Insomnia is a problem that affects a large portion of the population, preventing adequate rest and affecting quality of life. Many people turn to medication, but technology has made it possible to develop mobile apps that can be an effective alternative to insomnia without relying on drugs. For those seeking additional help, there are: applications that can be very useful.
In this article, we'll explore in detail some of the apps that doctors recommend for combating insomnia. We'll also learn how they work and what benefits they can provide to help us. sleep better.
Why is insomnia a growing problem?
The current pace of life, stress, and overexposure to screens have led to an increase in sleep problems. According to data from the Spanish Society of Neurology, between 20% and 48% of the adult population in Spain suffers from difficulty falling or staying asleep. In addition, constant use of the mobile phone before bed can disrupt sleep. natural sleep cyclesFor more information on this topic, see this article on the best apps for sleeping.
How do screens affect our rest?
One of the main problems of modern insomnia is the excessive use of electronic devices before bedtime. The blue light emitted by mobile phone and tablet screens has a temperature similar to daylight, which prevents the body from producing enough blue light. melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep.
To counteract this negative effect, the use of red light filters, which reduce blue light emissions and make it easier to fall asleep. Applications such as Twilight allow you to automate this filter based on time of day and location.
Recommended apps against insomnia
There are several apps that have proven effective in combating insomnia. Some of them focus on relaxing sounds, while others function as smart alarm clocks or apply behavioral therapies to improve sleep quality. To learn more about these types of solutions, we recommend reading about ASMR for sleep which can also be beneficial.
1.Sleep Cycle
This app analyzes sleep patterns and wakes the user up in the optimal moment within a 30-minute interval, avoiding sudden interruptions that can cause fatigue during the day.
2. Linden
Developed in Latin America, Status offers meditations, relaxing sounds and stories narrated by renowned actors to help reduce anxiety and improve the quality of rest.
3. Calm
It is one of the most popular applications downloaded worldwide to improve sleep. It includes breathing exercises, guided meditations, and ambient sounds.
4. Sleepio
Recommended by the UK health system, this app replaces the use of drugs in patients with insomnia through sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy.
The science behind sleep apps
Many of these applications are based on the Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a psychological approach that has been shown to be more effective in the long term than medication. Thanks to digitalization, it is now possible to access this type of treatment without having to go to a doctor. face-to-face consultation.
Do these applications really work?
Studies have shown that insomnia apps can improve sleep quality as much as conventional treatments. However, it's important to remember that these tools must be complemented with a good sleep hygiene, avoiding screen use before bed, establishing routines, and reducing caffeine consumption.
These apps can be a great help for those looking to improve their sleep without resorting to medication. Thanks to technology, we now have accessible and effective tools to combat insomnia. You can also find more resources on this site.
