Apple launches new feature to help millions of tired Australians
The tech giant has announced a new feature that will help send the millions of Australians living with sleep conditions to the land of nod.
Recurring sleep problems are a huge health issue for Australians, with more than half of us reporting that we struggle to get enough kip at least once a week.
While research shows 60 per cent of people suffer from at least one chronic sleep symptom at night, directly affecting their ability to live a healthy, happy life, Apple has just launched a feature which could help tired folk get those much-needed extra Zs.
As part of its Fitness+ offerings, the tech giant has just launched a range of “sleep meditation workouts” to help users nod off easier and wake feeling refreshed and raring to go.
The program kicks off with four 20-minute meditations that conclude with five minutes of relaxing music, Apple said in a statement.
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The meditations – which can be done in any order at any time, each using different techniques to help users slow down and rest – include “quiet your mind”, “relax your body”, “appreciate your day” and “visualise rest”.
New sleep meditations will be added every week, and each practice can be done as part of a wind-down routine or while drifting off.
Previously, users needed to own an Apple Watch to access the brand’s Fitness+ platform, but this changed with the recent iOS 16 update which bought the software to iPhones.
The sleep aid is one of many new additions to Apple Fitness+ in January to help users hit their 2023 health and fitness goals.
Other extras include the addition of kickboxing to the library of on-demand workouts, as well as a ream of new celebrity-hosted walks, beginning with acclaimed actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
Research shows exhausted Aussies often use desperate tactics to help them nod off when struggling to sleep, with 61 per cent of people turning to sex as a way of tiring themselves out, while 30 per cent spray lavender on their pillows as 21 per cent listen to ASMR.
The Covid-19 pandemic “exacerbated” our sleep struggles, with research from Medibank revealing around 2.5 million Australians described their sleep in 2020 as “the worst” in their life.
This was due to central factors, including increased stress, general uncertainty about the future, lower financial and job security, and relationship conflicts as a result of changing lifestyles.
Easy tips for a better night’s sleep
• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath, reading a book or listening to soothing music or podcast.
• Use your bedroom only for sleep to strengthen the association between bed and sleep.
• Set a sleep goal using an app – you can set one up easily in Apple’s Health app.
• Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 20-30 minutes of movement outdoors each day.
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