The more we learn about the general health of our bodies, the more we realize how important a good sleep is. The typical schedule of the modern human is vastly different to the schedules we ran by only a century ago, and with so many people sacrificing sleep for entertainment, we’re seeing the negative effects in so many forms.
From the physical effects of slow or delayed recovery, to the mental effects of depression and anxiety, finding ways to achieve a good sleep is more important than ever.
Thankfully the healthcare technology industry has developed a range of sleep aids which can ensure the 6 to 8 hours you get each night are the quality you need.
Sleep Apps
The world of sleep apps can be conveniently split into two sections, the apps which track your sleep patterns and can give varying levels of detail about your sleep, and the apps which can aid your sleep through sounds and melodies.
Sleep tracking apps typically use noise and motion detectors to measure your sleep, while many also rely on the user inputting the times that they go to bed and wake up. When this is used frequently for some time it can show your sleeping patterns, which can allow you to modify your schedule to encourage better sleep patterns.
Many healthcare technology review websites have shown skepticism about the ability of an app to track your sleep based on such limited data, and it’s often recommended to combine the app with a tracker such as a smartwatch or fitness band.
Apps which encourage sleep through the use of noise or melodies are much more dependent on personal preference, and for some people they simply may not help at all.
Trying several different apps and combining them with a sleep tracking app can be a good way to figure out if it’s beneficial to you or not.
Sleep Gadgets
There are a wide range of devices which can aid in getting a good night’s sleep, including the aforementioned trackers and watches, as well as speaker-like devices and headphones.
Trackers can record details about heart rate and movement, as well as acting as a timer which can play soft sounds to wake you during one of the lighter sleep cycles.
A great option for those who are considering getting a tracker or smartwatch for the other applications too.
The speaker-like devices will often incorporate a speaker, and usually an internal fan to provide a consistent white-noise sound which can be helpful for some in getting to sleep. Many recent models don’t allow the internal fan to affect the air or atmosphere of the bedroom.
Sleep-aid headphones typically use the noise-cancelling feature made popular in recent years, perfect for those who prefer absolute silence when going to sleep. Finding a pair of headphones which are both comfortable and can remain on your head during your sleep may take some time, but for those living in noisy areas it can be an absolute lifesaver.