SleepStream 2 Review

Insomnia is a crippling problem for many, many people, and while there are numerous paths to finally attaining sleep, sometimes simple relaxation exercises can do what medications cannot. That's where SleepStream 2 comes in. A relaxation app, SleepStream 2 allows users to customize a sleep induction to meet their needs. It's a terrific fit on the iPhone, and the audio quality is crisp and clean, making it an easy app to recommend to those who suffer from sleeplessness.

The initial interface for SleepStream 2 provides a simple and easy-to-use introduction to the program. You can choose the type of sound you want generated - from drones to fireplaces to rain and the ever-present waves - but then you can further customize these with multiple sub-categories. Rain, for instance, can be a forest drizzle, in the city or on a tent. Each sound is distinct and well-crafted, so you never get the sense that these are "canned" or, even worse, electronically-generated sounds. Once you've selected a base sound, you can customize it even further by adding an overlay sound (a soft piano is included when you download the app) and setting a timer to play the sound either endlessly or for a pre-sent time of your choosing. If images help, there is a selection of "visualizations" to choose from as well.

Developer Explosive Apps (ironic name for a company making relaxation apps, isn't it?) also includes an area for downloadable content, which, fortunately, is not based on the "freemium" model but is simply FREE. Extra photos, music and even voice-based guided relaxation exercises are available via the app for no additional cost. There are some packages that have additional fees involved, but you will be amazed by the amount of free extra content provided by the developer.

My only complaint about SleepStream 2 is a very small one. It would be nice to be able to save/record and export a customized sleep-induction to the iPod (or even, for that matter, within the SleepStream app itself). That way, users could create a variety of relaxation exercises they have customized themselves, and pull them up quickly and easily whenever they want.

But, that said, SleepStream 2 is a terrific app with a large amount of content, particularly considering its $0.99 price point. If you're looking for a new way to combat insomnia, or even looking to relax more at the end of a busy day, SleepStream 2 is a viable, unique option.