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Between sound and sleep: a perspective on Sonic Sleep Aids
Jessica Vazzaz1, Faith Matcham1, Marcos Economides2
1School of Psychology, University of Sussex, East Sussex, United Kingdom.
Sleep
|October 7, 2025
Summary
Sonic Sleep Aids (SSA) like sleep music show promise for improving sleep quality. However, evidence for other audio aids is limited, and their use raises concerns about screen time and technology dependence.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Science
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are common, increasing the use of digital sleep aids.
- Sonic Sleep Aids (SSA), including music, stories, and guided meditations, are popular.
- Concerns exist regarding SSA's alignment with sleep hygiene and potential technology dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine the phenomenon of Sonic Sleep Aids (SSA).
- Discuss existing evidence for different types of SSA.
- Highlight the need for further research and propose a research agenda.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of empirical evidence.
- Analysis of SSA's alignment with sleep hygiene principles.
- Identification of research gaps and future directions.
Main Results:
- Music-based relaxation shows efficacy for sleep quality.
- Evidence for ambient sounds and narrated content is inconclusive or limited.
- Guided practices show potential but require more research, especially for bedtime use.
Conclusions:
- SSA effectiveness varies by type, with music-based relaxation being most supported.
- Widespread SSA use raises concerns about screen time and dependency.
- Further research is crucial to determine SSA's role in sleep management and propose a research agenda.
Keywords:
digital healthdigital interventiondirect to consumer productsmindfulnesssleep aidssleep disturbancesleep hygienesleep musicsmartphone appMore Related Videos
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