Stellar Sleep app secures funding in pursuit of tackling chronic insomnia | TechCrunch

Image Credits: Stellar Sleep
Stellar Sleep, a startup offering a cutting-edge digital tool for managing chronic insomnia, has secured $6 million in seed funding.
In the U.S. alone, poor sleeping patterns not only have a substantial economic impact in the hundreds of billions of dollars, but can also lead to health issues such as heart disease and depression.
While there are numerous apps and devices available to help people track and monitor their sleep, Stellar Sleep co-founders George Wang and Edrei Chua argue that most of these are designed for individuals with occasional sleep problems, not for those suffering from chronic insomnia, characterized by experiencing sleep problems three or more nights per week for over three months.
Both Wang and Chua personally experience chronic insomnia and were informed that it would take six months to a year to be seen by a sleep clinician. Consequently, they took matters into their own hands and delved into sleep therapy, a psychology-based approach that addresses the underlying reasons for insomnia.
Chua stated, “The primary treatment approach should be psychological. However, patients are often presented with the option of prescription drugs or a six-month long waitlist. Furthermore, much of the medication is not suitable for long-term use and does not address the root cause of the problem.”
The Stellar Sleep mobile app utilizes this method to assist users in breaking the cycle of recurring sleepless nights. An evaluation of 500 users determined the app to be 50% more effective than sleeping pills at helping individuals relearn how to sleep well.
Here’s how it operates: Users download the app, create an account, and complete an initial assessment to provide Stellar Sleep with a comprehensive understanding of their sleep issues. The app integrates various techniques, including cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing.
The subscription for the app is priced at $60 per month and users have the option to connect their wearable devices. Stellar Sleep then develops a tailored, interactive program that guides users on a daily basis to relearn proper sleeping habits. The program adapts and offers additional personalization based on users’ sleep statistics.
This recent funding marks the first institutional support for Stellar Sleep, led by Initialized Capital with contributions from Y Combinator, Lombardstreet Ventures, Switch Ventures, Moonfire Ventures, Scrum Ventures, 8vdx, and Goodwater.
Wang and Chua plan to utilize the new funds to expand the array of content and coursework available on the app. They also aim to increase their network of clinician partnerships to gain insight into their practices and patients, with the goal of providing further personalization in the user experience.
“We are dedicated to enhancing our product to ensure that we can assist individuals dealing with chronic insomnia, regardless of the cause or their current circumstances,” Wang commented. “Our objective is also to extend the reach of this program to as many people as possible and to strengthen the distribution aspect of our operations.”

Author: OpenAI