Scott Alexander summarizes reader comments about CBT-i apps, their effectiveness, pricing challenges, and FDA regulation. Longer summary

This post highlights key comments from readers on the topic of CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia) apps. Scott Alexander summarizes several lower-cost CBT-i apps that readers pointed out, including Night Owl, Sleepedy, and Dozy. He also mentions a highly recommended CBT-i book. The post then addresses questions about the effectiveness of CBT-i, citing studies that show it works as well as or better than medications. Finally, it discusses challenges in the app economy, FDA regulation of health apps, and includes insights from experts in the field. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander criticizes the emergence of expensive, prescription-only therapy apps, using Somryst (a CBT-i app) as an example, and warns about the normalization of this trend. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the emergence of prescription-only apps, focusing on Somryst, a CBT-i app for insomnia. He criticizes the high cost ($899) and prescription requirement, arguing that it defeats the purpose of making therapy more accessible. The post explains how the US healthcare system incentivizes this model, comparing it to prescription fish oil. Scott expresses disappointment in the lack of affordable alternatives and warns that this trend might become normalized, urging readers to act while they still feel outraged by it. Shorter summary