

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. 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. "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. 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. 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.

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