Apps to help children sleep

A parent asked me today for resources to help her third grader get to sleep. She explained that since school started each night has gotten worse. After listening to what they had already tried, I gave her my usual recommendations and asked if she also wanted to consider using an app or two to see if one might help. I use a few myself when I have trouble winding down.
Establishing a relaxing routine for bedtime and avoiding exposure to bright light as the body prepares for sleep are important. Reading or being read to gives the child a chance to begin to relax and unwind (along with many other benefits). Some families have found that saying what they are grateful for or writing a gratitude journal entry ends the day on a positive note.
For those children who still have trouble relaxing and allowing sleep to take over, there are a variety of apps. The electronic device could be put on the floor under the bed so the light is not a problem. Children may respond to one of these type of apps: guided meditation, nature sounds or white noise, breathing practice, or relaxing yoga. Some of these are free and others cost less than $5.00.

Preschool – grade 1

Arabian Nights by Relax Kids

Enchanted Meditation

Sleepasaurus

Grades 2 and older

Sleep Meditations for Kids by Christiane Kerr

Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson

Sleep Genius

Smiling Mind

AmbiScience Sleep Aid for Children

Breathing Zone

Stop, Breathe & Think

Breathe2Relax

Relaxing Sounds of Nature Lite

Naturespace: Relax Meditate Focus Sleep and Relax

Nature Sounds Relax and Sleep

Yoga in Bed

I welcome additional suggestions.