Forget the monotony of counting sheep! In today's world of overflowing app stores, sleep apps are plentiful. But most offer the same snooze-inducing features: white noise and basic sleep tracking. While your device might already have these built-in, reviewers are raving about an app called "Better Sleep" that promises a more comprehensive approach to catching those precious z's.

I’ve been using the app during a 7-day free trial and here’s what I’ve found:

  • Better Sleep boasts a vast library of sleep sounds to lull you into dreamland. From classic white noise variations to calming nature sounds like wind rustling through palm trees, you can choose what works best for you. Craving something more unique? The app offers ASMR sounds like writing, bubble wrap popping, and even slime stretching!
  • Unlike most sleep apps, Better Sleep lets you combine sounds to create your perfect sleep soundtrack. Want a combination of gentle sheep bleats and the satisfying squish of slime? Go for it! You can even layer calming background music for an extra dose of tranquility.
  • Better Sleep goes beyond sound therapy. The app includes bedtime stories and guided meditations to help you unwind before bed. Plus, it offers personalized reminders to establish a consistent sleep schedule and gentle alarms to wake you feeling refreshed.
  • Specialized story telling to help babies and children to fall asleep faster.
  • Better Sleep utilizes your device's microphone to track your sleep cycle. See how much restful REM sleep you're getting on average, and identify periods of deep sleep throughout the night. You can connect the app to an Apple Watch for even better tracking.

Better Sleep can also use the microphone to record sounds during the night, including snoring. This information can be valuable for discussing sleep-related issues with your doctor.

Available for iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire tablets, Better Sleep offers a free version with limited features. A premium subscription unlocks the full range of features for $60 a year, but you can try it out risk-free with a free 7-day trial. So ditch the sheep counting and explore the world of Better Sleep! You might just wake up feeling more refreshed than ever before.