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The Effectiveness of the Headspace App for Improving Sleep: Randomized Controlled Trial
Zoltan Andre Torok1, Larisa Gavrilova1, Amish Patel1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA, 95343, United States, 1 5598712655.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|February 4, 2026
Summary
This study found that using the Headspace meditation app for 8 weeks improved sleep quality and reduced tiredness in employees. Objective measures also showed increased sleep duration, demonstrating the app's positive impact on sleep health.
Area of Science:
- Digital health
- Behavioral science
- Sleep medicine
Background:
- Improving sleep is crucial for overall health.
- While in-person meditation helps sleep, the effectiveness of self-guided meditation apps is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Headspace app on sleep quality, tiredness, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency.
Main Methods:
- 135 university employees were randomized to use Headspace daily for 8 weeks or a waitlist control.
- Sleep was assessed using diaries, ecological momentary assessment, and Fitbit Charge 2.
Main Results:
- Headspace users reported significantly better sleep quality and reduced tiredness compared to controls.
- Objective data showed increased sleep duration at 8 weeks, but no significant changes in sleep efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The Headspace app positively influences subjective sleep quality, tiredness, and objective sleep duration.
- Mobile health interventions like Headspace show promise for improving sleep health.
Keywords:
FitbitHeadspaceRCTUnited Statesapp-basedapplicationecological momentary assessmentfemalemHealthmeditationmobile healthobjectiveoutcomerandomized controlled trialself-guidedsleepsleep durationsleep efficiencysleep qualitysubjectivetirednesswearablewomenMore Related Videos
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