Walley, “Psychophysical and Ergogenic Effects of Synchronous Music During Treadmill Walking”, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2009.

Karageorghis, Denis A.Mouzourides, David-Lee Priest, Tariq A. Johnson, Pekka Rantanen, “Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Benefits of Regular Musical Activities in Early Dementia: Randomized Controlled Study”, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2013. Teppo Särkämö, Mari Tervaniemi, Sari Laitinen, Ava Numminen, Merja Kurki, Julene K.Harrison, “Effect of Music and Auditory Stimuli on Secretory Immunoglobulin a (IGA)”, Sage Journals, 1998. Matarán-Peñarrocha PhD, Carmen Moreno-Lorenzo PhD, “Effect of Music as Nursing Intervention for People Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia”, Science Direct, 2013. María Dolores Onieva-Zafra PhD, Adelaida María Castro-Sánchez PhD, Guillermo A.

Kaisers, Wolfgang Heinke, “Effects of Music Listening on Cortisol Levels and Propofol Consumption during Spinal Anesthesia”, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2011. Stefan Koelsch, Julian Fuermetz, Ulrich Sack, Katrin Bauer, Maximilian Hohenadel, Martin Wiegel, Udo X.“Releasing Stress Through the Power of Music”, University of Nevada.While pricey, the paid app gives you access to a vast content library of sleep and meditation programs that also help with work stress or feelings of loneliness and anxiety. In order to unlock the full benefits, you need to upgrade to the paid subscription at $12.99 a month or $69.99 annually. Headspace's free version contains very little sleep content. Targeted content focuses on situational aspects, including specific content for when you wake in the middle of the night and need help getting back to sleep.

The timer function is also handy, allowing you to customize the length of your play.

The sleep function is easy to use and contains a library of content, ranging from music to soundscapes to sleep radio with extended play. The overall focus of the app is centered around “sleep hygiene,” or creating a routine that improves how fast you fall asleep, and also the quality of your sleep. Headspace is known primarily as a meditation app, but it also contains an amazing sleep music offering.

Soft music to fall asleep