12 Best Sleep Apps of 2023

This story was updated in October 2022 to reflect the latest subscription pricing for our top picks, vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

If you’re feeling extra restless lately, you’re not alone: More than five million Americans have issues getting to sleep each night, according to a study from Iowa State University. Taking time to unwind with a relaxing bedtime routine is important for optimizing sleep quality, but quieting your mind at the end of the day is often easier said than done — and what works for one person may not work for another.

“Meditating and reading can be great tools for many, but some people may prefer utilizing a sleep app that assists with the process,” says wellness expert and Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab deputy director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT. Whether you enjoy guided meditation facilitated by experts or would rather say goodnight while listening to soothing sounds or stories, the best sleep apps will help calm your mind and ease any anxiety right before you put your phone down for the evening.

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been hands-on testing sleep essentials for decades, from the best pillows to top-performing alarm clocks. To determine the best sleep apps to help you fall (and stay!) asleep, we sourced feedback from real consumers, spoke with medical professionals and had our own Media & Tech Lab experts share the most effective sleep-focused apps they’ve tested for iPhones and Androids. Whether you want to drift off to the sweet sounds of nature, white noise or a bedtime story, download one of these apps that really work to help you get the slumber you so desperately need.