FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SomniCue and TMR. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.
How It Works
What is Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR)?
TMR is a neuroscience technique that uses sensory cues during sleep to strengthen specific memories. During the day, you tag what matters — a study session, a therapy insight, a clean rep, a key meeting takeaway — by firing a cue at that moment. During deep sleep, the same cue replays at sub-awakening volume, triggering your brain to "replay" and consolidate those tagged memories. Backed by 90+ peer-reviewed studies.
Will the audio cues wake me up?
No. SomniCue plays cues at very low volumes during deep sleep (N3 stage) when your brain is receptive but unlikely to wake. The Smart Watch monitors your sleep stages and only delivers cues during safe windows. If movement is detected, cues pause automatically.
Is this the same as sleep hypnosis or playing lectures while sleeping?
No—those don't work and research proves it. Your brain tunes out continuous audio during sleep. TMR is different: it uses brief cues (not content) that were associated with learning during waking hours. These cues trigger memory reactivation, not new learning.
How long until I see results?
Most users report a noticeable difference within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. The key is pairing daytime tagging with overnight reinforcement. TMR enhances consolidation but doesn't replace the underlying activity — you still need to study, train, or process during the day. SomniCue makes that work stick.
Use Cases
Can SomniCue help with anxiety or emotional processing?
Your brain processes emotional memories during REM and slow-wave sleep — without direction, it often reinforces anxious patterns alongside breakthroughs. By tagging therapy insights, journaling moments, or grounded states with a cue, you give your sleeping brain a signal about which emotional memories to prioritize. SomniCue doesn't replace therapy; it amplifies the work you're already doing with a clinician.
Does SomniCue work for athletes and motor skills?
Yes. Motor memories consolidate heavily during deep sleep — multiple TMR studies have shown improved motor skill performance after cued sleep replay (e.g., piano sequences, finger-tapping tasks, complex movements). Tag a clean rep during practice, and your brain rehearses that movement overnight instead of cementing the bad reps. Useful for athletes, surgeons, musicians, and anyone training a precise motor skill.
Can SomniCue help with age-related memory decline?
Deep sleep declines roughly 2% per year after age 35, and that loss is a known driver of memory decline. SomniCue can't restore lost deep sleep, but it makes every minute of remaining deep sleep more productive — directing the consolidation of memories you actively want to keep. The earlier you start, the more your sleeping brain has to work with.
How is SomniCue different from a sleep tracker?
A sleep tracker tells you what your brain did. SomniCue tells your brain what to do. Trackers measure sleep stages and report metrics — useful, but passive. SomniCue actively directs your deep sleep activity by replaying sensory cues you tagged during the day. You can keep using your existing sleep tracker; SomniCue layers on top.
Can SomniCue make me more productive?
Productivity is a function of recall and clarity. SomniCue strengthens recall on what you tagged the previous day — meeting takeaways, problem-solving insights, complex concepts — so they're available to you in the morning instead of forgotten. You're not adding work; you're getting more out of the 8 hours you've been ignoring.
Devices & Setup
What do I need to use SomniCue?
Just a Smart Phone. The app works on its own with sound cues during study and manual sleep scheduling — no extra hardware needed. You can optionally add a Smart Watch (Series 6+) for automatic deep sleep detection, silent haptic cues, and the Flicker Trigger™ gesture. The Watch is optional and adds effectiveness.
Do I need an Smart Watch?
No — the app works without one. An Smart Watch (Series 6+ with watchOS 10+) enables automatic deep sleep detection so cues fire only during N3 slow-wave sleep, silent haptic cues that won't wake your partner, and the Flicker Trigger™ gesture for tagging key moments. Without a Watch, SomniCue uses manual scheduling to spread cues across your sleep window. It still works, but targeting is less precise.
How long does setup take?
About 5 minutes. Download the app, grant HealthKit permissions (if using Smart Watch), create your first study item, and you're ready. The Smart Watch app installs automatically if you have one paired.
Subscriptions & Pricing
How much does the app cost?
SomniCue Pro is $12.99/month or $99.99/year (save 36%). New users get a 7-day free trial.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. The free tier includes 3 study items, 2–3 active items per night, 2 cues per item, sound-only cues, and manual sleep scheduling. It's enough to try TMR and see if it works for you. Pro unlocks everything: unlimited items, HealthKit sleep detection, Flicker Trigger™, Smart Watch support, advanced analytics, and more.
What do I get with Pro?
Pro unlocks: unlimited study items, up to 5 active items per night, 2–5 cues per item, sound + haptic cues, HealthKit sleep detection, Flicker Trigger™, Smart Watch app, 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 types of memories does it work for?
TMR has been validated across declarative memory (facts, terminology, vocabulary), spatial memory (locations, maps), procedural memory (motor skills, sequences), and emotional memory. Whatever you tag during the day — a vocabulary list, a tennis serve, a therapy breakthrough, a meeting insight — your sleeping brain prioritizes consolidating it.
How many items should I tag per night?
Quality over quantity. We recommend 3-5 active items per night with Pro. Focus on what matters most rather than trying to reinforce everything. Too many items dilutes the effectiveness.
What is the Flicker Trigger™?
Flicker Trigger is our patent-pending gesture feature. During study, shake your wrist when you have an "aha moment" or encounter a difficult concept. This tags that moment for priority replay during sleep, creating stronger memory anchors. Requires Smart Watch and Pro.
Can I use SomniCue with Anki/Quizlet?
Absolutely! SomniCue complements flashcard apps. Use Anki or Quizlet for active recall during the day, then add your toughest cards to SomniCue for overnight reinforcement. They work great together.
Privacy & Data
How is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3). HealthKit sleep data is processed locally and never leaves your device. We never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
What HealthKit data do you access?
SomniCue only accesses sleep analysis data to detect sleep stages. We don't access heart rate, activity, or other health data. All HealthKit data is processed on-device and never uploaded to our servers.
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?
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