Forty percent of Americans experience daytime tiredness, and one in three do not get enough sleep, according to the National Institute of Health. A growing number are turning to sleep-tracking applications, but experts are beginning to question the accuracy of the data these apps provide and whether their use could be exacerbating anxieties around rest.
The market for sleep apps has expanded rapidly in recent years, offering features ranging from guided meditation and ambient soundscapes to detailed sleep cycle analysis. Apps like Calm and Headspace, according to Forbes Vetted, focus on promoting healthier sleep habits through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Others, such as Sleep Cycle, utilize a smartphone’s camera and microphone to monitor movement, snoring, and coughing throughout the night, providing users with detailed reports and graphs.
Sleep Cycle, tested by How-To Geek, was found to be the most accurate tracker logging snoring, coughing, wake-up times, and time taken to fall asleep. The app as well offers a “smart alarm” designed to wake users during their lightest sleep phase. However, the very act of tracking sleep can be problematic, according to sleep experts.
Everyday Health spoke with experts who noted that while sleep apps can be helpful for identifying potential issues and encouraging better sleep hygiene, they are not medical devices and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. The publication recommends consulting a healthcare provider to address underlying medical issues that may be contributing to sleep disturbances.
The accuracy of sleep tracking apps is a key concern. Many rely on actigraphy – measuring movement – to determine sleep stages, a method that can be imprecise. Sleep Cycle’s use of a phone’s microphone to detect sounds like snoring or coughing adds another layer of data, but also introduces potential for misinterpretation.
the constant monitoring and data analysis can create “orthosomnia” – an unhealthy obsession with achieving perfect sleep metrics. This anxiety about sleep quality can, paradoxically, make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep Foundation notes that finding the right app requires careful consideration of individual needs and preferences. While some users may benefit from the insights and motivation provided by these tools, others may find them to be a source of stress and frustration.
Amy Marschall, PsyD, a contributor to Everyday Health, medically reviewed the content on sleep apps. Alex Dimitriu, MD, also medically reviewed the content.
As of March 20, 2026, no official regulatory body has issued guidelines regarding the accuracy or clinical validity of sleep-tracking apps. The Sleep Products Society has not released a statement on the matter.
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