What's better for sleep — guided meditation or just background sounds?

It depends on your mind. Guided meditation works better if your thoughts are the problem — the guidance gives your mind something to follow instead of spiraling. Background sounds (rain, white noise) work better if you’re physically restless but mentally calm — they mask environmental noise and create a consistent auditory environment. Some people need guided meditation to get to a calm state, then switch to background sounds for falling asleep. StillMind lets you start with guided wind-down meditation and transition to ambient sounds as you get drowsy.