How Apple Watch 3 Tracks Sleep

Sleep tracking is an important feature for many smartwatch users, and Apple Watch is no exception. Apple Watch Series 3 and newer models have built-in sleep-tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor their sleep patterns and set sleep goals. With the release of watchOS 9 in 2022, Apple Watch sleep tracking has become even more advanced, providing detailed information on sleep stages and quality. In this article, we will explore the steps to set up and utilise the sleep-tracking features on the Apple Watch Series 3, as well as highlight the benefits and limitations of this functionality.

How to set up sleep tracking on Apple Watch Series 3

You can track your sleep on your Apple Watch Series 3. Here is how to set it up:

First, make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 30% before going to bed with Sleep Tracking on. You can use the watch's Sleep app to set up charging reminders. You can also use the watch while it's charging to ensure it doesn't die during the night.

Next, you need to configure your Watch-specific sleep settings in the Watch app. You can do this by opening the Health app on your iPhone, tapping "Browse" at the bottom of the screen, and then tapping "Sleep". From here, you can tap "Full Schedule & Options" and then manage Sleep with Apple Watch at the bottom of that screen. This will take you to the Watch app, where you can turn on "Track Sleep with Apple Watch".

Now, you can set up your Sleep Focus, which is optional but gives you access to specialised home screens and notification settings that will turn on at bedtime. You can also set up your sleep schedule in the Health app, including your sleep goals, bedtime and wake-up times, and wind-down time.

Finally, wear your watch to bed! Make sure it is unlocked and, if you have a passcode, ensure that wrist detection is turned on. The Apple Watch will use the sleep schedule (or Sleep Focus, which you can turn on manually) to know when you might be sleeping. It will then use your movements and phone use to detect whether you are sleeping and to estimate when you are in each stage of sleep.

How to view sleep tracking data on Apple Watch Series 3

To view your sleep tracking data on the Apple Watch Series 3, you need to first ensure that your watch is set up to track your sleep.

To do this, open the Health app on your iPhone and tap 'Get Started' under 'Set Up Sleep'. Set your desired Sleep Goals and Bedtime and Wake Up times. You can also set up your Sleep Focus to reduce distractions on your iPhone and Apple Watch.

Next, make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 30% before you go to bed, with Sleep Tracking on Apple Watch enabled. Wear your watch to bed for at least an hour, ensuring that it fits comfortably on your wrist.

After you have worn your watch to bed, you can view your sleep tracking data. On your Apple Watch, open the Sleep app and turn the Digital Crown to view your Sleep Stages data, Time Asleep, and Sleep Duration for the last 14 days. Alternatively, you can view your data on your iPhone. Open the Health app, tap 'Browse' at the bottom of the screen, and then tap 'Sleep'. From here, you can view data on recent nights of sleep, including your sleep stages, heart rate, and sleep trends.

How to charge Apple Watch Series 3 for sleep tracking

To ensure your Apple Watch Series 3 is charged sufficiently for sleep tracking, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 30% before you go to bed. You can enable "Charging Reminders" in the Health app on your iPhone to receive a notification if your battery is low in the evening. This will prompt you to charge your watch before you go to sleep.

To charge your Apple Watch Series 3, you will need the Apple Watch Magnetic charging cable. Insert the cable into a wall plug connected to a power outlet, or into a laptop USB port. Place your Apple Watch on the charging cable, and it will begin charging. The Battery Charging icon will be displayed on the clock screen. When the device is fully charged, you will see the Full Battery icon.

It is recommended to charge your Apple Watch during your pre-bedtime wind-down time or while you are in the shower. This way, you won't need to use the watch, and it will be ready for sleep tracking when you go to bed.

Additionally, you can set up your Sleep Focus, which will give you access to specialised home screens and notification settings that will activate at bedtime. This is optional but can enhance your sleep tracking experience.

How to set sleep goals on Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 can be used to track your sleep. To set up sleep tracking on your Apple Watch, you will need to ensure that your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone. You can then set up a sleep schedule and sleep goals.

Firstly, open the Health app on your iPhone and tap Browse at the bottom of the screen. Then, tap Sleep. If you have Sleep saved to your Favourites list, you can access it from the Summary page in the Health app. Tap Full Schedule & Options. Tap Sleep Goal under Additional Details. Adjust your sleep goal by tapping the Plus and Minus buttons, then tap Sleep Goal to save your changes.

You can also set up your sleep schedule in the Health app. Tap Edit below Your Schedule to change your schedule. Tap a schedule in Full Schedule & Options. Tap Edit under the schedule you would like to update. Tap the Days Active and drag the curved slider to set your bedtime and wake-up times. The slider will turn orange if the schedule does not meet your sleep goal. Tap Alarm to turn on the alarm and adjust the sound, volume, and haptics. Tap Done to save your changes.

You can also set up your sleep schedule directly on your Apple Watch. Open the Sleep app on your watch, then turn the Digital Crown to view your Sleep Stages data, Time Asleep, and your Sleep Duration for the last 14 days. Tap the current schedule to change a sleep schedule, or tap Add Schedule to add a new one. To change your sleep goal, tap Sleep Goal, then set the amount of time you want to sleep.

To ensure your Apple Watch will track your sleep, you will need to configure your Watch-specific sleep settings in the Watch app. Turn on "Track Sleep with Apple Watch" to enable tracking, and turn on "Charging Reminders" so the Watch can notify you to charge it before bedtime if your battery is low.

How to sync Apple Watch Series 3 with iPhone for sleep tracking

The Apple Watch Series 3 has a built-in sleep tracker that can measure and record your respiratory rate while you sleep. To sync your Apple Watch Series 3 with your iPhone for sleep tracking, follow these steps:

On your iPhone:

• Open the Health app.
• Tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap "Sleep". If you have Sleep saved as a favorite, you can access it from the Summary page in the Health app.
• Tap "Get Started" under Set Up Sleep, then tap "Next".
• Set your Sleep Goals by entering the number of hours you'd like to sleep.
• Set your Bedtime and Wake Up times.
• Set up your Sleep Focus to reduce distractions. You can simplify your Lock Screen and turn on Sleep Focus during your scheduled bedtime. You can also allow certain people or apps to notify you.
• Tap "Full Schedule & Options".
• Tap "Wind Down" or "Sleep Goal" under Additional Details to adjust your schedule as needed.
• Tap the Plus and Minus buttons to adjust your time, then tap the left arrow to save your changes.
• Open the Sleep app and tap the sleep-alarm-icon in the upper left corner.
• Tap "Wind Down" or "Sleep Goal" under Options to make any further adjustments.

On your Apple Watch:

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
• Tap the "My Watch" tab, then tap "Sleep".
• Turn on "Track Sleep with Apple Watch".
• Ensure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 30% before going to bed.
• Wear your Apple Watch to bed for at least 1 hour. Make sure the watch fits snugly on your wrist to ensure accurate data collection.
• In the morning, view your sleep data on the Sleep app on your Apple Watch or in the Health app on your iPhone.

Note: Sleep tracking is available on watchOS 8 or later.

Frequently asked questions