Health plans should request stronger clinical evidence before covering sonic sleep aids

As interest grows in digital wellness tools, sleep-focused audio products such as sonic sleep aids are gaining attention from consumers and employers. However, before health plans or employers consider recommending or covering these tools, stronger evidence is needed, according to Jessica Vazzaz, a doctoral researcher and tutor in the School of Psychology at the

University of Sussex.

In a conversation with Managed Healthcare Executive, Vazzaz said decision makers should look for rigorous research before investing in these products. That starts with large, randomized controlled trials that include diverse participants. Due to sleep struggles varying by age, lifestyle and mental health status, smaller or narrower studies may not capture who truly benefits.

Related: Sleep apps may help some patients, but health systems need clearer guidance

Vazzaz shared that the effects of sonic sleep aids are likely modest and influenced by individual preference. For that reason, studies should be large enough to analyze which groups respond best and what type of sleep disturbance is being addressed. She added that research should also examine what makes these tools work. For example, does the content of a sleep story matter more than the narrator’s voice or pacing? Are results driven by measurable features or by personal taste?

Another concern is how these tools are tested. Many digital wellness apps are compared to passive controls such as doing nothing or being placed on a waitlist. That can make results look stronger than they really are. Vazzaz suggests more meaningful comparisons are needed.

“I think they should ask for very large, randomized control trials. And the effects of the sonic sleep aid is probably modest and dependent on preference and individual differences,” she said. “Ultimately, I think we just need research, not just to know if these are effective, but for whom and under what circumstances.”

So, before allocating coverage dollars or adding sonic sleep aids to benefits, it’s recommended that plans demand high-quality evidence that shows not only whether these tools work, but also who they work for and how they compare to other evidence-based sleep interventions.