SleepLess for Mac

Used SleepLess for Mac?

SleepLess Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

SleepLess is a trial version application designed for Mac users, focusing on enhancing the sleep settings of the system. This utility provides a user-friendly interface that allows users to manage their Mac's sleep behavior effectively. Key features include customizable sleep timers, options to prevent sleep during specific tasks, and detailed sleep logs to monitor usage patterns.

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The application aims to improve user productivity by offering control over sleep settings that may interfere with work or leisure activities. SleepLess is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently run processes that require their system to remain awake or for those who wish to optimize power consumption. With its straightforward functionality, SleepLess serves as a valuable tool for managing Mac sleep configurations.

SleepLess for Mac

Used SleepLess for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: March 23, 2016

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 2.9

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

OS X 10.8
Mac OS X
OS X 10.10
OS X 10.11
OS X 10.9

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 12,035

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4/5

9 User Votes

Absolutely Perfect! MacBook Air now my iPad/iPhone
airUserNovember 9, 2010
Pros
works as described. I close the lid on my new MacBook Air and network services are not interrupted and programs continue to run. Yahoo Messenger, Skype work while the computer is closed.
Cons
no cons as of yet. because new MB Airs are underclocked I don't anticipate heat issues even with computer running in briefcase. I will report in another review if heat becomes a problem.
Summary
Bottom line is Apple is coming up with some really great productivity tools...their latest MB Air shows lots of promise though Apple decided to not let its users have complete control over their devices' sleeping habits. I use Skype (have an incoming number) and Yahoo Messenger on the iPad, however until you can print on a shared printer on a windows network using the device (ie join a wireless network, enter ip address of shared printer, and have print drivers installed), it will remain a child's toy. With all the hype comparing new MB Airs to iPad (they ARE after all similar in size and portability), Apple didn't design MB Air to be an iPad killer. Sleepless completes Apple's engineering task by allowing one to disable sleep upon closing the lid. Presto, as long as you have wireless (vis a vie something like the $40 unlimited Virgin Mobile Mifi 2200 :), you can receive messages and incoming calls while carrying around the MB Air. Bye bye iPad!
Cool but..
lokitekNovember 27, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Downloaded this for the first time - I'm not getting the fact that you can turn the feature on and off? It seems that the only thing it works on are the preferences, which doesn't matter anyway as those can be changed through the energy saver. The only part that really works is checking and unchecking the sleep on close lid functionality - I'd like for this to be an option only when I turn sleepless on - not when I check or uncheck it.. Anyone experienced it?
Doesn't work...
macaholicJanuary 5, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I read all previous comments, set all prefs correctly, and this new version (1.6) still does not work.
If you love your mac, give it some sleep!
Thomas FelderFebruary 20, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />A very nice app indeed, but, Not letting your mac sleep (this concerning only portables) can and WILL cause heat problems, that's why some people get shut downs here, because as a safety measure, the system turns off (without warning) before it melts... :S so IF you use this on your portable mac - make sure it doesnt overheat - put it in a cool place or whatever (not in a backpack!!) The APP "temperature monitor" also has a funtion that announces the temperature (using speech" every once in a while - close the lid and enable that to hear what the temp is like every 5 mins or so... And i wouldnt recoment using this app for dvd burning!!! using the CD drive when the lid is closed produces even more heat!!! Whatever you do.. be careful HEAT ISSUE!
Even better
sjonkeFebruary 6, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Sleepless was already useful and now that it can prevent system sleep (yet let the display sleep) while the iid is closed on my TiBook 667 it has gone over the top. This will let me plug my PB into my car stereo for playing music with the lid shut instead of precariously open (I control it with my SE T68i and Salling Clicker). Great stuff!
Cruising with the top down!
graywFebruary 6, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I am a great fan of Sleepless. (Though I am curious as to why versiontracker has this listed in their MacOS Classic side.) Right now I have the new version of sleepless on and my laptop lid is down. (I have a Studio Monitor attached to the laptop.) This works just fine. Is just what I need for presentations where the lid gets in the way. Sleepless is great for quickly changiing settings so that the Mac does not go to sleep during backup or when I am running simulations.
Works great for my TiBook 667, in OS 10.2.8.
ldrosenblumDecember 9, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Sleepless is a quick way of keeping the screen bright when I want to simply read long documents. I sure hope it works well with Panther.
Simply doesn't work
master4July 4, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I put the Sleepless app. into "Never Sleep" and yet my computer went to sleep in the middle of a big download like it was knocked on the head by a 2X4.
Jesus ChristJanuary 17, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Virtual shift, if you want your mac not to sleep while closed (ibook..ect) download kismac, and then look in preferences, it recompiles it for you

Developer’s Description

Prevents sleep without changing system settings.

This application is used to prevent the computer from going to sleep without changing system settings. It updates system activity timer once per some interval. Main features:

can disable sleep with lid closed
no Dock icon
small floating palette
one click activation/deactivation