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The UX of Getting Good Sleep: Resources for Better Sleep
User experience (UX), is present in every aspect of our lives. From monitoring to tracking, room design to mattress design, the UX of technology and its integration into our everyday lives impacts everything we experience — even in how we sleep.
Good sleep helps with mood, performance, and productivity. Check out these free resources to learn how to optimize your sleep and sleep space to rest better, work better, and learn better.
Sleep Science and Health
Creating an app for better sleep — a UX case study: The author of this study created a digital application for the National Wellness Institute to reduce anxiety and limit the use of other apps that can distract from restful sleep.
Case Study: Slumber. Mobile App Design for Healthy Sleeping: A new mobile app called Slumber can help people sleep better by taking a holistic approach to sleep and healthcare.
The Future of Sleep Studies: From at-home sleep testing devices, to wearable technology and phone apps, there are all sorts of technological resources available now to help people get better sleep.
The Science of Sleep: Understanding What Happens When You Sleep: Sleep is essential for our mental and physical health, yet many of us don’t get enough — and believe it or not, not all sleep is equal.
The future of sleep health: a data-driven revolution in sleep science and medicine: Artificial intelligence and other technologies are making it possible to monitor sleep in new ways for both clinical and commercial purposes.
Center for Human Sleep Science: Sleep plays a major role in your health, social life, and other aspects of your life. Learn more to improve your sleep.
STEMonstrations: Sleep Science: This video by NASA details how sleep is essential for an astronaut’s ability to function on the International Space Station. Take a closer look for a better understanding of sleep.
Sleep Facts
- Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep: This study covers everything you need to know about sleep — from figuring out how much sleep you need, to why you dream, and even how you can track sleep through smart technology.
- Sleep and Sleep Disorder Fact Sheets: These CDC fact sheets detail interesting information on sleep duration and risk factors related to short sleep duration.
- Myths and Facts About Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: There are plenty of myths out there about sleep, including the fact that you can train yourself to function on less sleep. This article separates fact from fiction.
- 5 Facts About Insomnia: Insomnia is more common than you think. This article breaks down the facts you need to know about this frustrating sleep disorder.
- What are Sleep Disorders?: This article breaks down the importance of sleep and discusses common sleep disorders (like sleep apnea and insomnia) along with common treatments.
The Scholarly Case for Sleep
The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep: Sleep doesn’t just make you feel good — it’s also important for public safety. This study takes a closer look at the value of sleep for society as a whole.
Sleep is essential to health: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement: Poor sleep quality is linked to a lower quality of life and an increased risk of mortality. This study examines the multiple problems presented by insufficient rest.
Technology Trumping Sleep: Impact of Electronic Media and Sleep in Late Adolescent Students: As a college student, technology is integral for going about your day-to-day routine. However, it also poses threats to your sleep. This study takes a closer look.
The Impacts of Technology on Sleep (Good and Bad)
- Adolescent Sleep and the Impact of Technology Use Before Sleep on Daytime Function: This study is an analysis of respondents aged 13–21 to determine the connection between technology use and sleep duration.
- Sleep and Technology: Incompatible for Adolescents: Sleep, teens, and technology just don’t mix. This article explores the many ways in which these three components interact poorly.
- How Technology Can Help (and Hurt) Your Sleep: Tracking your sleep and being more cognizant of your sleep patterns — even by using devices — can help make for a better night’s sleep.
- Sleep problems in excessive technology use among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Excessive technology use among adolescents has long been linked to sleep deprivation. This study takes a closer look at what the research says.
- Machine Learning and Wearable Technology in Sleep Medicine: AI is everywhere — even in sleep medicine. This article takes a closer look at what’s happening on the front lines of the sleep revolution.
- Technology & Sleep: Although too much technology at bedtime can be a bad thing, it’s important to note that not everyone is affected by technology in the same way.
- Sleep on it: Addressing the sleep-loss epidemic through technology: Sleep loss has a detrimental effect on health. This article explores the ways in which technology can help lessen that impact.
- Sleep and Screens: How Technology Can be Used to Improve Sleep in Children: Although technology has long been linked to poorer sleep, there are ways that it can be used to enhance sleep duration and quality.
Sleep and Adolescents
Sleep and Teens: Teens need sleep just like adults, but there are many demands on their time. This article by UCLA Sleep Disorders Center explores tips to help teens get more rest.
How to Help Teenagers Get More Sleep: This article explores the many ways that parents can help their teens get more sleep, as well as common barriers to sleep success.
Parents aren’t powerless when it comes to sleep-deprived teenagers: Although many parents think they don’t have any control over how much their teens sleep, there are simple steps they can take to make sure their child gets the rest they need.
Three Videos About Sleep Every Parent Should Watch with Their Teens: These videos can educate all members of the family about how to get better quality rest.
The Science of Adolescent Sleep: Early school start times are the leading factors behind adolescent sleep deprivation, which causes a variety of problems.
Teenage sleep: Teenage sleep patterns are different from those in adults, but getting enough sleep is still essential for overall health.
Adults and Sleep
- Common Sleep Disorders in Adults: This article by Northwestern Medicine breaks down the many common sleep disorders that affect adults, including sleep apnea and insomnia.
- Sleep Deprivation: Sleep deprivation can be caused by a variety of factors and presents many issues. This article by Cedars-Sinai breaks down how to diagnose sleep deprivation as well as potential treatments.
- Scientists say they have nailed down the ideal amount of sleep in middle and old age: If you’re wondering exactly how much sleep your body needs as you get older, this article from CNN Health will give you a clear idea.
Scientific Sleep Hygiene
Preparing Your Bedroom for a Great Night’s Sleep: There are a few tricks you can try to receive a better night’s sleep, such as decluttering your room and removing technology from the space.
Creating a Good Sleep Environment: This fact sheet from the CDC breaks down everything you need to know to create a healthy sleep environment — from blocking light to reducing noise.
Sleep tips: 6 steps to better sleep: This Mayo Clinic post details a few simple steps you can take to get a better night’s sleep, including sticking to a sleep schedule.
A Feasibility Study on Smart Mattresses to Improve Sleep Quality: Smart mattresses can improve sleep quality, but there are several variables that can impact their effectiveness.
How to Make a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom: The National Sleep Foundation details several ways you can make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, including darkening your room and lowering the temperature.
Healthy Sleep Habits: What you do during the day can play a major role in your sleep — learn what to do for healthy sleep and to avoid sleeplessness.
How to Use Bedroom Lighting to Improve Sleep Quality: Bedroom light plays a major role in sleep — but few of us know how bright or dark a room should be (and when). This article takes a closer look.
Sleep Hygiene Information Sheet: This fact sheet breaks down all the tips you need to know for better sleep, from engaging in sleep rituals to skipping naps.
Sleep-tracking devices: Dos and don’ts: Sleep trackers are helpful when it comes to understanding your sleep patterns, but there are some common missteps to avoid.
Do Sleep Trackers Really Work?: Sleep trackers are effective when it comes to getting a clearer idea of your overall sleep patterns, but it’s important to not be married to the data. This Johns Hopkins Medicine article takes a closer look.
Resources for Good Sleep
- How Technology Can Help You Sleep Better: From smart mattresses to sleep trackers, there are all kinds of devices you can use for a more restful night’s sleep.
- Improving Sleep: More college students than ever before are sleep deprived — here’s why that’s a problem.
- Your Student life: Sleep Cycle of a College Student: There are a few simple steps that college students should take to improve sleep, from exercising to unplugging before bed. Learn them all in this article.
- Why You Should Make a Good Night’s Sleep a Priority: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of high school and college, but you still need to make sleep a top priority — here’s why.
- Sleeping to Succeed: Sleep can help you succeed academically, athletically, and beyond. Learn more about the benefits of a good night’s sleep in this post.
- Introduction to Sleep: This resource examines a few easy tips you can follow to make sleep a priority in your daily routine.
- Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep: Set yourself up for a more restful night by following the simple tips for sleep in this article.
Meditation and Sleep
Meditation and Sleep
Headspace: The Headspace app offers guided meditation along with other techniques and resources you can tap into for a better night’s sleep.
Insight Timer: This page has a variety of sleep meditations, music tracks, and talks that can calm you down and get your body and mind ready for restful sleep.
Guided Sleep Meditation, Clear Your Mind, Clear The Clutter Guided Meditation: This video will walk you through a simple guided meditation routine so you can enjoy better sleep tonight.
A 20-Minute Meditation for Easing Into Sleep: If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of meditation for improving sleep quality, this guided meditation will help you get started.
The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: This study explores the role that mindfulness meditation can play in improving sleep quality in randomized clinical trials.
Sleep Associations
- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is a professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of sleep health care and sleep medicine. They provide educational resources for sleep professionals and the public, promote scientific research, and advocate for the recognition of sleep medicine as a medical specialty.
- The National Sleep Foundation: The National Sleep Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, as well as public awareness of the importance of sleep for overall health
- Better Sleep Council: Founded in 1979, the Better Sleep Council works to educate the public about the importance of sleep and how to get better sleep.