General health practitioners recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night for optimal functioning of mind, body and spirit. Countless studies have proven the direct links between sleep quality and its effects on healthy immune functions, memory, learning, metabolism and much more. A good night’s sleep starts with a bedtime routine that prepares your body for a restful night ahead. Some drift off peacefully with the help of simple melodies, while others prefer a calming voice to guide them The following apps provide options for people of all sleep styles. Forget counting those sheep and upgrade to sleep 2.0 with these 10 app picks. This app is a guided meditation with self-help expert Andrew Johnson (who just happens to sound a wee bit like Sean Connery). The aim is to gently ease you into a more relaxed state, eventually falling into a deep sleep. With soothing instructions Read More

To quote Nietzsche, sleeping is no mean art: for its sake one must stay awake all day.  Quite right too, but what about those times when sleep proves elusive?  Can we really use our iPhone to help combat those frustrating times?  Here are five apps which may do just that: A personal favorite.  A collection of ambient sounds to help you relax and fall into a deep sleep.  While some sounds are too harsh, there are some real gems here including Crickets Chirping and Cat Purring.  The ability to shift the balance from left to right is ideal for wearing a single earphone and a timer will turn the app off after a set time. An application which provides a guided meditation with self-help specialist Andrew Johnson.  Mr. Johnson’s pleasing Scottish brogue is perfect for describing the easy relaxation techniques contained here, and there is a very good chance that if Read More