Researchers from the University of Sussex have found that listening to nature sounds or audio stories before bed can increase sleep time by half an hour. It has been reported daily mail.
The study involved 300 people. They filled out questionnaires about anxiety, sleepiness, fatigue, and work productivity.
About 180 people used the app, which includes nature sounds (falling raindrops or the crackling of a campfire) or audio stories.
The average sleep time at the start of the study was 6 hours and 15 minutes. At the end of the study, it increased by 30 minutes. The time to fall asleep was also reduced by a third to less than 30 minutes. The performance of study participants also improved.
If the scientists’ findings are supported by further research, there could be serious public health implications. The popularity of sleep apps has skyrocketed in recent years, and some are even recommended by the UK’s National Health Service.