Tech and Startups To Help Manage Insomnia

Insomnia, or the inability to sleep, affects millions of people around the world. In fact, research suggests that about 30% of adults suffer with insomnia – that’s nearly a third of the global population.

The problem is, not getting enough sleep does not only affect day-to-day functioning, it can also have repercussions on wider health.

 

How Does Insomnia Affect Health?

 

Not getting a good night’s sleep can be bad for mental health and mental functioning, but it can also have other implications.

For example, according to the National Institute of Health, those who suffer from long-term sleep disorders have a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke.

Not only that, it can also make tasks like driving more dangerous, as response times get shorter and weaken the immune system.

 

How Have Tech And Startups Stepped Up To Help With Insomnia?

 

Given how many people are affected by insomnia, it’s no surprise that startups and tech companies are coming to the rescue. They are doing this in a number of ways:

 

Apps

Apps that combine sleep tracking and personalised content around an individual’s sleep pattern have gained huge popularity in recent years.

These apps generally use a form of AI to give people bespoke recommendations to help them improve their sleep patterns – whether that’s through playing sounds, helping with anxiety or other sleep-related issues.

 

Wearables

With the rise in wearables and self-tracking, devices have emerged to specifically track and improve sleep.

In some cases, these exist within wearable watches, but in recent years many other devices have come to market.

 

Environmental Sleep Improvement

Other startups have focused on creating a more sleep-productive environment in order to help fight insomnia.

For some, this might be light control, for others, temperature. By combatting discomfort, these companies are helping people have a better night’s sleep.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the tech and startups that are helping people fight insomnia.

 

1. Pzizz

 

 

Pzizz is an app that uses ‘psychoacoustic principles’ to help users sleep better. It uses a combination of sounds, music and voiceovers to help people drift into quicker and deeper sleep.

Not only that, but the app’s algorithm can recommend specific sounds based on a user’s preferences, recommending a new soundscape each time. Rooted in science and proven to help beat insomnia, Pzizz is the perfect partner in a better night’s sleep.

 

2. Aura Health

 

 

Aura Health is an app that focuses on mental wellbeing and sleep. The app has a library of content, designed to help users with their mental wellness. As anxiety can be a key trigger for insomnia, combatting this at its core is a smart move.

Not only that, but the app also offer 1-1 coaching for those struggling, helping them get the extra help and support that they need.

 

3. Hypnobox

 

 

Hypnobox is a hypnosis app designed to help improve sleep quality.

The app has a library of voice-led hypnosis sessions to help users relax, which can help them fall into a deeper sleep.

With over 600 modules to choose from, and choices around the type of voice used in the session, the app can help combat the stresses and anxieties that may be preventing good sleep.

 

4. Medito

 

 

The Medito Foundation has developed a free meditation app designed to help people manage their stress, anxiety and combat side-effects like insomnia.

The app has a library of guided meditations, breathing exercises and mindfulness practices designed to help people use meditation as a form of relaxation.

The charity, which has made the app free, also ensures this ability to learn meditation is accessible to anyone that needs it – promoting better sleep across the board.

 

 

5. Sleep Cycle

 

 

Given that sleep happens when a person isn’t conscious, it can be difficult to track personal sleep trends.

Sleep Cycle is an app that tracks and analyses sleep patterns to help users find trends in their own sleep cycles. The app also has a smart alarm clock, that wakes users up in the lightest sleep phase, allowing them to feel rested throughout the day.

The fact that Sleep Cycle can help a person track and analyse their sleep makes it the perfect partner for anyone looking to understand their patterns and improve their resting time.

 

6. BedJet

 

 

BedJet is a smart sleep system that can adjust its temperature for a perfect night’s sleep.

Whilst a lot of insomnia can be down to psychological factors, providing the perfect sleeping environment can certainly help. BedJet uses cooling and heating technology to adjust the temperature under the sheets, maximising comfort for during sleep.

Whilst the technology doesn’t combat the root cause of insomnia, it can help promote better sleep overall.

 

7. Somnee Smart Sleep Headband

 

 

Somnee’s Smart Sleep Headband is a wearable device that tracks brain activity, offering an incredibly accurate sleep tracking system.

The headband also provides a 15 minute brain stimulation session at bedtime that can encourage the brain into a better and deeper sleep.

According to their research, this session cuts down the time to fall asleep by half and increases sleep duration, allowing those who struggle to fall asleep to wake up feeling more recharged.

 

8. Philip Stein Sleep Bracelet

 

 

Philip Stein’s Sleep Bracelet is a wristband that uses Natural Frequency Technology to improve sleep quality.

The bracelet uses pulses to balance the body’s natural frequencies to improve sleep quality and reduce stress. Users report falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper sleep.

As it doesn’t have a screen, the bracelet is a great alternative to those wanting a more a holistic, non-digital approach to better sleep.

 

9. Sleep Diary App

 

 

The Sleep Diary App allows people to monitor their sleep habits and patterns, giving them insights into their sleep quality and allowing them to track any lifestyle factors that may affect it.

By logging sleep durations, the app can provide better insights into a person’s patterns – without relying on a wearable device. These trends can help people identify anything that might be causing insomnia, allowing them to combat it from the root.

 

10. CalmCarry by GlowCo

 

 

CalmCarry is a small wearable device that has been designed to promote better sleep and reduce anxiety.

The device uses Chinese acupressure theory to provide micro-current pulses to an acupressure point in the hand, promoting a release of endorphins that can contribute to better sleep.

This small, portable device makes it perfect to use at home or whilst travelling, and is a great option to those looking for natural and non-invasive sleep aids.