Focus, relax, sleep: The science of sound and music
Put on your lab coat, and let’s deep-dive into the science!
Endel takes the scientific understanding of sound and brings it to you using patented AI technology.
The result is real-time, personalized soundscapes, designed to help you focus, sleep, and relax.
Focus
Endel’s Focus soundscapes support your productivity throughout the day, adjusting to your energy levels in its sound character and intensity. It’s designed to keep you feeling, calm, concentrated, and in a state of flow.
Steady beat, steady mind
The effects of beats on humans has been utilized for centuries, but now there’s scientific data³ that proves that a regular beat can help humans to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. It’s also the basis for all of Endel’s productivity soundscapes.
Stimulating, but never distracting
Endel Focus is designed to shift your mind into a state of focus. While regular music can be distracting, Endel uses carefully balanced arrangements that stimulate concentration without pulling you away from the task at hand.
Following your productivity cycles
Humans aren’t meant to work non-stop. Your body’s energy cycle, known as the Circadian Rhythm, naturally waves between periods of productivity and rest. Endel supports this with evolving sound intensity, depending on your current energy cycle.
Finding your ‘Flow State’
Flow is a concept introduced by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, psychologist and author of best-selling book ‘Flow’. He defined Flow as a state of mind in which a person is fully absorbed in and focused on an activity, leading to increased creativity, productivity, and well-being.
It is the calm, focused state of mind familiar to ballerinas, scientists, potters, and all of us who get carried away while doing our thing.
Endel’s Focus soundscape has been designed with the Flow concept as its backbone, based on the ideas of Dr. Csikszentmihalyi.
Personalized sounds beat playlists and silence
Endel’s Focus soundscape has been scientifically validated⁴ with a peer-reviewed study in 2022. It conclusively showed that Focus allows for and ×7 better, more consistent focus than productivity music playlists and working in silence.
The study, conducted by Arctop, measured participants engagement with a range of activities using cutting-edge brainwave-scanning technology. It compared their focus level with activities such as working, reading, or watching a video. It found that listening to personalized soundscapes while working increased concentration, compared with focus-themed playlists or silence.
Focusing with ADD/ADHD
Sound has been shown to be an effective tool in managing symptoms of Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)⁵. Endel’s unique soundscapes can help people focus and reduce distractions. It is non-invasive, and has no known side effects, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking to manage their ADD/ADHD symptoms.
We’re open to collaboration with scientific institutions who can help us gather scientific data on how Endel’s Focus help mitigate the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Please drop us a line if you’re interested in involving Endel in your ADD/ADHD-related research.
People living with ADD/ADHD confirm that Endel has improved their quality of life
Dr RTL
★★★★★
Most Frequently Used App
As a professor, an author, and a consultant, maintaining balance and focus are key to me. A full night sleeping is pretty important, too. I find myself using this app multiple times throughout the day to help with my productivity and at night to help with peaceful sleeping. It has become an critical component for helping maintain my productivity levels.
Dakoda88
★★★★★
I have never write a review and felt compelled to tell you this app is incredible. After the first two nights of sleeping with Endel I woke up more calm and remained that way for a lot of the day. The hibernation setting is great for chilling at night before bed. Then switch to the sleep setting. It is really weird to me that this is able to have such an impact on my actual life just using sound. 🤩
wanbunga
★★★★★
Helps with my ADHD brain and insomnia
All I can say is - wow. I used the app for the first time last night after really struggling to sleep, saw the ad and downloaded it (I usually ignore ads but for some reason the ad on this app really caught my pique). I love how minimal but unique the application is. The moving patterns are beautiful as well. I managed to sleep immediately yesterday and I actually played it throughout the night and had a wonderful night sleep. It helped calm my racing thoughts at night and I was surprised at how easy it was to fall asleep.
Svtton W
★★★★★
Highly skeptical, made me a believer
I am highly skeptical of anything making claims like this app does, but I tried it and I'm actually blown away to the point where I HAD to leave a review, which I almost never do. I thought best case scenario it may help with my sleep but I was sure it would be minimal or the difference wouldn't be noticeable, but both me and my girl have used it falling asleep for a couple nights in a row now, and all I can say is wow. Fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, wake up feeling GREAT, and the difference we have felt is truly measurable and more than noticeable, it's profound. Well done
Grzgrzgrx
★★★★★
It's like your drawn to sleep by some magical spell, that you cannot resist.
Dakoda88
★★★★★
After the first two nights of sleeping with Endel I woke up more calm and remained that way for a lot of the day.
bookworm101254
★★★★★
What's wrong with it?
I have always had a hard time sleeping, and with me being anemic it makes it harder, and the first time I tried this I had such a good night of sleep! I woke up even before my alarm! I recommend it to anyone and everyone! This app works miracles!
biz/study-guy
★★★★★
Perfect sleep sound
The sleep sound is perfect. Sleep sounds never work for me, they always end up being more of a distraction. This however is perfect. It starts with a gentle tune to que your brain to relax then proceeds to a very soft white noise—loud enough to break the silence but quiet enough that you don't notice it. It's quite remarkable. My seven year old daughter also sleeps better with this. I highly recommend it for this feature alone. But the Move soundscape is also quite incredible—great for walks when you need to get yourself grounded and centered.
Vonnie&elissaMyfamilyis
★★★★★
I have major Sleeping issues but I got Endel. It really helps Me a lot!
Daniel S. Naranjo
★★★★★
My sleep has improved. Even my dreams. I use the free version and can't complain about anything. Love the interface and the sound transitions from scenario to scenario.
PandaBear226
★★★★★
Must have for ADD/ADHD
I initially got this for background noise while working but now it's one of my most used apps. If you have ADD you know the struggle of hating silence but also finding most music/podcasts to be too distracting or hard to listen to. I used to listen to classical music but this is SO much better - just set it and forget it and it's so peaceful and pleasant to have in the background. Now I use it to sleep, alarm wake up, chores, my morning/evening commute - I recommended it to my therapist and she loved it so much she is now recommending to her other patients! Can't thank the developers enough, it's worth every penny!
moonpop
★★★★★
I am addicted. Can't sleep right without it.
bookworm101254
★★★★★
I have always had a hard time sleeping, and with me being anemic it makes it harder, and the first time I tried this I had such a good night of sleep! I woke up even before my alarm! I recommend it to anyone and everyone! This app works miracles!
VelvetBlackShow
★★★★★
I'm speechless
I'm diagnosed with borderline insomnia major depression etc Nothing really helps me to relax focus clear my mind or sleep. But this app is making me more than happy. I'm so grateful thank you so much guys!!
OTG Sound
★★★★★
Wicked Awesome!
I did a trial about 6 months ago and totally lost it in a good way! I was previously having a lot of trouble calming the mind and sleeping. I have also been diagnosed with Bi-Polar, ADHD and PTSD. Sleeping has been a struggle on and off over the years with some more severe phases. I am currently feeeling pretty good and Endel has been one of the many tools in my holistic healing tool box. About 5 months ago I purchased the lifetime membership and I highly recomend it! This is also and maybe even more so amazing for focus!
Izzabetta
★★★★★
Best sleep ever
I have never taken the time to write a review until now. Endel is a life changer. The sounds are so soothing and can put me in the most relaxed state and help me fall asleep so quickly and easily. I recommend this app all the time to people, especially ones who find falling asleep difficult. Thank you, Endel, I truly love you <3
Catbrain1951
★★★★★
As a professional in Applied Neuroscience for 35 years, I feel qualified to describe this as one of, hopefully, many based neuroscience based apps in the future.
PeterOng
★★★★★
This app has been life changing for me, helping me sleep better since I found it.
grzgrzgrx
★★★★★
Sleep Soundscape is out of this world
The app is worth it solely of off sleep and there's so much more aside from relax in my opinion. Like I said seep is next level, never have I felt anything like it. It's like your drawn to sleep by some magical spell, that you cannot resist.
nickn15
★★★★★
I got the app with the intent to help my newborn son sleep. Nothing had worked for my son; rain, wind, waterfall, heartbeat and ocean sounds, white, purple, and brown noise, and shushing. I believe the main reason was all the sounds are a repeating loop of some sort. Endel instead tweaks the soundscapes ever so little based on their AI model. This is the part I like about this app.
DogRaptor87
★★★★★
I absolutely love this app I've been using this app for the last 5 years, to help me get better sleep at night. The more they improve this app, the more I love it. “AI lullaby sets me off to sleep with gentle, soothing tones that help blend the background noise into something a little softer. It's my most used app, and my most important app. Thanks Endel :)
wanbunga
★★★★★
Helps with my ADHD brain and insomnia
All I can say is - wow. I used the app for the first time last night after really struggling to sleep, saw the ad and downloaded it (I usually ignore ads but for some reason the ad on this app really caught my pique). I love how minimal but unique the application is. The moving patterns are beautiful as well. I managed to sleep immediately yesterday and I actually played it throughout the night and had a wonderful night sleep. It helped calm my racing thoughts at night and I was surprised at how easy it was to fall asleep.
ondrasekcoufal
★★★★★
It actually works!
Really helping me fall asleep, however you need to pay for membership to unlock full features.
Ticktick is best
★★★★★
I have searched a lot of focusing musics and apps but when I found this app. It had help me to focus more what I am doing. A huge thanks for creating a masterpiece
_Daniel S. Naranjo_
★★★★★
My sleep has improved. Even my dreams.
Christina11414
★★★★★
Power nap
I love to take a nap with the power nap music. It makes me feel fully recharged after waking me from a nap!
mvainste
★★★★★
Saved me
I couldn't sleep, could eat or relax. I was super anxious, triggered by a bad experience a few days ago. This saved me. I go to sleep with the “sleep” mode in my AirPods, I relax with the “relax” mode doing sudokus. I'm just super thankful. It delivers what it says it does.
Lydea Dumbdogs on fortnite
★★★★★
Great sleep
the sleep feature gets me sleeping in under 10 minutes. You can also use it with the app unopen and when your on a call. Love it !
skwidney
★★★★★
EVERY SINGLE DAY
I use this app every day. I have tinnitus like a level 8 out of 10, fortunately I manage it mentally pretty well and Endel definitely help. I use Sleep function literally every single night. 365 days a year. I cannot sleep without it. I also use other soundscapes for working on reports, yoga, and walking. I wish I could buy the app and not have a subscription tho.
Everyteardropisawaterfall
★★★★★
I never write reviews- you need to read this to believe it.
I have a chaotic life. I’m also very adhd (medicated for almost eleven years). This app is running almost all day for me. Always got my air pods in or have it running on my iPad or smart speaker at work. I have small kids and getting them to bed is intense. I don’t use this app for them because they don’t have speakers in their rooms - but we recently got a puppy. He’s been crying ALL night and sleeping ALL day for the last week. We’ve done all the things. This evening I decided to put some aI lullaby on for him- he’s sleeping and I’m not shutting it off at night ever. Endel. You finally got my puppy to sleep. THANKYOU. now I shall stream on my own device so I too, can sleep.
Rasha-tan
★★★★★
I never write reviews- you need to read this to believe it.
It's the first app I have preferred to dead silence for sleeping.
Sleep
Created in collaboration with SleepScore Labs and Dr. Roy Raymann, Endel’s Sleep sounds are scientifically designed to support you through all the phases of sleep.
Winding down
In order for your body to rest, the parasympathetic nervous system⁶ needs to be activated. Endel’s Wind Down soundscape, co-created with James Blake, is specifically designed to lower your cortisol levels and prepare you for bedtime.
Sleep activation
If you’ve ever suffered from insomnia, or even just had a sleepless night, you’ll know how the precise moment of transitioning to sleep can be a problem. To help, Endel’s Sleep soundscape uses a Pavlovian-like sound effect⁷ to send a go-to-bed message to your brain, making falling asleep easier with regular use.
Drifting off
This is where your body enters the state of sleep. Endel supports this phase with sleep-inducing sounds of rolling waves that smoothly guide you to deep sleep⁸. This phase is called “sleep onset”, and it lasts about 30 minutes, around the average time that it takes humans to fall asleep⁹.
Deep sleep
This is where your body truly rests. It’s essential to reach this phase, and stay undisturbed, in order to feel fully rested the next day. Endel keeps you in this state using colored noises that promote better sleep¹⁰ and filter out external sounds that might disturb you. The latter effect is known as ‘sound masking’¹¹.
Researching the power of sleep sounds
In 2023 Endel’s Sleep is being used in a research on the sleep-promoting properties of sound, commissioned by Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS), the European Commission's research and innovation initiative.
Relax
The ethereal, ambient sounds of Relax are beautifully restorative – and there’s science¹² behind that, too. It’s designed to help you to slow down and feel grounded.
Winding down
What you do before bedtime is just as important as when you’re in bed. In order for your body to rest, the parasympathetic nervous system⁶ needs to be activated. Endel’s Wind Down soundscape, co-created with James Blake, is specifically designed to lower your cortisol levels and prepare you for bedtime.
Simple sounds for complex minds
Endel’s Relax soundscapes make use of simple sound structures that are easy for your brain to process. This helps to detangling your mind from the stresses of the day, reduce brain fatigue, and lower cortisol levels¹³.
Relaxing, naturally
Many of Endel’s soundscapes for relaxation draw from the calming presence of nature¹⁴. These natural sounds are scientifically proven to have a calming effect¹⁵, help evoke specific feelings of cozy. This effect is likely a product of these sounds being wired to our past experiences and memories.
Unlike music, Endel is designed to restore, not entertain. No artistic statement here, just an endlessly adapting backdrop to better your mental state.
Underpinned by the science of biological rhythms
Circadian rhythms are our internal 24-hour biological clocks¹⁸ that regulate processes in the body, including sleep, mood, and alertness.
Disruptions to our circadian rhythms, such as those caused by work schedules, travel, or exposure to artificial light¹⁹, can have negative impacts on our well-being²⁰, including increased stress, insomnia, and decreased productivity.
Endel soundscapes are designed to realign your cycles of rest and productivity to your circadian rhythm.
Generated in real time
All Endel sounds are generated using our proprietary, patented AI engine — Endel Pacific. This is how we get our soundscapes to be personalized to your inputs at all times, and endless — always there for you without disruption.
Footnotes
- Relaxing music prevents stress-induced increases in subjective anxiety, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate in healthy males and females. W E Knight , N S Rickard PhD (2001)1
- The effect of music on the human stress response. Myriam V Thoma 1, Roberto La Marca, Rebecca Brönnimann, Linda Finkel, Ulrike Ehlert, Urs M Nater (2013)2
- Human Brain Basis of Musical Rhythm Perception: Common and Distinct Neural Substrates for Meter, Tempo, and Pattern. Michael H. Thaut, Pietro Davide Trimarchi, and Lawrence M. Parsons (2014)3
- Measuring and Modeling the Effect of Audio on Human Focus in Everyday Environments Using Brain-Computer Interface Technology. Aia Haruvi, Ronen Kopito, Noa Brande-Eilat, Shai Kalev, Eitan Kay and Daniel Furman (2022)4
- The Effects of White Noise on Attentional Performance and On-Task Behaviors in Preschoolers with ADHD. Hung-Yu Lin, Giuseppe Curcio, Academic Editor and Paul B. Tchounwou (2022)5
- Sleep and Circadian Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. Massimiliano de Zambotti, Fiona C Baker (2021)6
- Broadband Sound Administration Improves Sleep Onset Latency in Healthy Subjects in a Model of Transient Insomnia. Ludovico Messineo, Luigi Taranto-Montemurro, Scott A. Sands, Melania D. Oliveira Marques, Ali Azabarzin, and David Andrew Wellman (2017)7
- Broadband Sound Administration Improves Sleep Onset Latency in Healthy Subjects in a Model of Transient Insomnia. Ludovico Messineo, Luigi Taranto Montemurro, Scott Sands, Melania Marques (2017)8
- Meta-analysis of quantitative sleep parameters from childhood to old age in healthy individuals: developing normative sleep values across the human lifespan. Maurice M Ohayon, Mary A Carskadon, Christian Guilleminault, Michael V Vitiello (2004)9
- Pink noise: Effect on complexity synchronization of brain activity and sleep consolidation. Junhong Zhou, Dongdong Liu, Xin Li, Jing Ma, Jue Zhang, Jing Fang (2012)10
- Sleep deepening effect of steady pink noise. S. Suzuki, T. Kawada, M. Agawa, S. Aoki (1991)11
- The restorative potential of soundscapes: A physiological investigation. Oleg Medvedev, Daniel Shepherd, Michael J. Hautus (2015)12
- Relaxing music prevents stress-induced increases in subjective anxiety, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate in healthy males and females. W E Knight , N S Rickard PhD (2001)13
- Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest and Urban Sounds Using High-Resolution Sound Sources. Hyunju Jo, Chorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Seiya Enomoto, Hiromitsu Kobayashi, and Yoshifumi Miyazaki (2019)14
- Stress Recovery during Exposure to Nature Sound and Environmental Noise. Jesper J Alvarsson, Stefan Wiens, Mats E Nilsson (2010)15
- The effect of music on decreasing arousal due to stress: a meta-analysis. Cori L Pelletier (2004)16
- The History of Musical Instruments. Curt Sachs (1940)17
- Stability, precision, and near-24-hour period of the human circadian pacemaker. C A Czeisler, J F Duffy, T L Shanahan, E N Brown, J F Mitchell, D W Rimmer, J M Ronda, E J Silva, J S Allan, J S Emens, D J Dijk, R E Kronauer (1999)18
- Effect of Light on Human Circadian Physiology Jeanne F. Duffy, M.B.A., Ph.D., Charles A. Czeisler, Ph.D., M.D. (2010)19
- Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of circadian misalignment. Frank A J L Scheer, Michael F Hilton, Christos S Mantzoros, Steven A Shea (2009)20