Get a better night’s sleep
Tim Bothwell looks at how an app could help improve your sleep.
Sleep… it’s something we all need to effectively function, with the quality of your slumber having a direct impact on how you feel throughout the day. While many of the apps we’ve covered over the last few months have focussed on activity performed during daytime, there’s also apps designed to help you rest & recover in the night. SleepScore is one such app. In addition to intelligently tracking your time spent asleep, SleepScore also offers personalised tips and tricks for improving your sleep over time.
The basics
How it works. There’s a range of sleeping apps currently on the app store, but how SleepScore works is quite unique. For starters, you don’t need a wearable device such as a Fitbit or Apple Watch. Instead the app uses patented non-contact sonar technology that involves playing sound at a frequency so high it’s unable to be heard by most adults. Using your smartphone’s microphone, the app then detects sound waves that ‘bounce’ off objects (and you) to determine movement and breathing.
Getting Started. Sleepscore is available for both iPhone & some Android devices (see a complete list of compatible smartphones at www.sleepscore.com/ sleepscore-app/faq/). After downloading the app from the app store, you’ll be walked through a brief setup process. This includes providing your age & gender, plus answering a series of questions about your bedtime routine. The app will also encourage you to sign up to a premium membership, but feel free to skip this for now. Be sure to also grant the app access to your smartphone’s microphone when requested.
Going to sleep. Once ready for bed, it’s time to open the app again. On the Go to Sleep tab, choose an alarm and buffer for when you want to be woken up – the app will use this to gently wake you during your lightest stage of sleep. Before hitting the pillow you’ll also be asked to fill out a journal with things that are known to affect your sleep such as alcohol, caffeine, or exercise. Once done, simply place your smartphone face-up on a nightstand next to your bed. You’ll also need to have your phone plugged in and charging to start.
Step it up a level
Waking up. At the conclusion of your sleep you’ll be presented with your very own SleepScore somewhere between 1 & 100. Also here you’ll find a detailed summary of your sleep, including time spent throughout the various sleep stages. As you log sleep more and more, the app will begin to provide recommendations for how to improve it.
Sleep sounds. Do you often struggle getting to sleep? SleepScore includes a number of sounds you can listen to before bed. Rather than the typical noises of a jungle or rainforest, SleepScore offers a series of
SleepScore is one such app. In addition to intelligently tracking your time spent asleep, SleepScore also offers personalised tips and tricks for improving your sleep over time.
music tracks that have been specifically designed to help you unwind and fall asleep.
Challenges. While it’s all well and good to say you’re going to get more sleep, actually taking the steps required can be more of a challenge. If you’re looking for some accountability, why not sign up to one of the app’s sleep challenges. In the Solutions tab you’ll find ones focussed on cutting down caffeine, sticking to a set bedtime, or simply reducing stress. Each challenge comes with daily tips that you’ll find on the Guide tab.
Trends. The real benefit of SleepScore comes from the ability to see and identify trends about your sleep overtime. Located on the History tab, tap the arrow icon in the top-right corner to see your sleepscore graphed alongside factors such as coffee and exercise. It’s a great way to see how certain habits could be affecting your sleep. Note that this feature is only available to premium users.
Going pro
Premium. As mentioned earlier, SleepScore has both a free and premium version of the app to choose from. While the free version allows you to track and monitor your sleep using basic features, a premium subscription unlocks a whole lot more. Costing $10 per month or $60 per year, a premium subscription gives you personalised sleep recommendations, plus the ability to participate in various challenges. You’ll also have access to your entire sleep history (whereas free users are limited to the last seven days). Like many other apps, this one comes with a one-week free trial to help determine if SleepScore is right for you.
Personalisation. Get more personalised tips for better sleep by filling out a questionnaire about you and your sleeping habits. Located on the Settings tab, tap ‘My Sleep Profile’ and choose from the list of topics. You’ll be asked a wide range of questions, including ones about your mattress, bedroom, and general health.
Room checker. Having the right bedroom setup is key to a good night’s sleep. Included with SleepScore is a built in tool which uses your smartphone’s camera and microphone to identify any light or sound that could be affecting your ability to fall asleep. You’ll find the tool on the Solutions tab.
Snore tracking. Rather than find out from the person next to you that you snore, why not let SleepLab tell you more subtly. Included with a premium subscription is a questionnaire that asks you to perform a series of tests to determine the likelihood that you snore during the night. Alternatively, you can also download SleepScore’s sister app Do I Snore or Grind, which records and identifies snoring while you sleep, plus offers remedies on how to reduce it.