9 Best REM Sleep Apps For Your Phone

App Name	Best For	Key Features	AC Rating	Pricing
Life7	All in one sleep and mental wellness	REM sleep music, binaural beats, 8D sleep audio	4.8/5	Free trial, then subscription
Sleep Cycle	Smart sleep tracking and analysis	Sleep stage tracking, smart alarm, sound recording	4.6/5	Free with premium option
Pillow	Apple device integration	Automatic tracking, heart rate analysis, nap modes	4.5/5	Free with premium option
SleepScore	Accurate contactless tracking	Sonar technology, sleep coaching, doctor reports	4.4/5	Free with premium option
Pzizz	Unique audio soundscapes	Billions of sound combos, binaural beats, nap mode	4.5/5	Free with premium option
Calm	Sleep stories and relaxation	Celebrity narrated stories, guided meditations, music	4.6/5	Free with premium option
Headspace	Bedtime meditation routines	Sleep exercises, wind downs, daily meditations	4.5/5	Free trial, then subscription
Sleep as Android	Android sleep optimization	Sleep tracking, lullabies, captcha wake up	4.3/5	Free with premium option
SleepWatch	Apple Watch users	Automatic detection, heart rate dip tracking, tips	4.4/5	Free with premium option

#1. Life7 – Best for All in One Sleep and Mental Wellness

Life7 is my top pick for improving REM sleep. This app goes way beyond simple sleep tracking. It offers a complete mental wellness experience that helps you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.

What makes Life7 special is its focus on brain frequencies. You get access to Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma wave music. These sounds are designed to guide your brain into restful REM sleep cycles. The app also includes pure binaural beats and isochronic tones that many users find helpful.

Life7 has collected over 312 million meditation minutes from its users. That tells me people really love using this app!

Key Features:

• REM sleep music with 8D audio and dream wave hypnosis for deeper sleep cycles
• Multiple noise options including green, white, brown, and pink noise for falling asleep
• Bedtime stories, breathing exercises, and guided lucid dreaming sessions

What I like: I really enjoy how Life7 combines so many tools in one place. You can mix soundscapes with sleep stories using the Backdrop Mode. The 432 Hz and 528 Hz frequencies feel really calming. I also love the daily sessions that give you fresh content every day. The gamified approach makes meditation fun because you earn XP and unlock new soundscapes. The SOS sessions for anxiety are a lifesaver on stressful nights.

What I don’t like: The free content is a bit limited. You will need to subscribe to unlock the full library. But the 7 day free trial lets you test everything first.

Pricing: 7 day free trial available. Then choose from weekly, monthly, or yearly subscription plans. They often run special offers.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#2. Sleep Cycle – Best for Smart Sleep Tracking and Analysis

Sleep Cycle is one of the most popular sleep apps in the world. It uses your phone’s sensors to track your sleep stages throughout the night. The app figures out when you are in light, deep, or REM sleep.

The standout feature is the smart alarm clock. It wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase. This means you feel more refreshed instead of groggy. Over 40 million people have downloaded this app.

The app also records sounds at night. You can hear if you snore or talk in your sleep.

Key Features:

• Patented sound technology to track sleep cycles without wearing anything
• Smart alarm that wakes you at the optimal point in your sleep cycle
• Sleep notes feature to log habits like caffeine and see how they affect rest

What I like: The smart alarm really works. I wake up feeling so much better than with a regular alarm. The sleep reports are easy to understand. I can see exactly how much REM sleep I got each night. The app runs quietly in the background and does not drain my battery too much.

What I don’t like: Many features that used to be free are now premium only. Seeing your sleep stages now requires a subscription. That was disappointing to learn.

Pricing: Free version with basic features. Premium subscription unlocks full sleep history and analysis.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#3. Pillow – Best for Apple Device Integration

Pillow works beautifully with your iPhone and Apple Watch. It automatically detects when you fall asleep and wake up. No buttons to press. Just wear your Apple Watch to bed and Pillow does the rest.

The app breaks down your sleep into stages. You can see how much time you spent in REM, light, and deep sleep. It also tracks your heart rate throughout the night.

Pillow includes audio recordings too. This helps you discover if you snore or have sleep apnea symptoms.

Key Features:

• Automatic sleep detection through Apple Watch sensors
• Detailed sleep stage diagrams showing REM, light, and deep sleep cycles
• Sleep aid library with meditations, bedtime stories, and soundscapes

What I like: The integration with Apple Health is seamless. I can see how my sleep compares to other health metrics. The personalized insights tell me my optimal bedtime. The smart alarm feature gently wakes me during light sleep. The nap mode presets are perfect for quick power naps.

What I don’t like: This app is only for Apple users. Android folks are out of luck. Some of the best features like sleep trends require the premium subscription.

Pricing: Free with basic tracking. Premium unlocks advanced features through monthly or yearly plans.

Platforms: iOS only (requires Apple Watch for best results)

#4. SleepScore – Best for Accurate Contactless Tracking

SleepScore takes a unique approach to sleep tracking. It uses sonar technology through your phone’s speaker and microphone. Silent sound waves bounce off your body while you sleep. This measures your breathing and movements without wearing anything.

The app was developed after studying millions of hours of sleep data. It provides a daily sleep score from 0 to 100. You also see detailed breakdowns of light, deep, and REM sleep stages.

SleepScore gives you personalized tips to improve your sleep quality.

Key Features:

• Sonar technology that tracks sleep without wearables or mattress sensors
• Science backed insights developed from over a decade of sleep research
• Doctor report feature you can share with healthcare providers

What I like: I love not having to wear anything to bed. Just place my phone on the nightstand and it tracks everything. The accuracy is impressive for a phone only solution. The personalized advice actually helps me make changes. The comparison to ideal sleep for my age is eye opening.

What I don’t like: The sonar technology only works with certain Android phone models. iPhone support is more limited in features. Premium subscription is needed for the best insights.

Pricing: Free to download with basic features. Premium subscription for advanced tracking and coaching.

Platforms: iOS and Android (some features limited by device)

#5. Pzizz – Best for Unique Audio Soundscapes

Pzizz creates custom soundtracks to help you fall asleep. The app combines music, voice, sound effects, and binaural beats. Each time you use it, you get a different mix. There are billions of possible combinations.

This means you never get bored hearing the same sounds. The app has separate modes for sleep, naps, and focus. You control how long the audio plays from 10 minutes to 10 hours.

Many people find the unique sounds more relaxing than typical white noise apps.

Key Features:

• Dynamic audio system that creates unique soundscapes every session
• Separate modules for sleep, naps, and daytime focus
• Adjustable volume levels for music, voice, and sound effects

What I like: The variety is amazing. I have used this app for months and still hear new things. The dreamscapes feel very immersive and calming. The nap module is perfect for 20 minute power naps. I can adjust the voice volume if I want more or less narration.

What I don’t like: The app takes some getting used to. The sounds can feel strange at first. Some people might prefer simpler sleep sounds. The pro subscription is needed for full access to all modules.

Pricing: Free version with limited features. Pro subscription unlocks all dreamscapes and modules.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#6. Calm – Best for Sleep Stories and Relaxation

Calm has become famous for its Sleep Stories. These are bedtime tales narrated by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Harry Styles. The stories are designed to help your mind wind down.

Beyond stories, Calm offers guided meditations and soothing music. The Daily Calm gives you a short meditation each day. The app also has breathing exercises and nature sounds.

Calm won many awards as a top wellness app.

Key Features:

• Sleep stories narrated by famous voices that gently ease you into sleep
• Extensive library of guided meditations for anxiety, stress, and sleep
• Calming music and nature soundscapes for relaxation

What I like: The sleep stories are genuinely enjoyable. I look forward to bedtime because of them. The production quality is top notch. The variety of meditation lengths works for busy days. The masterclasses from experts teach helpful wellness skills.

What I don’t like: Calm is one of the pricier sleep apps. The subscription cost might be too much for some budgets. Free content is quite limited compared to premium.

Pricing: Free tier with introductory content. Premium subscription for full access to all features.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#7. Headspace – Best for Bedtime Meditation Routines

Headspace started as a meditation app. Now it has grown into a complete mental wellness platform. The sleep section includes Sleepcasts, which are audio experiences that take you to dreamy locations.

The app offers wind down exercises before bed. These help you let go of the day’s stress. Headspace uses evidence based techniques to improve sleep quality.

Over 70 million people have downloaded Headspace worldwide.

Key Features:

• Sleepcasts that combine ambient sounds with soothing narration
• Bedtime wind down exercises to prepare your mind for sleep
• Science backed techniques developed with mindfulness experts

What I like: The structured approach works well for beginners. The courses teach you meditation step by step. The breathing exercises calm me down fast. I appreciate how the app tracks my progress over time. The integration with my daily routine feels natural.

What I don’t like: The focus is more on meditation than sleep tracking. You will not get detailed REM sleep data here. The app requires consistent practice to see results.

Pricing: Free 14 day trial. Then subscription required for full access to all features.

Platforms: iOS and Android

#8. Sleep as Android – Best for Android Sleep Optimization

Sleep as Android is packed with features for Android users. It tracks your sleep cycles using your phone or wearable. The smart alarm wakes you during light sleep so you feel refreshed.

The app has a fun twist. It uses captcha wake up challenges. You might need to solve a math problem to turn off the alarm. This makes sure you actually wake up!

Sleep as Android also records snoring and sleep talking.

Key Features:

• Sleep tracking with detailed graphs of light, deep, and REM sleep
• Captcha style wake up challenges to prevent oversleeping
• Library of calming lullabies and nature sounds for falling asleep

What I like: The anti oversleep features are genius. I cannot snooze forever anymore. The sleep graphs are detailed and helpful. Integration with smartwatches makes tracking more accurate. The app works great with Google Fit and other health platforms.

What I don’t like: The interface can feel overwhelming at first. There are so many settings and options. iOS users cannot use this app at all.

Pricing: Free trial available. Unlock all features with a one time purchase or subscription.

Platforms: Android only

#9. SleepWatch – Best for Apple Watch Users

SleepWatch turns your Apple Watch into a powerful sleep tracker. It automatically detects when you fall asleep. No manual logging needed. The app syncs with Apple Health for a complete picture.

SleepWatch measures interesting metrics like heart rate dip during sleep. A bigger dip usually means better quality rest. The app also tracks your sleep rhythm consistency.

You get personalized tips based on your sleep patterns.

Key Features:

• Automatic sleep detection using Apple Watch sensors throughout the night
• Heart rate dip tracking to measure sleep quality and recovery
• Sleep debt calculator showing accumulated rest deficit

What I like: The set it and forget it approach is perfect for me. I never remember to start sleep tracking manually. The insights about heart rate dip taught me a lot. The sleep debt feature motivates me to catch up on rest. Weekly reports show my progress clearly.

What I don’t like: Requires an Apple Watch which not everyone has. The detailed analytics need a premium subscription. Battery drain on the watch can be noticeable.

Pricing: Free basic tracking. Premium subscription unlocks advanced metrics and trends.

Platforms: iOS only (requires Apple Watch)

What Is REM Sleep and Why Is It Important?

REM stands for rapid eye movement. This is the sleep stage where most dreaming happens. Your brain becomes very active during REM sleep. Your eyes move quickly under your closed eyelids.

REM sleep is crucial for memory and learning. Your brain processes information from the day during this stage. It also helps regulate your mood and emotions.

Most adults need about 90 to 120 minutes of REM sleep each night. That is usually 20 to 25 percent of your total sleep time. Sleep apps can help you track if you are getting enough REM cycles.

How Do Sleep Apps Track REM Sleep Cycles?

Sleep apps use sensors to monitor your movements and sounds. When you enter REM sleep, your body becomes very still. Your breathing and heart rate change too.

Apps analyze these patterns to estimate your sleep stages. Some use your phone’s accelerometer and microphone. Others connect to smartwatches for more accurate readings.

Keep in mind that these apps provide estimates. They are not as accurate as medical sleep studies. But they give you helpful insights into your sleep patterns over time.

Can Sleep Apps Actually Improve Your Sleep Quality?

Yes, sleep apps can help improve your sleep in several ways. First, they raise awareness about your sleep habits. When you see data about poor sleep, you are motivated to make changes.

Second, many apps offer tools that help you sleep better. These include relaxing sounds, meditation, and bedtime reminders. Consistent use of these features can build healthier sleep routines.

Third, smart alarms wake you at better times. This can make a big difference in how rested you feel each morning. The key is using the app consistently and actually following the suggestions it provides.