Sleep apps: Are there any tools that can help me fall asleep?

A software app may be the best place to start. Most of these apps provide free trial periods so you can determine whether they are a good fit for you. Here are direct links to several apps that rate well in lists of the best sleep apps:

• Sleep Easily Meditations by Diviniti Publishing – a popular free app for iPhones and iPads that gently guides you through every step of the way to relax your whole body and mind. In-app purchases cost about $4 (USD).
• Sleepo: relaxing sounds by Relaxio is a free app for Android devices that offers a library of relaxing sounds, including those found in nature, city sounds and white noise.
• Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson is available for Apple and costs about $3 (USD). Deep Sleep uses step-by-step instructions to guide you in meditation and relaxation.

Here are meditation apps for Apple devices that you might want to explore:

• Calm provides guided meditations, “sleep stories,” breathing programs and relaxing music.
• Mindfulness Coach was developed for people who may be experiencing emotional distress and for those wanting to maintain healthy coping practices.

For those using Android devices, here are direct links to a couple of meditation apps:

• Headspace provides guided meditation and mindfulness activities.
• Aware – Mindfulness Meditation gradually teaches skills to reduce anxiety and stress.

You might also want to explore sound generation machines:

• LectroFan Noise & Fan Machine (at BestBuy) offers 20 different sounds, precise volume control, and the convenience of a built-in timer with 60, 120, and 180-minute settings. The product costs around $50 (CDN).
• LectroFan Micro2 Bluetooth Sleep Machine (at Amazon Canada) is a portable noise machine; however, it requires a connection to a smartphone. It has 11 built-in, non-repeating digital sounds, including five fan sounds, four white, pink, and brown noise variations, and two ocean surf sounds. The product costs around $50 (CDN).
• Dohm Classic Natural Sound Machine (at yogasleep.com) is a fan-based natural white noise machine with two-speed options for adjustable tone and volume. The product costs around $50 (USD), plus additional shipping costs. Dohm has been developing sound machines since 1962.
• HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine (at Amazon Canada) has seven digitally recorded sounds: White noise, thunder, ocean, rain, summer Night, and brook. The product costs $25 to $30 (CDN), plus additional import and shipping fees.