FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about SomniCue and Targeted Memory Reactivation. Don't see what you need? Contact us.
How it works
What is Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR)?
TMR is a sleep neuroscience technique. A cue paired with an activity while awake, then replayed during sleep, can strengthen the associated memory. In SomniCue: you create an Item with one Cue, run Sessions while awake, then run a Sleep Session at night. The same Cue plays during both. Decades of peer-reviewed research support the core finding.
Will the Cue wake me up?
The Cue plays at a low volume during a Sleep Session, low enough to avoid waking you. The research is built around this constraint: if the Cue wakes you, the effect is lost.
Is this the same as sleep hypnosis or playing lectures while sleeping?
No. The brain tunes out continuous audio during sleep. TMR is different. The Cue is brief, and it was associated with an awake activity through repeated exposure. The Cue reactivates that pairing during sleep. It does not deliver new content.
How long until I see results?
TMR supports the activity you are already doing. You still run the awake Session. The Sleep Session reinforces what was practiced. Most users build a habit over a couple of weeks of consistent use.
Use Cases
Can SomniCue support emotional reinforcement work?
The Reframe Thoughts and Calm Anxiety Categories are for users doing emotional reinforcement work, often alongside therapy. You pair a Cue with a reframe or a calming practice you have rehearsed while awake. The Sleep Session replays the same Cue. SomniCue does not treat anxiety or any condition. It supports the work you are doing with a clinician.
Does TMR work for motor skills?
TMR research has covered motor learning tasks (piano sequences, finger-tapping tasks, complex movements) as well as declarative memory. The mechanism is the same: a Cue paired with the practice while awake, replayed during sleep.
Is TMR useful at any age?
TMR has been studied across age groups. SomniCue does not claim to restore sleep architecture or reverse age-related changes. It pairs a Cue with the activity you are already doing, and replays that Cue during sleep.
How is SomniCue different from a sleep tracker?
A sleep tracker measures sleep stages and reports metrics. SomniCue is built around a different job: pairing a Cue with an awake activity, then replaying that Cue during sleep to reinforce the pairing. You can use both.
Can I use SomniCue for work material?
Yes. The Learn & Remember Category covers work material, study, language practice, and professional learning. Create an Item, run Sessions while you review or practice, run a Sleep Session at night.
Devices & Setup
What do I need to use SomniCue?
An iPhone running iOS 17 or later. The app handles the awake Session and the Sleep Session. No extra hardware required. Android support is on the roadmap.
How long does setup take?
About 5 minutes. Download the app, create your first Item, pick a Cue, and run a Session. Then run a Sleep Session at night.
Subscriptions & Pricing
How much does the app cost?
SomniCue Pro is $4.99/month or $39.99/year (save 33%). New users get a 7-day free trial.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. The free tier covers 2 Items, 4 Cues, 8 Cue plays per Sleep Session, and Sleep Sessions in Nap or Tonight mode. It is enough to try the full TMR loop. Pro adds unlimited Items, the full Cue library, advanced analytics, and cloud sync.
What do I get with Pro?
Unlimited Items, the full Cue library, unlimited Cue plays per Sleep Session, all four Categories, per-Item history, advanced analytics, and cloud sync.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime through your Phone's Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions → SomniCue. Your Pro features remain active until the end of your current billing period.
Using SomniCue
What kinds of activities can I pair with a Cue?
TMR research has covered declarative memory (facts, vocabulary), spatial memory, procedural memory (motor skills, sequences), and emotional memory. The Categories cover the common framings: Learn & Remember for study and language, Reframe Thoughts and Calm Anxiety for emotional reinforcement work, Build Confidence for self-concept and practiced behavior.
How many Items should I keep active?
Quality over quantity. A few Items, each with one clear Cue, is more useful than many overlapping Items. One Item can have many Sessions and Sleep Sessions over time.
What are the four Categories?
Learn & Remember, Reframe Thoughts, Calm Anxiety, and Build Confidence. They are framings of one mechanism, not separate features. The underlying TMR loop is the same in all four. Categories exist so the app can meet you where your intent already is.
Can I use SomniCue with Anki, Quizlet, or other apps?
Yes. SomniCue complements flashcard and study apps. Use them for active recall during the day, then run a SomniCue Session in the background. Run a Sleep Session at night for the same Cue.
Privacy & Data
How is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3). We never sell your data and we never access HealthKit or other health data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Do you access any health data?
No. SomniCue runs entirely on sleep windows you set yourself — we don't read HealthKit, heart rate, activity, or any other health data. Your data stays in the app.
Can I delete my data?
Yes. You can delete your account and all associated data from Settings → Account → Delete Account. Data is permanently removed within 30 days. You can also export your data before deletion.
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Support