Buzz
While most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep, achieving that can be a challenge for many. No matter how hard you try to create a sleep routine that truly works, one of the toughest hurdles is actually switching off your mind when your head hits the pillow. Numerous apps track your sleep, but what about actually reaching that much-needed REM stage?
If you’re struggling to quiet your mind and get into sleep mode, here are some apps that use guided meditation and soothing soundscapes to ease you into a restful night’s sleep.
For guided meditation: Headspace
Headspace is widely recognized as a top meditation app, but it also proves effective for helping you fall asleep. It includes 'sleepcasts,' which are like bedtime stories for grown-ups, designed to guide you through soothing, meditative imagery. The guided audio experience makes it easier for you to enter a peaceful state and drift off to sleep.
Price: Free for select content or $70/year for complete access
Available for download on iOS and Android.
For soothing white noise: Noisli
Sometimes, all you need is the perfect sound environment to help you fall asleep. Noisli excels as a sleep soundtrack app, offering a wide variety of ambient sounds, from a gentle summer rain to the hum of a bustling coffee shop.
Price: $2 for the app; the website is available for free.
Available for download on iOS and Android.
For a timed sleep experience: Pzizz
Don’t ask me how to say the name of this app. All I know is that once you download it, you can set a timer for your sleep session. It's perfect for a quick nap, providing a calm, soothing sleep soundtrack to help you recharge.
Price: Free for select content or $70/year for full access
Available for download on iOS and Android.
For bedtime stories aimed at adults: Calm
Much like Headspace, Calm is another well-known meditation app that also offers premium sleep features. Access the Sleep Stories section to enjoy relaxing bedtime stories, some even narrated by famous voices such as Matthew McConaughey...alright, alright, alright. While the free version has limited options, the full version provides an extensive library of guided meditations and sleep-focused stories.
Price: Free for select content or $70/year for full access (includes a seven-day free trial).
Get it for iOS or Android.
For mindfulness that helps you drift off to sleep: Yours App
While creating the perfect environment for sleep is important, often the biggest obstacle is calming your own mind. Yours App is centered on mindfulness meditation, offering psychological guidance and interactive breathing exercises designed to help you relax and wind down.
Price: Limited free version or subscription plans ranging from $5/month to $10/month.
Available for download on iOS and Android.
