for professional sleep assistance?
Popular sleep apps serve different purpose than a certified sleep science coach. Free sleep apps are not a replacement for professional sleep specialist. While they can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving your sleep, consulting with a certified sleep clinicians or sleep medicine expert is recommended for addressing chronic sleep issues or diagnosing specific sleep disorders.