BetterSleep: Relax and Sleep

Update: Got the developer to respond, and didn’t see the option as it is rather hidden I feel like (and unlike before where the music could be played in the app itself, it now just uses outside apps instead to help with sounds) but that’s fine to me because before music would just stop working when trying to play it in the app anyways. So rated 5 stars now for developer help and good answer! Decided to check this app out again after several years (I bought the lifetime subscription back before there was a lot of other subscription options) and remember being able to use this app with music I had in my iPhone, with the app itself. (So if you had relaxing music, you could have that playing while also having the sounds the app had as well) However I noticed, now it doesn’t use that as an option anymore :( Just wanted to write this review, in case the developer will check this review out with an answer to if there is a reason for this or not (I’d understand if Apple came back at them saying they aren’t allowed to use music from people’s music library, but otherwise I feel like it would be something they should add back in, if possible) It’s cool that they supply other music options, but would really like to use some music that I’d provide, just for myself personally. (I’d rate it higher, as definitely feels worth it, but taking that away as an option just feels like a downgrade too, unless again Apple forced that hand)

I’ve tried a lot of things for sleep sounds. But, year after year after year (how long have I been using this? A decade at least!), I consistently use this app. It’s always improving, even though I’ve never personally found it lacking. It’s amazing to have so much ability to customise mixes. I like layering multiple water sounds, brown noise, and a little quiet thunder. It’s created an almost Pavlovian response; I start playing my mix, and next thing I know, I’m asleep. I’ve struggled with sleep my entire life, partially due to just luck with biology, and also severe PTSD. I used to wake dozens of times in a night. Every small sound or shift in the room or house, and I’d be awake, full of anxiety. And certain sounds/frequencies bother me and/or trigger migraines, and that made it hard to play sounds that would both sufficiently drown out the tiny noises and also not leave me in pain. I’m a difficult customer. 🤷‍♀️ But this app is, and I cannot emphasise it enough, the absolute crown champ in its genre. Now in fairness, I’ve done a lot of work to reduce my sleep issues and PTSD symptoms, but it’s really nice to have an app that I can make work for me, for any kind of day, regardless of symptoms. It’s not a cure, obviously, but it never pretends to be. It’s just a sleep sound app that goes all in on what it aims to do… and it succeeds.

This app caused me wonderful yet strange dreams. I’ve never, ever had them until my brain got creative and took me to journies never seen before! I’ve been having these dreams since when I downloaded this app! It’s so peaceful & helps me sleep better. 2013, so it’s 2020, 7+ years of AWESOME! I love Sweet Hour Prayer, Cat Purring, Music Box, and much more! They are so calming and pleasing to hear. You might like other ones, and that’s cool, too! HIGHLY recommend this beauty sleeper. I sleep better and have been doing so for 7+ years after downloading. I deactivated my old account & deleted the app because I wanted to live without it since I slept better, but times I needed the app again. I redownloaded as a result & suddenly I have the free sounds. I saw the sweet hour prayer locked and felt bad even the other ones I’ve had immense dreams with. After hearing the ones I heard now (because I heard them too), it took me back to the dreams I had when I fell asleep with the sounds. I know, sounds weird, but I have memories even with sound and then I remember the DREAMS I had so good. I remember from the middle (a little of the beginning) and mostly the ending of my dreams, so I can picture them thanks to the sounds. TLDR; Some dreams were a little eerie or perhaps crazy, but that are dreams. And I love sleeping so thank you very very much! I enjoy this app! 5 STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ P.S. I’m sorry for making a very long explaination.