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

Sleep tools that rely on sound are becoming more common, but questions remain about how they should be used in real-world care. For health plans and clinicians, the challenge is not whether these tools work at all but which patients they may actually help and how they fit with long-standing sleep guidance.

According to Jessica Vazzaz, a doctoral researcher and tutor in psychology at the University of Sussex, these tools are not designed to help everyone in the same way. That distinction matters for health plans, clinicians and health system leaders deciding how these tools fit into sleep care.

In a recent conversation with Managed Healthcare Executive, Vazzaz told us that research shows mixed results when it comes to who benefits most from sonic sleep tools. Some studies suggest those with more severe sleep problems may see greater benefits because they have more room for improvement. Other research suggests these tools work better for those with mild or occasional sleep issues.

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Due to this uncertainty, Vazzaz said healthcare leaders should focus on matching the right tools to the right patients. People with clinical insomnia should still be directed to evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, which has strong support and proven outcomes. Sonic sleep tools could be more appropriate for those with subclinical insomnia or short-term sleep disruption, especially when clinicians take time to understand what is driving the sleep problem.

Vazzaz stressed that sleep is influenced by many factors, including psychological stress, daily behaviors and broader social pressures. As a result, it’s unlikely that one type of intervention will work for every patient. She added that understanding the root cause of sleep difficulty is key to deciding whether sonic tools are likely to help or whether other treatments are needed.

The discussion also highlighted a major challenge in modern sleep care. For example, most sleep guidelines advise people to avoid screens before bed; however, many sonic sleep tools are delivered through smartphones. Vazzaz said this creates tension between ideal sleep habits and the realities of modern life.

She noted that the larger concern may not be blue light itself but the distractions that come with phones. Setting yourself up for success and fighting the urge to fall into distraction is key.

“We know that discipline is a finite resource and that it kind of gets depleted as the day goes on,” she said. “So that's something to consider as well, probably just before going to bed,” adding that often, at the end of the day, people may be more likely to check emails, social media or messages even if they plan to use their phone only for sleep.

However, Vazzaz said phone-based sleep tools could serve as a harm reduction option. For those who will use their phones at night regardless, calming audio content may be one of the least disruptive choices.

She pointed to the key takeaway for healthcare leaders to consider: sonic sleep tools should be used thoughtfully, tailored to the patient and positioned as support rather than a replacement for evidence-based care.