Evie Summers
Sleep-tracking apps that use sonar technology are becoming increasingly popular. Apps like SleepScore, Sleep as Android, and Sleep Cycle use sound waves to track sleep quality based on breathing and movement. Sonar works by emitting inaudible sound waves from your phone's speakers, which then deflect off your chest as you breathe and move during sleep. The phone's microphone picks up on these deflected waves, and the app's algorithms use this data to analyze your sleep. This technology allows users to track their sleep without needing wrist sensors, bed sensors, or extra bedside devices. While these apps offer a simple and non-invasive way to track sleep, it's worth noting that their effectiveness can depend on proper positioning and factors like distance and obstacles between the phone and the user.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technology | Sonar |
| Functionality | Sleep tracking |
| Working | Sends out inaudible sound waves that reflect off the user's chest as they breathe and the phone's microphone picks up on them |
| Data | Sleep duration, time taken to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, wake time, respiration rate, heart rate, sleep score |
| Advantages | Free, no separate device required, simple setup, non-invasive, safe, contactless, accurate, works with other devices like CPAP machines |
| Disadvantages | Requires proper positioning, may not work with a snoring partner, may not work with other sound-emitting devices like fans |
| Pricing | Free for 7 days, $4/month for subscription |
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What You'll Learn
Sonar sleep tracking apps are contactless
Sonar sleep-tracking apps are indeed contactless. They use sonar technology to track sleep without requiring any physical contact with the user. This is achieved by emitting inaudible sound waves from the phone's speakers, which then reflect off the user's body and are picked up by the phone's microphone. The shape and movement of these reflected waves provide data that the app's algorithms use to analyze sleep patterns, including sleep duration, time taken to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time.
The SleepScore app, for example, utilizes sonar technology and has been validated against Polysomnography (PSG), the clinically accepted standard for measuring sleep. It offers a free seven-day trial and a subscription option for long-term sleep tracking. The app can accurately track an individual's sleep even with a bed partner, as the sonar signal is designed to reach a length of about 3 feet before returning to the phone's microphone.
Another example is the Sleep as Android app, which uses sonar to track sleep and can detect instances of stopped breathing during the night. The app emits sound waves at the upper limit of human hearing (around 20 kHz) and at a volume comparable to a pin dropping or a refrigerator's hum. This ensures that the sonar technology is safe and non-disruptive for users.
While sonar sleep-tracking apps offer a contactless and convenient way to track sleep, it's important to note that they have limitations. For example, the SleepScore app may struggle to track sleep if the phone is not positioned correctly or if there are interfering objects between the phone and the user. Additionally, the accuracy of sleep tracking can be impacted by other electronic devices in close proximity, such as fans or speakers.
Overall, sonar sleep-tracking apps provide a novel and non-invasive approach to monitoring sleep patterns. With further advancements and improvements in algorithm accuracy, these apps have the potential to become even more effective tools for understanding and improving sleep quality.
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They use inaudible sound waves
Sleep tracking apps that use sonar technology emit inaudible sound waves from a phone's speakers. These sound waves are reflected off the sleeper's chest as they breathe, and the phone's microphone picks up on them. The rhythm and depth of a person's breath change as their brain shifts during various sleep stages, so the shape of the deflected waves varies over the course of the night. The app's algorithms use this information to analyse the user's sleep.
The SleepScore app, for example, uses sonar to measure sleep duration, the time it takes to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep and wake time. It is sensitive enough to measure respiration and recognise REM (rapid eye movement) periods. The app uses a smart alarm that wakes the user during lighter moments of sleep.
The Sleep.com app, powered by SleepScore, also uses sonar technology. Its algorithms interpret the shape and movement of sound waves reflected into the microphone to measure breathing rate and body movement. This data is then used to create an accurate record of the user's nightly sleep patterns. The app can determine the amount of time spent awake and asleep, and break this time down into sleep stages: light sleep, REM sleep, and deep sleep.
For sonar sleep tracking apps to work effectively, they must be set up correctly. The phone should be placed on a bedside table, and the speakers should be aimed towards the bed. The height of the phone is important, as the app may have difficulty detecting movement if the phone is not at the right height or if something comes between the user and the phone. The Sleep.com app specifies that the phone should be placed within 3 feet of the user, and at least 6 feet away from any other electronic devices.
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Sonar can track respiration and REM sleep
Sonar technology has been used in sleep tracking apps to monitor sleep patterns and quality. The SleepScore app, for instance, uses sonar to measure bodily movement and sleep duration, the time it takes to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time. It is sensitive enough to measure respiration and recognise REM sleep.
Sonar works by emitting sound waves at frequencies that are inaudible to humans. These waves are emitted from a phone's speakers and bounce off the sleeper's chest as they breathe, with the phone's microphone picking up on the deflected waves. As the rhythm and depth of breathing change throughout the night as the brain shifts through various sleep stages, so too does the shape of the deflected waves. The app's algorithms then use this information to analyse sleep patterns.
The effectiveness of sonar sleep tracking is dependent on proper positioning. The phone should be placed on a nightstand close to the height of the chest so that the phone's microphone can accurately pick up the deflected sound waves. If the phone is not properly positioned, or if something comes between the phone and the sleeper, the app may struggle to detect movement and breathing patterns.
Sonar sleep tracking technology offers a zero-cost and accessible way to monitor sleep in the home environment. It does not require any additional hardware beyond what is already available in a smartphone, and it does away with the need for wearables or other devices in the bed. The non-contact nature of sonar tracking also makes it more comfortable for users, as they do not need to worry about having a hot phone in their bed or becoming tangled in cables.
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They can be used with a partner
Sleep tracking apps that use sonar technology, such as SleepScore, can be used with a partner. The SleepScore app is designed to track the sleep of one person at a time, ensuring that there is no interference between two competing sonar signals. The sonar signal is limited to a range of about 1 meter (3 feet) and loses energy with distance, so it is important to place the phone running the app on the bedside table on the side of the bed of the person using the app. This way, the sonar signal will only reach the person using the app and will not be confused by the presence of a partner.
The SleepScore app uses inaudible sound waves, or sonar, to measure bodily movement and respiration overnight. The phone's speakers emit sound waves that reflect off the user's chest as they breathe, and the phone's microphone picks up on these waves. The app's algorithms interpret the shape and movement of these waves to measure breathing rate, track body movement, and provide an accurate record of sleep patterns, including sleep duration, time to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time.
The SleepScore app has several advantages, including being free, simple to set up and use, and non-invasive. It does not require any additional devices or sensors and can be used with just a phone placed on a bedside table. The app also provides a smart alarm that wakes the user up during lighter moments of sleep, potentially improving how the user feels upon waking up.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of SleepScore's sonar technology depends on proper positioning. The phone should be placed at the height of the user's chest, and care should be taken to ensure that nothing comes between the user and the phone, as this may block the signal and affect the accuracy of the tracking. Additionally, the use of a fan or speaker at night may interfere with the tracking accuracy, so these devices should be positioned at least six feet from the phone.
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Sonar is as accurate as wearables
Sonar sleep-tracking apps are as accurate as wearables. Sonar technology uses sound waves to measure body movement and breathing rate, which change as an individual progresses through different sleep stages. This technology is proven for gauging distance and spaces. Sleep.com's SleepScore app, for example, uses sonar to provide an accurate picture of an individual's sleep. The app has been validated against Polysomnography (PSG), the clinically accepted standard of measuring sleep. Results have been published in more than 10 scientific peer-reviewed papers.
The SleepScore app works by sending out inaudible sound waves through a phone's speaker. These waves reflect off an individual's body and back into the phone's microphone. The app's advanced algorithms then interpret the shape and movement of these waves to measure breathing rate and body movement, turning these insights into an accurate record of nightly sleep patterns. This includes the amount of time spent awake and asleep, as well as the breakdown of sleep stages: light sleep, REM sleep, and deep sleep.
While sonar technology can provide accurate sleep tracking, it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, it requires a phone that is compatible with the app and placed at a specific height. Additionally, the SleepScore app can currently only record one person's sleep at a time to avoid interference between two competing sonar signals.
Wearables, such as those made by Fitbit, Whoop, Apple, and Oura, use direct skin contact to discern heart rate and motion, providing a sense of sleep and wake patterns. These devices collect a combination of measurements, including heart rate and heart rate variability, movement, breaths per minute, and skin temperature. A study found that the Fitbit Charge 2 detected sleep onset with 96% accuracy but overestimated time spent asleep by nine minutes on average. It detected light sleep with 81% accuracy, deep sleep with 49% accuracy, and REM sleep with 74% accuracy. Another study found that Fitbit data effectively tracked sleep onset, time spent asleep, and sleep cycles. While wearables may be more accurate for some individuals, they require charging and may not be as convenient as a phone app.
In conclusion, both sonar and wearables offer accurate sleep tracking, but the best technology may depend on individual needs and preferences. Some individuals may prefer the convenience of a phone app, while others may find the additional features of wearables, such as heart rate monitoring, more valuable.
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Frequently asked questions
SleepScore is a sleep tracking app that uses sonar to track sleep. The SleepScore app measures sleep duration, the time it takes to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time.
SleepScore uses inaudible sound waves (sonar) to measure bodily movement overnight. The Sleep.com app, powered by SleepScore, uses sonar technology to accurately track sleep without a wearable.
SleepScore is free, not super gadgety, and doesn't seem invasive. It can be used without any wrist sensors, bed sensors, or extra bedside devices. It can even track your sleep through blankets.
Setup is simple. Place your phone on a bedside table, plugged in or laid on a charger. Aim the phone's speakers towards the bed and keep it elevated on a nightstand close to the height of your chest.
SleepScore's algorithms have been validated against Polysomnography (PSG), the clinically accepted standard of measuring sleep. SleepScore's non-contact sleep measurement technology is considered one of the best for both sleep and wake detection accuracy.
