Many people struggle with compulsive late-night phone use that disrupts their sleep, yet still need basic functionality like receiving important calls. Current solutions tend to be either too restrictive (completely blocking phone access) or too lenient (relying solely on willpower). There appears to be a gap for a system that enforces healthy digital boundaries while preserving essential communication capabilities.

A Balanced Approach to Digital Sunset

One way to address this could be through a time-based phone locking system with call exceptions. Users might set specific windows (like 11pm-7am) where most phone functions would be disabled, while still allowing incoming and outgoing calls. This could help establish healthy sleep routines without completely cutting off emergency communication channels.

Key features might include:

• Customizable schedules for locking/unlocking
• Whitelisting for calls and potentially other critical functions
• Optional gradual wind-down periods with reduced functionality
• Reliable but inconvenient emergency overrides

Implementation Pathways

For initial testing, this could be developed as a standalone iOS app using existing Screen Time APIs, focusing first on basic time-based locking with call exceptions. If validated, future enhancements might include:

• Native operating system integration
• Advanced sleep pattern analytics
• Family sharing features for parental controls
• Integration with sleep tracking devices

Differentiation from Existing Solutions

Unlike current options that either completely block access or just make phones less appealing, this approach would combine enforced restrictions with preserved call functionality. For example, while iOS Screen Time doesn't allow call exceptions during downtime, and apps like Freedom take an all-or-nothing approach, this system could offer a practical middle path specifically designed for sleep-focused digital wellbeing.

This concept appears particularly relevant for sleep-deprived individuals, parents managing teen device use, and professionals needing after-hours disconnection while remaining reachable - all groups that recognize the value of digital boundaries but struggle with self-regulation.