Written by the maker of Stress Relief. Product examples describe our own app; this is not an independent review or medical advice.
The short answer
A screen-free quiet activity is an option before bed. If you choose a short app activity instead of a feed, lower brightness, set an ending and put the phone down. Stress Relief is not a sleep treatment.
Why scrolling keeps you wired
If browsing a feed makes it hard to stop using your phone, try an activity with a clear ending. A screen-free quiet routine is an option. If you prefer a short game, set a stopping point and put the phone down afterwards. It will not make you sleep. It gives you an alternative activity with a stopping point.
To be clear about what this is: Stress Relief is a wellness app for everyday stress, not a sleep aid and not a treatment for insomnia. It makes no promises about sleep. Stress Relief is a wellness app. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for professional care. If you are struggling, please talk to a qualified professional.
Choosing the right game for bed
The slow, dim games work best late. A few from the library:
- Star Field — pinpricks of light in the dark
- Rain Window — raindrops on glass, no rush
- Floating Leaves — watch leaves drift and settle
- Fireflies — tap lights that drift in the dusk
- Ocean Waves — rolling horizon, steady rhythm
Make the ending clear
The most important step is the last one. If your aim is less screen time, make putting the phone down the end of the routine. The gentle countdown in each game gives you a natural stopping point; the check-in afterwards is your cue to close the app. Set the phone face down out of reach. If you find yourself returning to the phone, you can choose a screen-free activity instead.
Steps
Five minutes, low light, one slow thing, then down.
- Lower the screen brightness
Turn brightness down and enable your phone’s night mode. Stress Relief already uses a quiet, low-light design that is easy on tired eyes.
- Tap "I need to calm down" and choose "wired before bed"
Pick three or five minutes. Instant Reset builds a session around a slow calming game and gentle breathing.
- Do the slow thing
Watch leaves drift, tap fireflies, send ripples across water. Let your hands move slowly and your eyes soften. There is nothing to finish.
- Breathe with the dot
Follow the slow dot: in as it grows, out a little longer as it shrinks. Keep the pace comfortable; there is no required number of breaths.
- Check in and put the phone down
Answer how you feel now, close the app, and place the phone face down out of reach. The wind-down is over when the screen is dark.
Frequently asked questions
Will this help me fall asleep?
It replaces scrolling with a calmer five minutes before you put the phone down. Stress Relief is not a sleep aid and makes no sleep claims. If sleep problems persist, please talk to a clinician.
Does the app have sleep sounds or stories?
This guide uses calming games and guided breathing. Check the current App Store listing and app library for the full feature set.
Is the screen bright?
The design is deliberately low-light and quiet. Lower your phone brightness as well for the best result.
Sources and product references
- NHLBI: healthy sleep habits
General guidance favors quiet time and avoiding bright screens before bed. This app routine is not a sleep treatment or an endorsement by NHLBI.
- Official Stress Relief app facts
Product information from the app maker. App descriptions are not independent clinical evidence.
Stress Relief is a wellness app. It is not a medical device, does not diagnose or treat any condition, and is not a substitute for professional care. If you are struggling, please talk to a qualified professional.