Sleep apps

Sleep apps

  • There are a variety of apps that can be helpful if you have sleep problems.
  • Some apps enable you to track your sleep habits (similar to a sleep diary) and help you develop good sleep routines, while others try to assist you to fall asleep by using calming visual graphics and relaxing music.
  • CBT-based apps can help you understand and change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are contributing to insomnia.
  • Find out more about some sleep apps reviewed by Healthify.
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Nearly everyone has difficulty getting to sleep from time to time, but for some people this can be a regular and ongoing problem. If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep you may have insomnia. Insomnia can be short-term or temporary (acute), or long-lasting (chronic) if it’s lasted more than 3 days a week for more than 3 months. Poor sleep can affect your mood, concentration, performance at work and overall quality of life. Read more about insomnia. 

There are a variety of apps to help you with sleeping problems. These apps typically offer a range of features. Choosing the right app for you depends on your specific needs, preferences and goals.

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) apps can help you understand and change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are contributing to insomnia. Learn more about CBT.
  • Sleep tracking apps can help you to better understand your sleep patterns. Some can measure your body movements to track whether you are asleep, awake or restless in your sleep. Other tracking apps have a diary function where you can record lifestyle activities related to sleep.   
  • Audio sleep aids play a constant sound (white noise) that helps to block out other disturbances.

Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.

  • An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
  • If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
  • For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see how to choose a health app.
  • It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.

Apps that teach CBT techniques

Managing Insomnia

 

Clinical review
4 star review

CBT-i Coach

 

Clinical review
5 star review

Sleepio

 

Clinical review
5 star review

See more CBT apps

Sleep tracking apps
Insomnia Coach

 

Clinical review
5 star review

Sleep as Android

 

Clinical review

Free version
2 star review

Paid version

3 star review

  

Audio sleep aid apps

Pzizz

 

Clinical review

Free version
1 star review

Paid version

3 star review

Snore Lab

Clinical review

3 star review

  


For more relaxation apps, see meditation and mindfulness apps.

 

NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide –  how to choose a health app
Sleep apps
Sleep tips
Common sleep problems
Obstructive sleep apnoea | Mate hoto hau
Snoring apps

References

  1. Koffel E, Kuhn E, Petsoulis N, et al. A randomized controlled pilot study of CBT-I Coach – feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a mobile phone application for patients in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.(external link) Health Informatics J. 2018;24(1):3-13
  2. Kuhn E, Weiss BJ, Taylor KL, et al. CBT-I Coach – a description and clinician perceptions of a mobile app for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.(external link) J Clin Sleep Med. 2016;12(4):597-606.
  3. Camacho M, Robertson M, Abdullatif J, et al. Smartphone apps for snoring(external link) J Laryngol Otol. 2015;129(10):974-9.
  4. Ko PR, Kientz JA, Choe EK, et al. Consumer sleep technologies – a review of the landscape.(external link) J Clin Sleep Med. 2015;11(12):1455-61.
  5. Sands SA, Owens RL. Does my bed partner have OSA? There's an app for that!(external link) J Clin Sleep Med. 2014;10(1):79-80.

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Read more at: https://healthify.nz/apps/s/sleep-apps/
Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust