Latest news with #Headspace
CNBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Healthy Returns: What to know about the FDA's plan to speed up some drug reviews
The Food and Drug Administration proposed a dramatic expansion of its power to speed up drug reviews. The agency on Tuesday announced a new national priority voucher plan that aims to cut drug review times to one-to-two months for companies it says are supporting "U.S. national interests." Currently, the FDA has a deadline of 10 months after a company files a drug application to make an approval decision. That review period is shortened to six months if a company has been granted a priority review. "The ultimate goal is to bring more cures and meaningful treatments to the American public," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a release. The new voucher program is different from the FDA's existing efforts to speed up review processes. The plan is designed for companies to submit "the lion's share" of a drug application to the agency even before they have final results from a pivotal clinical trial, a process that Makary said would reduce inefficiencies. The FDA may also grant an accelerated approval to products in the new voucher program, which will include "enhanced" communication with companies while their application is under review. The agency said it may extend the review period if the application is particularly complex or if there is insufficient information to support it. In the first year of the program, the FDA plans to give a limited number of vouchers to companies aligned with what it called "national health priorities." That includes addressing a health crisis in the U.S., delivering "more innovative cures" to Americans, addressing unmet public health needs and "increasing domestic drug manufacturing as a national security issue." The criteria come as the Trump administration encourages the pharmaceutical industry to reshore drug manufacturing through executive orders and potential tariffs on medicines imported into the U.S. In a note on Tuesday, Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said the criteria are broad but appear to be positive for the pharmaceutical industry. The program could be more effective than tariffs at encouraging drugmakers to bring their manufacturing to the U.S. But questions remain about the risks of speeding up drug reviews to as little as 30 days – the fastest the FDA has ever done. Another potential concern is whether the vouchers will be offered to political allies of the Trump administration, which could include companies that the FDA staff would normally scrutinize. We'll be looking out for more information on the new plan, so stay tuned. Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Annika at Virtual mental health startup Headspace announced a new direct-to-consumer therapy service this week called Therapy by Headspace. It's new territory for the company, which has spent the last decade selling its product to employers and health plans. The new service is available to more than 90 million Americans through Headspace's 45 in-network partnerships with insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Headspace now can be your mental health companion, be there for the everyday, whether you need help with sleep, stress, anxiety or you need access to a therapist," Headspace CEO Tom Pickett told CNBC in New York City on Wednesday. "We've got it all, and we've got it in an insurance-backed way, so that we can hopefully make this really inexpensive for you." Pickett, who took on the chief executive role in August, said the new Therapy by Headspace service is part of his vision to round out the company's consumer offerings. Therapy by Headspace users can access one-on-one video sessions with licensed therapists, and most covered members will pay between $0 and $35 per session. If a user's insurance does not cover the offering, they have the option to pay $149 per session out of pocket. Headspace said it plans to add more in-network partners over time. Users will also get three months of access to the sleep, meditation and stress exercises on the Headspace app, as well as Ebb, an artificial intelligence chatbot that can converse and direct people to the best available content. Over time, Ebb will also help generate personalized care plans for each member, Headspace said. "We have not been fully serving the audience that we have, and so launching therapy to consumers made a lot of sense," Pickett said. Headspace, founded in 2010, has raised a total of more than $350 million from investors like Khosla Ventures, Kaiser Permanente Ventures and Cigna Ventures, according to PitchBook. Pickett said Headspace is "running neutral" and in "a very healthy economic position right now." In the near term, the company isn't looking to raise more capital, and is instead focused on building out its offerings and inking new partnerships. "The ultimate goal is really to become the 'Easy Button' in mental health," Pickett said. Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Ashley at
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
How Mobile Apps Are Reshaping the Modern Wellness Lifestyle
Wellness is no longer a weekend retreat or early morning yoga class luxury. It has become a daily pursuit, one that easily integrates into the rhythm of contemporary life. From journaling to meal tracking and guided meditations, wellness has transformed from analog routines to digital rituals. And at the center of this shift are mobile wellness apps. The last ten years have witnessed a paradigm shift in how individuals engage with their well-being, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Rather than taking hours out for self-care, users now use their smartphones to meditate between appointments, do a 15-minute bodyweight workout, or track sleep with a wearable connected to an app. What took six weeks a decade ago can now be done in the space of your hand. In this article, we'll explore how mobile wellness apps are reshaping the wellness lifestyle trends of today. From mindfulness to movement, and everything in between, we'll dive into the tools that are empowering individuals to take control of their well-being, anytime, anywhere. As digital health transformation continues to unfold, the future of wellness is looking smarter, more personalized, and more accessible than ever. While consumers swipe through meditation exercises or monitor their macros, Best Mobile App Development Companies are working behind the scenes to shape the tools that mark contemporary wellness. These companies act as the technical foundation, bringing health-driven concepts into intuitive digital experiences. Whether it's a meditation startup or an international fitness brand, developers collaborate with stakeholders to create secure, scalable, and intuitive apps. Their job is so much more than writing code—they assist brands in taking wellness objectives and turning them into compelling digital experiences. MindSea, TechAhead, and WillowTree are some of the companies that have established themselves as leaders in wellness app development, reputed for intuitive interfaces and HIPAA-compliant designs. These experts specialize across mental wellness, fitness, nutrition, and more. Contemporary well-being apps thrive on AI-driven personalization, real-time insights, and safe handling of data. Top developers bring these technologies responsibly to life—protecting privacy without losing performance. All these companies put together are not only creating apps—they're creating the future of self-care, experience by experience. Mindfulness apps such as Calm and Headspace have simplified the act of prioritizing mental health by providing short, guided meditation sessions to ease stress and increase concentration. The apps enable users to incorporate mindfulness into daily life on their schedule, easing anxiety and sleeping better, all independently. Along with meditation, mood tracking, and journaling apps like Daylio and Journey assist people in thinking about their feelings and monitoring mental health cycles over time. Some apps even grant access to online therapy support, providing a complete solution for mental well-being. With the increasing popularity of mobile mental health tools, they continue to enable people to control their emotional well-being. Nutrition and sleep are the pillars of good health, and smartphone apps are simplifying the process of maximizing both. Mobile apps such as MyFitnessPal and Yazio enable you to monitor food consumption, receive hydration reminders, and follow customized meal plans, which will keep you in check regarding your nutritional requirements. Eating nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, for a better immune system, can also boost overall health, making it essential to maintain a balanced diet. In the same way that sleep is paramount for health, these apps claim to monitor your sleeping habits through feedback that can improve your sleep quality and duration. Such apps are often synced with diet apps, showing you how your diet affects your sleep, for example: eating fruits full of vitamins will improve your sleep and immunity. Combined, sleep tracking and nutrition apps provide an end-to-end solution to wellness. They assist you in making better decisions about what you consume and how you sleep, resulting in a healthier and more rewarding wellness regimen. With these applications, you are able to complete the loop of your wellness experience and enhance both your mental and physical health. As wellness apps mature, AI and machine learning are transforming the way we go about our individual health and wellness. Here's a rundown of how they're driving the future: Providing tailored fitness regimens according to progress. Recommending meditation or breathing exercises according to states of mind. Monitoring sleep patterns and optimizing recommendations for improved rest. Real-time monitoring of physical activity, heart rate, and sleep. Tailored insights that adapt over time based on how users behave. An interconnected ecosystem where information from several devices is used to improve overall wellness. Emotional AI: Applications that recognize emotional signals and respond, offering relaxation techniques when appropriate. Applications that recognize emotional signals and respond, offering relaxation techniques when appropriate. Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive experiences for guided relaxation, movement, or fitness, making it seem even more connected and immersive. Immersive experiences for guided relaxation, movement, or fitness, making it seem even more connected and immersive. Accuracy suggestions: Data-driven, hyper-personalized wellness paths led by sophisticated analysis of data and ongoing user inputs. However, the apps also come with a host of challenges that warrant being addressed. One of the biggest issues is data privacy. Many such apps collect highly sensitive health-related information, and many of them are either not entirely transparent or attempt to obscure the means of storing or sharing that data, which is a significant red flag for potential issues with both compliance and trust. Next is the time-on-screen paradox. It would feel counterintuitive to use an app to de-stress or improve sleep if that means spending more time in front of the device. Users have to find a balance between digital tools for wellness and older methods that require stepping away from the computer entirely. Lastly, never-ending app fatigue is setting in, making it difficult to sift through what is genuinely helpful. Choosing resources that carry the weight of their credibility, that provide clear benefits for the user, and that have a user interface that encourages engagement will undoubtedly help tackle these common challenges in digital wellness. With several thousand choices available in the wellness apps market, the key question comes down to your choice of app. Not every app will fulfill your requirements or achieve your targets, and spending too much time in front of a screen will indeed do more harm. Conscious app selection is what matters most, and so use technology to support your lifestyle rather than demand it. Moving forward, wellness will be nurtured by intelligent and sleek technology. Together with the right app, in the right pocket, and the right vibe, the proper choices are yours to think about when considering 'health.' TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can AI offer the comfort of a therapist?
One evening, feeling overwhelmed, 24-year-old Delhi resident Nisha Popli typed, 'You're my psychiatrist now,' into ChatGPT. Since then, she's relied on the AI tool to process her thoughts and seek mental support. 'I started using it in late 2024, especially after I paused therapy due to costs. It's been a steady support for six months now,' says Popli. Similarly, a 30-year-old Mumbai lawyer, who uses ChatGPT for various tasks like checking recipes and drafting emails, turned to it for emotional support. 'The insights and help were surprisingly valuable. I chose ChatGPT because it's already a part of my routine.' With AI tools and apps available 24/7, many are turning to them for emotional support. 'More people are increasingly turning to AI tools for mental health support, tackling everything from general issues like dating and parenting to more specific concerns, such as sharing symptoms and seeking diagnoses,' says Dr Arti Shroff, a clinical psychologist. But what drives individuals to explore AI-generated solutions for mental health? WHY USERS ARE USING AI Therapy is expensive 'As someone who values independence, I found therapy financially difficult to sustain,' shares Popli, adding, 'That's when I turned to ChatGPT. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Illinois: Gov Will Cover Your Cost To Install Solar If You Live In These Zips SunValue Learn More Undo I needed a safe, judgment-free space to talk, vent, and process my thoughts. Surprisingly, this AI offered just that — with warmth, logic, and empathy. It felt like a quiet hand to hold.' People feel shy about in-person visits Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist, says, 'Many people often feel shy or hesitant about seeking in-person therapy. As a result, they turn to AI tools to express their feelings and sorrows, finding it easier to open up to chatbots. These tools are also useful in situations where accessing traditional therapy is difficult.' Nobody to talk to Kolkata-based Hena Ahmed, a user of the mental health app Headspace, says she started using it after experiencing loneliness. 'I've been using Headspace for about a month now. The AI tool in the app helps me with personalised suggestions on which mindfulness practices I should follow and which calming techniques can help me overcome my loneliness. I was feeling quite alone after undergoing surgery recently and extremely stressed while trying to manage everything. It was responsive and, to a certain extent, quite helpful,' she shares. Users see changes in themselves Mumbai-based 30-year-old corporate lawyer says, 'ChatGPT offers quick solutions and acts as a reliable sounding board for my concerns. I appreciate the voice feature for instant responses. It helps create mental health plans, provides scenarios, and suggests approaches for tackling challenges effectively.' 'My panic attacks have become rare, my overthinking has reduced, and emotionally, I feel more grounded. AI didn't fix me, but it walked with me through tough days—and that's healing in itself,' expresses Popli. CAN AI REPLACE A THERAPIST? Dr Arti expresses, 'AI cannot replace a therapist. Often, AI can lead to incorrect diagnoses since it lacks the ability to assess you in person. In-person interactions provide valuable non-verbal cues that help therapists understand a person's personality and traits.' Echoing similar thoughts, Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist, says, 'AI can support mental health by offering helpful tools, but it shouldn't replace a therapist. Chatbots can aid healing, but for serious issues like depression, anxiety, or panic attacks, professional guidance remains essential for safe and effective treatment.' DO CHATBOTS EXPERIENCE STRESS? Researchers found that AI chatbots like ChatGPT-4 can show signs of stress, or 'state anxiety', when responding to trauma-related prompts. Using a recognised psychological tool, they measured how emotionally charged language affects AI, raising ethical questions about its design, especially for use in mental health settings. In another development, researchers at Dartmouth College are working to legitimise the use of AI in mental health care through Therabot, a chatbot designed to provide safe and reliable therapy. Early trials show positive results, with further studies planned to compare its performance with traditional therapy, highlighting AI's growing potential to support mental wellbeing. ARE USERS CONCERNED ABOUT DATA PRIVACY? While some users are reluctant to check whether the data they share during chats is secure, others cautiously approach it. Ahmed says she hasn't considered privacy: 'I haven't looked into the data security part, though. Moving forward, I'd like to check the terms and policies related to it.' In contrast, another user, Nisha, shares: 'I don't share sensitive identity data, and I'm cautious. I'd love to see more transparency in how AI tools safeguard emotional data.' The Mumbai-based lawyer adds, 'Aside from ChatGPT, we share data across other platforms. Our data is already prevalent online, whether through social media or email, so it doesn't concern me significantly.' Experts say most people aren't fully aware of security risks. There's a gap between what users assume is private and what these tools do. Pratim Mukherjee, senior director of engineering at McAfee, explains, 'Many mental health AI apps collect more than what you type—they track patterns, tone, usage, and emotional responses. This data may not stay private. Depending on the terms, your chat history could help train future versions or be shared externally. These tools may feel personal, but they gather data.' Even when users feel anonymous, these tools collect data like IP addresses, device type, and usage patterns. They store messages and uploads, which, when combined, can reveal personal patterns. This data can be used to create profiles for targeted content, ads, or even scams Pratim Mukherjee, senior director of engineering, McAfee Tips for protecting privacy with AI tools/apps - Understand the data the app collects and how it's used - Look for a clear privacy policy, opt-out options, and data deletion features - Avoid sharing location data or limit it to app usage only - Read reviews, check the developer, and avoid apps with vague promises What to watch for in mental health AI apps - Lack of transparency in data collection, storage, or sharing practices - Inability to delete your data - Requests for unnecessary permissions - Absence of independent security checks - Lack of clear information on how sensitive mental health data is used One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
CNET
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Funniest Memes From WWDC: What Even Was Happening With That Final Song?
Apple's World Wide Developers Conference, WWDC 2025, rolled out on Monday with a variety of tech news, captured in our live blog of the event. But aside from news about the company's naming changes and design overhauls, there are always moments that get just a little bit weird. How many times can company representatives say the words "Liquid Glass"? Did you expect it to end with a singer crooning app reviews to music, and also meowing? Viewers didn't even wait until the 90-minute event was over before crafting memes and jokes about it. Here are some of the best. Sing along with app reviews Let's start with the ending. Just when viewers thought WWDC was over, up popped a video of a sunglasses-clad man belting out app reviews set to music. What follows is almost like an SNL skit, but the singer is talented enough and the bit short enough to actually be entertaining. You can rewatch it at approximately the 1:32:25 mark of the WWDC video Apple posted on YouTube. "Best app I've ever set my sorry eyes upon," he begins, moving on to "I would tattoo the Headspace logo on myself," referring to the Headspace mental-health app. The lyrics also include the singer's literal singing of three clap hands emojis ("clap hands, clap hands, clap hands emooojiiis") and the almost poetic, "being a human is hard and this is helpful." He then stands up from the piano, takes the mic, and croons, "If this doesn't win best app of the year, I'll eat a shoe," rhyming it with, "I was glued to this game, like glue." But one of the best comments might be when he sings, "I love Hello Kitty, meoooow!" Memesters could've gone right ahead and mocked this bit for its sheer loopiness, but the singer really sold it, and social-media responses seemed positive. "OK, this part of the Apple WWDC Keynote stream is hysterical... singing the reviews of apps was awesome," wrote one BlueSky user. Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Said another, "I think it is a questionable choice but the man has a beautiful voice and really committed to the bit." And another person responded "Yep, 6 out of 5 stars for his dedication to the performance." Another said that seeing a review sung at WWDC was "not on my bingo card." Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Liquid what? Apple's Liquid Glass design concept was mentioned in nearly every segment of the event. One viewer summed up the event in just a few words. Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Some social-media users pointed out that Liquid Glass seemed awfully similar to the Apple user interface introduced back in 2000. Wrote one, "When I was young we called 'Liquid Glass' just 'Aqua.'" Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET And some were left wondering why Liquid Glass was such a big deal. Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Fix the second-phone-call issue Maybe WWDC should've polled Apple users on the changes they'd really like. Ever get a second call while you're talking on your iPhone and find yourself momentarily confused by the message that pops up? Some people wish Apple would just commit some time to fixing that language. Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Rotation request One person is still hoping for another useful feature, but was shut out once again. Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Time for Timoji Tim Cook, Apple CEO, is no Meryl Streep, and some viewers noticed his one-expression-fits-all look. Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNET Unimpressed And some viewers were just unimpressed by the entire event, with one person using the meme of Grandpa Simpson handing down wisdom to Bart and pals to explain it.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CBT-I works for '70% of patients' — the Headspace Sleep Advisor on therapy for insomnia
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 12% of US adults are diagnosed with chronic insomnia, a disorder that makes falling asleep and staying asleep difficult. While treatment for insomnia can include medication, more and more people are turning to CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). This form of therapy is designed to address the root factors contributing to insomnia, rather than just medicating symptoms. But how effective is it? We spoke to Dr Aric Prather, Sleep Advisor to wellness app Headspace, and the Director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Research Program at the University of California at San Francisco, to find out more following the launch of Headspace's new CBT-I sleep programme Finding Your Best Sleep. Here's what he told us... "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard empirically supported treatment for insomnia, and should be the first line treatment for individuals with insomnia before embarking on pharmacologic treatment," says Dr Aric. CBT-I also addresses the anxiety that develops with unpredictable sleep "Unlike hypnotic medication, CBT-I addresses the perpetuating factors that drive insomnia, and provides the patient with science-backed strategies to improve sleep by consolidating sleep and entraining their circadian rhythm. "CBT-I also addresses the anxiety that develops with unpredictable sleep by incorporating relaxation techniques and psychological strategies like cognitive restructuring. "The goal is to help patients better regulate their sleep, find some success in sleeping, and build confidence and resilience." "CBT-I focuses specifically on sleep and insomnia symptoms. Unlike other CBT therapies, CBT-I is heavily behavioral. We know quite a bit about what regulates our sleep biologically, so that's where we start. "Focusing on standardizing someone's wake up time, implementing stimulus control to reduce cognitive arousal in bed, and tracking sleep behavior via a sleep diary followed by restricting their time in bed to increase sleep consolidation can go a long way towards increasing the predictability at nighttime and reducing anxiety prior to and during the night." "CBT-I can certainly improve anxiety symptoms. In fact, several clinical trials demonstrate that individuals randomized to CBT-I show significant reductions in anxiety symptoms compared to those randomized to control conditions. "This isn't surprising given that poor sleep often leaves people more 'on edge' and anxious. Headspace also offers a guided program specifically for anxiety and depression, the CBT for Anxiety & Depression program, which incorporates CBT techniques specific to improving anxiety and depression symptoms. "The course has been shown to decrease anxiety & depression symptoms, improve sleep quality and positively impact mental health and wellbeing (results currently being prepared for peer review)." "Some people tend to benefit more from CBT-I than others, though much more research is needed to clarify these differences. There is little downside [to CBT-I], and it's likely to provide you with a greater sense of control over your sleep "There is some evidence that shorter sleepers with insomnia- those sleeping less than six hours, for example- may struggle with CBT-I more than longer sleepers. "This is likely because one of the active mechanisms for why CBT-I is effective is through time in bed restriction, which may not be as powerful in those already getting little sleep. "In my clinical experience, CBT-I may also be less effective in individuals with complex psychiatric or medical presentations. "In some cases there may be conditions or medications that are impacting sleep where CBT-I may not completely resolve the sleep concern." "While CBT-I remains the gold standard for treating insomnia, it isn't always accessible. Headspace's sleep course 'Finding Your Best Sleep' was created to expand low-cost access to effective sleep support. Unlike sleep medications, CBT-I does not carry any long term risk "The course expands access to proven sleep support by offering expert-led, self-guided sessions that can be completed anytime, anywhere. Included with a Headspace membership, it offers flexibility and affordability—removing common barriers to care. "The course has been clinically proven to improve insomnia after practicing just 10 minutes a day over the course of 18 days. "I hope that anyone who is struggling with insomnia will consider a trial of CBT-I in any way that is accessible to them. There is little downside, and is likely to provide you with a greater sense of control over your sleep experience. "Unlike sleep medications, CBT-I does not carry any long term risk. Moreover, the strategies learned through CBT-I can be useful well into the future and sleep changes as our lives unfold." "My suspicion is that stress and feelings of uncertainty are the most likely culprits of insomnia. For so many- too many- we feel like we are in a state of hypervigilance, and this results in nights of disturbed sleep. In turn, we often lack the emotional resources to deal with the stressors the following day, leading to yet another night of poor sleep. Thankfully, programs like CBT-I can help provide a roadmap to better regulate our sleep, and when coupled with stress management strategies, can help us cope with this stressful world." "First, I would say that they are not alone. In fact at least 30% of adults, if not more, are not getting adequate sleep. The second piece of advice is to take stock of your sleep life. Is it that you are getting sleep but don't feel refreshed? At least 30% of adults, if not more, are not getting adequate sleep "Is something disrupting your sleep? Are you so pressed for time that you are not giving yourself enough opportunity? The answer to these questions will lead to different solutions. "If you are worried about your sleep, the first step could be to talk to your doctor to make sure that you don't have a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, disrupting your sleep. "If not and you're looking for a personalised approach, consider trying CBT-I through a sleep specialist, I always suggest that people explore the Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine directory to find someone in their region."
