Best Sleep Apps: Top Picks for Quality Rest

If you often wake up feeling tired or worried about the quality of your sleep, various apps are available to help you. These sleep tracker apps analyze your sounds, movements, and behaviors during the night to provide insight into the duration and quality of your sleep. They can help you understand how much time you spend in REM sleep and how frequently you are disturbed throughout the night.

Fatigue from poor sleep can impact your physical and mental health, interfere with your relationships, and reduce productivity. By tracking your sleep patterns, you can become more aware of your sleep habits, enabling you to make lifestyle changes for better rest.

Using data from wearable devices, such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit, these apps offer a comprehensive view of your sleep health and can be shared with healthcare providers for further evaluation.

ShutEye

ShutEye consistently ranks among the top five health and fitness apps thanks to its comprehensive features designed to improve your sleep.

This app provides an extensive library of sleep sounds that can transform any environment into a sleep-friendly space.

You’ll find sleep stories to help you unwind and relaxing music that can reduce stress.

The built-in sleep tracker utilizes your phone’s microphones to monitor your sleep patterns and even track snoring frequency, offering insights into your sleep cycles.

For those just exploring, the app is free with limited features, but unlocking all functionalities costs $60 per year.

Key Features:

• Various sleep sounds
• Relaxing sleep stories
• Stress-relieving music
• Advanced sleep tracking

Cost:

Available Platforms:

• iOS (App Store)
• Android (Play Store)

This all-in-one app is a versatile option for trying different methods to boost your sleep quality. Discover its offerings by downloading it on your preferred device.

BetterSleep

BetterSleep combines a scientific method with auditory components to foster relaxation and sleep.

Utilizing diverse tones and musical keys, the app offers sounds intended to calm the mind and help you fall asleep by addressing various needs—be it silencing racing thoughts or inducing restful sleep.

Known as Color Noise, these sounds are optimized for specific purposes.

Highlights:

• Scientific Approach: Uses balanced tones and keys to aid relaxation.
• Features: Includes a sleep tracker, relaxing sleep stories, and more.
• Accessibility: Available on iOS and Android platforms.

Cost:

• Basic: Free with limited features
• Premium: $10/month, $60/year, or $250 one-time after a seven-day free trial

Platform Availability:

• iOS (App Store)
• Android (Play Store)

One key to BetterSleep’s effectiveness is its customized sound library.

For instance, green noise can significantly reduce anxiety. You can combine it with other relaxing sounds like rain for an enhanced effect.

Calm

Calm is widely renowned for helping individuals reduce stress, stay grounded, and achieve better sleep through its diverse offerings.

This application features a variety of meditations, guided meditation, breathing exercises, sleepcasts, and soundscapes.

Celebrities like Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey, and Camila Cabello lend their voices to the app, making the experience engaging and unique. Additionally, the app includes licensed titles such as “Winnie the Pooh.”

Features and Benefits

• Meditations: Focuses on stress, anxiety, and mindfulness.
• Guided Meditation: Provides step-by-step guidance for beginners and advanced users.
• Breathing Exercises: Techniques to help you relax and focus.
• Sleepcasts: Story-like narrations aimed at helping you sleep.

Pricing and Accessibility

• Cost: Free version with limited features, or $15 per month/$70 per year for full access.
• Platforms: Available for iOS (App Store) and Android (Play Store).

Studies suggest that mindfulness apps like Calm can significantly improve mental well-being.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found positive effects on stress reduction and sleep quality.

Noisli

Noisli provides a range of sounds aimed at aiding sleep, relaxation, and concentration in noisy environments.

The app allows you to combine various sounds to create your personalized soundscapes. You can save these preferences and set a timer to fade out and stop playback.

Additionally, Noisli offers the option to download sounds for offline listening, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or cellular data.

• Cost: $2 for download
• Available for: iOS (App Store)

Features:

1. Sound Blending: Mix multiple sounds to craft unique soundscapes.
2. Timer Settings: Schedule playback to fade out automatically.
3. Offline Access: Download sounds for use without internet.

SleepScore

If you’re looking to monitor the quality of your sleep, the SleepScore app might be an ideal choice.

SleepScore leverages advanced technology developed by ResMed. By using your smartphone’s microphones and speakers, it captures data on your night-time movements and breathing patterns.

This sophisticated analysis helps determine the quality of your sleep.

Each morning, SleepScore provides you with a sleep score. This score is derived from how long you slept, the different sleep stages you went through, and other critical factors.

The app’s algorithms analyze this information to give insights into your sleep patterns, such as sleep duration and wake times.

You can compare these nightly results to understand how changes in your daily life impact your sleep, including dietary adjustments or different routines.

Features

• Sleep Tracking: Monitors movements and breathing using smartphone sensors
• Heart Rate: Analyzes sleep without needing a heart rate monitor
• Sleep Patterns and Stages: Breaks down the stages of sleep, such as light, deep, and REM sleep
• Sleep Score: Provides a comprehensive score based on nightly data
• Sleep Trend Analysis: Tracks changes over time to reveal trends
• Sleep Debt Calculation: Helps you understand if you’re getting enough rest

Subscription Details

• Cost: The app is free with basic features. For full access, a subscription costs $10 per month or $60 annually after a seven-day trial.
• Availability: Compatible with both iOS (App Store) and Android (Play Store).

Pillow

Pillow offers a comprehensive sleep tracking experience through your iPhone and Apple Watch. This app provides a range of data insights every morning, including your sleep quality score, an analysis of your sleep stages, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rate.

Additionally, it records snoring using your phone, giving you a complete overview of your sleep patterns.

You can also receive personalized recommendations to identify the optimal time for you to go to bed.

Pillow includes a variety of relaxing sleep sounds that can assist you in falling asleep more easily.

Cost:

• Free (limited features)
• $7/month or $40/year (all features)

Available for:

• iOS (App Store)

Using Pillow, you can also set a smart alarm that wakes you up during the lightest sleep phase, aiming to ensure you wake up feeling more refreshed.

This feature can be particularly useful for those who struggle with traditional alarm clocks.

Slumber

Slumber offers a unique take on sleep apps by including sleep-inducing stories and meditations specifically designed to combat insomnia and help you fall asleep more quickly. The app features a variety of exclusive, handcrafted stories created by the Slumber team.

You can adjust elements such as music and background effects according to your preferences.

Key Features:

• Sleep Stories: Handcrafted stories designed to lull you to sleep.
• Meditations: Guided sessions to ease your mind anytime.
• Customizable: Adjust music and background effects.
• Offline Listening: Download favorites for access without an internet connection.
• Frequent Updates: New content added weekly.
• Fitness App Sync: Integrate with your phone’s fitness app.

Pricing:

• Free tier with limited features
• $8 per month or $60 annually for full access

Availability:

• iOS: Available on the App Store
• Android: Available on the Play Store

Summary Table

By transforming bedtime into a more restful experience, Slumber aims to improve your sleep quality through engaging content tailored to aid relaxation and sleep.

Sleep Cycle

When monitoring your sleep, the Sleep Cycle app presents a straightforward solution with its advanced sleep tracking features. This app not only measures your sleep quality but also keeps a record of snoring, coughing, or sleep talking.

In the morning, the app breaks down this data to provide a comprehensive view of your sleep patterns.

Key Features

• Sleep Tracker: Detects overall sleep quality and disturbances like snoring and coughs.
• Smart Alarm Clock: Wakes you up during the lightest phase of sleep for a more natural awakening.
• Weather Integration: Monitors how external conditions might influence your sleep.
• Apple Health and Google Fit Integration: Syncs with other health data for a comprehensive overview.
• Cost: Free for basic features; $40 per year for full access
• Availability: iOS and Android

Scientific Insight

According to the National Sleep Foundation, technology like sleep trackers can significantly enhance our understanding of sleep health. They note that consistent tracking helps identify patterns and irregularities, which can be vital for improving sleep hygiene.

Benefits of Using Sleep Cycle

• Tailored Insights: Personalized analysis of your sleep data helps you understand specific factors affecting your rest.
• Holistic Approach: Integration with fitness and health apps provides a broader context for sleep data.
• Convenience: The smart alarm ensures you wake up feeling refreshed by targeting lighter sleep phases.

For anyone keen on optimizing their sleep routine, Sleep Cycle offers a blend of simplicity and functionality. By translating your nightly rest into usable data, it empowers you to make informed decisions about improving your sleep quality.

More Sleep Products

Incorporating various sleep products into your nightly routine can enhance your sleep quality significantly. Sleep apps are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to improving your rest.

For example, better pillows can provide the neck support you need to avoid waking up with aches.

Investing in a good pillow tailored to your sleeping style—whether side, back, or stomach—can make a substantial difference.

Sleep masks can also be invaluable, particularly if you find it hard to create a completely dark environment.

A quality sleep mask blocks out the light, helping you maintain a consistent sleep schedule by mimicking total darkness.

Additionally, sound machines are fantastic for drowning out background noise that may keep you awake.

These devices often come with customizable settings, letting you choose from white noise, nature sounds, or other ambient soundscapes.

Don’t overlook the importance of curtains or blackout blinds.

The less light that enters your room, the better your body can stay in a relaxed, restful state.

Thick curtains or blackout blinds can block out early morning sunlight or streetlights, which can otherwise disturb your sleep cycle.

Weighted blankets have gained popularity for their ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

By applying gentle pressure, they can help you feel more secure and calm, which is conducive to falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.

Consider these products as your allies in creating the perfect sleep environment. The combination of these thoughtfully selected tools can assist you in achieving the ultimate goal of a restful night’s sleep, helping you feel refreshed and recharged each morning.

Pillows

The selection of the right pillow is essential for improving sleep quality and ensuring comfort throughout the night. Choosing the perfect pillow can enhance spinal alignment, reduce discomfort, and promote uninterrupted sleep.

Below are some of the most recommended pillows based on different sleeping needs and preferences.

Casper Snow Foam Pillow

For those who sleep on their sides, the firm Casper Snow Foam Pillow is an excellent choice.

Its foam construction helps maintain the spine’s natural alignment, reducing the risk of aches and discomfort.

The material is designed to provide consistent support, which is crucial for side sleepers. As Dr. Michael Grandner emphasizes, the right pillow sets you up for sleep success.

Pluto Pillow

The Pluto Pillow stands out due to its customizable nature.

You can tailor it to your specific requirements, making it suitable for a broad range of sleepers, including those who sleep hot.

By answering a questionnaire, you can ensure the pillow meets your needs perfectly.

While it might be on the pricier side, the 110-night trial period helps you decide whether it fits your sleeping style.

Casper Sleep Pillow

Hot sleepers often find cooling to be a necessary feature for a good night’s rest.

The Casper Sleep Pillow excels in this area with its microfiber fill and cotton fabric that wicks away moisture.

Available in two loft options, you can choose a lower loft if you sleep on your back or a higher one if you favor side sleeping.

This pillow is an editor’s favorite for its versatility and comfort.

Best Sleep Masks

Achieving a good night’s sleep often hinges on minimizing light exposure, which is where sleep masks come into play. They can block out disruptive light and create a tranquil, dark environment conducive to restful sleep.

Whether you need something extravagant, budget-friendly, or specifically designed for side sleepers, there’s a mask to suit your needs.

Let’s explore some of the top contenders available.

Best Overall: Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask

The Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask sets itself apart with its luxurious and all-natural silk fabric.

The mask’s smooth texture not only feels delightful against your skin but also reduces friction, which can help prevent wrinkles and protect your hair from damage.

It offers considerable coverage, ensuring minimal light penetration.

The elastic band is durable yet gentle, making it suitable for various head sizes without causing discomfort. Learn more about the Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask here.

Best luxury: Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

For those willing to splurge, the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask provides an unparalleled sensory experience. This mask boasts a plush, padded design that’s extraordinarily soft and comfortable.

It fits snugly around your eyes, blocking out virtually all light thanks to its thick, multi-layered construction. The adjustable strap ensures a perfect fit, allowing you to customize the tightness.

Review more details on the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask here.

Best for side sleepers: Lunya Washable-Silk Sleep Mask

Side sleepers often struggle to find a mask that stays in place and doesn’t press uncomfortably against the pillow. The Lunya Washable-Silk Sleep Mask addresses this issue with its lightweight and flexible design.

It molds to the contour of your face, maintaining its position even when you move. Additionally, as the name suggests, this mask is washable, making it a practical and hygienic option.

More about Lunya Washable-Silk Sleep Mask can be read here.

A silky crowd-pleaser: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

Versatile and affordable, the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is highly regarded for its balance of comfort and performance. Its silk material is soft and breathable, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

The adjustable strap ensures it fits well without putting pressure on your head. The Alaska Bear mask is lightweight, easy to carry around, and highly effective at blocking out light.

Check out more about Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask here.

A padded, contoured mask: Mzoo Sleep Mask

If you’re looking for padding and contour in your sleep mask, the Mzoo Sleep Mask offers a unique design. It features built-in contours that rise to accommodate the curves of your face perfectly.

These contours create a pocket of space over your eyes, ensuring that the mask doesn’t touch your eyelids. This is excellent for those with long eyelashes or who prefer to maintain their makeup.

Explore the Mzoo Sleep Mask further here.

A structured, lightweight convex mask: Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask uses a convex design to provide a structured and uniform fit. This lightweight mask creates a feeling of weightlessness, ensuring that you can hardly feel it on your face.

The design prevents the mask from pressing onto your eyes and eliminates almost all light, offering a deep and restful sleep experience. The elastic band is sturdy yet comfortable, providing a secure fit.

More on the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask is available here.

Sound Machines

Sound machines serve as a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality or reduce disturbances. These devices generate background noise that can help mask disruptive sounds such as traffic, loud neighbors, or even a snoring partner.

People often feel more relaxed and comforted when there is consistent background noise, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez notes that sound machines foster a sense of relaxation and familiarity, easing you into a restful night.

A well-designed sound machine should be user-friendly, offer appealing sound options, and ideally be aesthetically pleasing. There are mainly two types of sound machines: mechanical and electronic.

Mechanical sound machines generate sound through a physical mechanism like a fan, while electronic ones play audio recordings. Both types offer various benefits and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

Mechanical machines generally offer fewer sound options but provide a very natural, consistent noise. Meanwhile, electronic machines come with a wide variety of sounds such as white noise, pink noise, ocean waves, or rainfall.

Sound machines are particularly useful for shift workers, people with tinnitus, or anyone with a noisy household. Kids can also benefit from the consistent sounds that help soothe them to sleep.

LectroFan Evo White-Noise Sound Machine

The LectroFan Evo White-Noise Sound Machine balances versatility with ease of use. It offers 10 fan sounds, 10 white/pink/brown noise sounds, and 2 ocean surf sounds.

This compact device is 4.7” x 4.7” x 3.3” in size and can be powered by either an AC outlet or a USB port. Key features include physical buttons on top for easy control and a sleep timer.

Many appreciate its simplicity and customizability, although you might need to cycle through sound selections to find your favorite.

Yogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine

The Yogasleep Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine is a mechanical sound machine with two-speed settings. It generates white noise through an internal fan and you can adjust the volume by twisting its outer cap.

Measuring 5.75” x 5.75” x 3.25”, it is powered by an AC outlet and features a simple on-off switch and a 7-foot power cable. This device has been popular since 1962 for its ease of use and reliable performance.

Restnature Mini Sound Machine

The Restnature Mini Sound Machine is a portable device perfect for travelers. It’s compact and battery-operated, making it easy to take on the go.

This device offers a selection of nature and white noise sounds designed to promote sleep and relaxation. It’s ideal for those who are constantly on the move and need a consistent sleep aid.

Pure Enrichment WAVE Mini Zen Soothing Sound Machine

Designed for mindfulness and relaxation, the Pure Enrichment WAVE Mini Zen Soothing Sound Machine offers a selection of calming nature sounds.

It’s powered by USB or AC and is compact enough for bedside tables or office desks. Its sleek design and simple controls make it a popular choice for those looking to create a tranquil environment.

Loftie Clock

The Loftie Clock combines the functions of an alarm clock and sound machine. It offers multiple soothing sound options to help you drift off and a gentle alarm to wake you up.

This device is ideal for those who want a multifunctional gadget on their nightstand. The Loftie Clock also features a built-in night light and customizable sleep schedules, addressing several sleep-related needs in one device.

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have become a popular addition to sleep routines for their ability to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. The extra weight applies gentle pressure to your body, similar to what’s experienced with an X-ray vest at the dentist, but far more comfortable.

Sleep experts like Logan Foley and David Rubin emphasize their effectiveness in improving sleep quality by increasing serotonin levels, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket

Weight: 10, 15, 20, 25 pounds
Material: Cotton, Tencel, Velvet
Filling: Chunky knit
Maintenance: Machine washable

Bearaby’s weighted blanket is a unique option that stands out for its hand-knit design. Instead of traditional fillings, it uses thick, chunky yarn to provide the weight, making it breathable and suitable for hot sleepers.

The Bearaby blanket has a stylish look and feels extremely comforting, like a firm hug. While it may be a bit cumbersome to store and move, its overall quality and calming properties make it an excellent choice for anyone needing better sleep.

YnM Weighted Blanket

Weight: 5, 7, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30, 40 pounds
Material: Cotton, Nylon, Microfiber
Filling: Glass beads
Maintenance: Machine washable

YnM weighted blankets are filled with glass beads and come in various weights and materials, making them versatile and affordable.

These blankets are designed with multiple layers that enhance breathability and provide a cooling effect. They evenly distribute the weight across your body, which can improve sleep quality.

With a wide range of options and positive user reviews, YnM blankets are perfect for those new to weighted blankets.

Baloo Weighted Blanket

Weight: 12, 15, 20, 25 pounds
Material: Cotton
Filling: Glass beads
Maintenance: Machine washable

Baloo weighted blankets are known for their soft cotton material and glass bead filling, which helps in cooling. The design ensures even weight distribution, reducing anxiety and stress.

Ideal for hot sleepers, Baloo blankets are durable and stylish, making them a suitable addition to any bedroom.

ZonLi Weighted Blanket, 15 Pounds

Weight: 15 pounds
Material: Cotton
Filling: Glass beads
Maintenance: Machine washable

ZonLi’s 15-pound weighted blanket is made of high-quality cotton and filled with glass beads, ensuring even distribution and maximum comfort.

The breathable fabric makes it suitable for all-season use. This blanket is highly recommended for those who seek a calming and restful sleep experience.

Comma Home Minky Weighted Blanket

Weight: 10, 15, 20, 25 pounds
Material: Minky
Filling: Glass beads
Maintenance: Machine washable

Comma Home offers a plush minky weighted blanket filled with glass beads. The soft texture of the minky fabric makes it incredibly comfortable and cozy.

Designed to provide even weight distribution and a comforting touch, this blanket is perfect for enhancing sleep quality and overall relaxation.

Aricove Weighted Blanket, 15 Pounds

Weight: 15 pounds
Material: Bamboo
Filling: Glass beads
Maintenance: Machine washable

The Aricove weighted blanket is made from bamboo. This makes it naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.

It’s filled with non-toxic glass beads. These provide balanced weight distribution and a cooling effect, ideal for warm sleepers.

This 15-pound blanket offers a combination of comfort and durability.

Nolah Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket

Weight: 15, 20 pounds
Material: Tencel
Filling: Chunky knit
Maintenance: Machine washable

Nolah’s chunky knit weighted blanket uses layers of Tencel yarn to create weight. This provides an open-knit construction that enhances breathability.

This design makes it suitable for hot sleepers and offers a modern, aesthetic appeal.

Perfect for promoting relaxation and improved sleep quality, this blanket is also easy to maintain.

Luna Double Sided Sherpa Weighted Throw Blanket, 10 Pounds

Weight: 10 pounds
Material: Sherpa
Filling: Glass beads
Maintenance: Machine washable

Luna’s double-sided Sherpa weighted throw weighs 10 pounds. It offers a cozy, warm texture on one side with a smoother side on the other.

Filled with glass beads, this blanket ensures even weight distribution. It’s perfect for snuggling up during colder months.

It’s machine washable, making it easy to care for and maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Free Sleep Apps Are Rated the Highest Right Now?

Some of the highly-rated free sleep apps include Sleep Cycle, Relax Melodies, and SleepScore.

These apps offer a range of functions such as sleep tracking, soundscapes, and personalized recommendations. Best of all, they’re all available without a subscription fee.

Are There Free Sleep Tracking Apps That Are Also Highly Effective?

Effective sleep tracking apps that are free include SleepScore and Prime Nap.

These apps use your smartphone’s sensors to monitor your sleep patterns and provide insights without any cost.

What Sleep Apps Are Most Favored by iPhone Users?

Popular sleep apps among iPhone users are Calm, Sleep Cycle, and Pzizz.

These apps provide features like sleep stories, meditation sessions, and smart alarms. As a result, they’re favorites for those who own an iPhone.

In What Ways Do Smartphone Sleep Apps Contribute to Better Sleep Quality?

Smartphone sleep apps can enhance sleep quality by offering various tools such as sleep tracking, relaxation techniques, and white noise generators.

These functionalities help you establish a consistent sleep routine and improve your overall rest.

What Key Features Should an Android Sleep App Have?

When choosing a sleep app for Android, look for features like smart alarms, detailed sleep tracking, and a variety of soundscapes or sleep stories.

Apps like Sleep as Android and Relax Melodies offer these functionalities and are well-suited for Android devices.

Can a Sleep Tracker App Offer Precise Insights Into Your Sleep Habits?

Yes, sleep tracker apps can provide accurate insights into your sleep. They monitor factors such as sleep duration, quality, and disturbances. Apps like SleepScore and Sleep Cycle use advanced algorithms to analyze your sleep patterns effectively.