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App of the Week: Sleep Cycle

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Disclaimer: Doximity is not an affiliate of Sleep Cycle and does not receive any compensation for this review.

Summary of app features: Sleep Cycle is a sleep tracking app that monitors sleep patterns by listening for movement or using a phone's built-in accelerometer. Based on the user’s individual sleep cycle, the app will wake them up within a set time window during their lightest sleep to ensure restfulness. After every night, the app produces a report on the quality of the previous night’s sleep.

This app is useful for: Any patient with sleep disorders, or any healthcare professional looking for more restful sleep.

Good User Review: I use this app to gauge the effectiveness of different supplements I take for my insomnia. I've seen dramatic improvement with GABA, 5-HTP, and Valerian. Thank you for helping me scientifically attack my sleeplessness!” — David on Google Play

Limitations: Because the app is based off of noise or movement, the system can pick up movement or noise from significant others, pets, or roommates.

Alternatives: There are a few other sleep tracking apps available, such as Pillow: Smart sleep tracking and AutoSleep Tracker with the Apple Watch.

Download: Sleep Cycle is free on the App Store or on Google Play.

Do you use this app? Let us know what you think about it in the comments!

Be featured: Are you a medical professional who has created a health app? Or do you know of an app that we should review? Let us know about it here.

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Illustration by Yi-Min Chun

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