269 Sleep Enhancement Technology: A Survey of Apps

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The ever-evolving market for sleep technologies far outpaces the ability of providers to understand and counsel patients about developments in this area. Although significant literature has validated the performance of sleep tracking technologies, there is little evidence regarding sleep enhancement technologies. Our study systematically surveys currently available commercial sleep enhancement smartphone applications to empower both providers and patients alike. Methods We systematically searched the App Store (Apple) and Google Play Store (Android) in the US on 26 MAY 2020 using the keyword “sleep.” This survey is inclusive of all smartphone applications found. Results We identified 342 apps: 70.2% were found on Android (N=240) and 29.8% on Apple (N=102). Ninety-five percent of apps offer a free version. The majority of sleep apps are intended for use during wake (65.8% exclusively during wake; 28.7% during both wake and sleep), with only 5.6% intended to be used during sleep alone. Most apps purport to enhance rather than measure sleep (78.7% versus 1.8%). The vast majority of apps claim to enhance sleep via reductions in sleep latency (65.8%). Reduced sleep latency is primarily achieved using a combination of non-verbal auditory stimuli such as nature sounds (84.4%), artificial stimuli (64.5%), and instrumental music (77.1%). Conclusion Interestingly, most sleep apps are designed to be used while awake, prior to sleep, and focus on the enhancement of sleep, rather than measurement, by targeting sleep latency. Given the multitude of available sleep enhancement apps, many of which are free to try, these should be considered a reasonable strategy for providers and consumers to consider for empowering patients to improve sleep! Support (if any) Department of Defense Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP)