Poor sleep can wear you down, make you listless and sick. In search of effective remedies for insomnia, more and more insomnia sufferers are turning to apps and online programs. Stiftung Warentest tested eight of them.
One sheep, two sheep… 3078 sheep – people who involuntarily turn night into day are not exceptional. Sleep disorders are widespread and are becoming more common. In Germany, six million people suffer from them, according to an analysis by the health insurance company Barma. That’s seven percent of the German population who sleep so badly at least three times a week over a period of more than three months that it affects their life. You feel worn out and are physically and mentally less productive. Online programs, whether as an app or via a website, promise help for insomniacs. With success? .
Sleep is the time in which the body regenerates and the head is tidied up. If sleep is permanently disturbed, it affects your health. “You notice a lack of sleep very, very quickly,” explained sleep researcher Birgit Högl star. “After just one sleepless night, you can see that there are impairments in decision-making ability, working memory, language fluency and emotion regulation,” she says. She advises people who are affected by insomnia to seek help early, as sleep disorders have the unpleasant property of becoming chronic. Long-term sleep disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, the immune system is weakened, and mental illnesses such as depression can be promoted.
Two online sleep aids are “all-round” convincing
Many people rely on apps and other online programs to combat insomnia. But are they really any good? Stiftung Warentest wanted to know more and tested four apps for sleep problems and four programs available on the website that are based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Two psychological experts supported the review and also included studies on effectiveness. The evaluation took into account, among other things, the underlying psychological models and methods used, the qualifications of the developers, protective measures and ease of use.
Two website programs were “completely convincing” and were rated “very good”. The test winners are the website programs from HelloBetter Schlafen and Somnio, which help effectively. Both are also available as an app. The programs work on the basis of cognitive behavioral therapy. However, the sleep aids are not cheap: HelloBetter costs 249 euros, Somnia 464 euros per year. Since both programs are tested digital health applications, those with statutory health insurance who can provide a diagnosis or prescription can receive the programs free of charge.
Apps with “dubious sleep analysis”
The tested apps are much cheaper, but you can still save money given the test results. “They are not a good help for sleep problems and at best perform adequately,” writes Warentest. The BetterSleep app is the worst in the comparison and fails with a “poor” rating. The examiners had doubts about, among other things, the “dubious sleep analysis” that was carried out using a microphone recording. “How sleep phases are supposed to be recognized in this way is a mystery to us,” says Warentest.
You can take the complete test for a fee read up.
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Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
