Study Finds Sleep Apps Benefit Some, Stress Insomniacs

A new study from researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway has found that sleep tracking apps, popular tools for monitoring rest through smartwatches and smartphones, can benefit some users by increasing awareness of sleep patterns but may heighten anxiety and stress for others, particularly those with insomnia symptoms. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, surveyed 1,002 adults across Norway to assess the perceived impacts of these apps on sleep habits and quality.

The study revealed widespread adoption of sleep tracking technology. Nearly half of the participants, or 46 percent, reported currently using or having used a sleep app in the past. Usage was higher among women and individuals under 50 years old, with 57 percent of those aged 18 to 50 engaging with the apps compared to older groups. Most users relied on smartwatches for tracking, followed by mobile applications. These apps typically measure sleep duration, time to fall asleep and overall sleep quality through sensors that detect movement, heart rate and other indicators, often providing a summary score.

Positive experiences outnumbered negative ones. About 15 percent of users said...