But, bad luck, I actually found the tale a bit disturbing, and I slept terribly. On Night 1, I chose a story to listen to from the free selections. Within the app, I set my alarm and scheduled my bedtime. Based on that, I was given ideal bedtimes and wake-up times. The experience: I answered a series of questions about my sleep issues and my typical daytime alertness, and was assigned a chronotype: I'm, um, a Chipmunk. The sleep sales pitch: This app by a Montreal-based developer promises improved slumber thanks to an extensive library of sleep sounds, stories and guided meditations plus there are calming exercises and a sleep tracker you can use, too. Tune out the world around you with these tools, which draw on ASMR and other soothing sounds, meditations and good old bedtime stories to encourage slumber. (Art: CBC Life App images source (L-R): BetterSleep, Calm, Noisli) With that said, if counting sheep isn't cutting it, hopefully these notes will inspire you to discover your new go-to tool for nodding off. In terms of testing conditions, you should know that I live on a busy street in downtown Toronto that's never not noisy.Īside from that, it's worth noting that because everyone has their own bedtime preferences and circumstances, they may also have totally different experiences with, say, sleepy stories, pink noise and smartphone fingerpainting than I did. Some apps had enough great free features that I didn't need to fork over any personal information or payment, while others locked the good stuff behind paywalls I used each for three nights, only paying or opting into a free trial when I felt I needed to. I stayed away from any described as prescription-only and/or designed for individuals with chronic insomnia. I tried out apps in three categories: those offering sounds to help you sleep, those that use activities to soothe and clear the mind and a third group of sleep trackers that provide data in order to potentially identify and address issues.
So I jumped at the opportunity to put some smartphone slumber aids to the test. However, sleep apps were something I hadn't yet explored. I've purchased a giant bed, a decent set of ear plugs as well as ultra-soft sheets, and I was gifted the sort of fancy alarm clock that sends you off to sleep with ocean sounds and wakes you with zen chimes. So over the past couple of years, I've put a substantial amount of money and effort into my bedroom set-up, hoping to create the ultimate sleep environment. A light sleeper with a small bladder and a mind that often just won't quiet. Important note: Sleep problems and anxiety issues should not be overlooked as they can be serious disorders. (Art: CBC Life Images credit: iStock/Getty Images)
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