How Tracking Sleep Can Improve Your Binge-Watching Experience

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track sleep, but only the basic duration of sleep and trends. It cannot install WatchOS 9, which has more involved sleep metrics. To track sleep, the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the sleep schedule or Sleep Focus to determine when the user might be sleeping. During this time, it uses the user's movements and phone use to detect whether they are sleeping and to estimate the sleep stage. The Apple Watch Series 3 can also be used to set up a sleep schedule and sleep goals.

Setting up sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 does have sleep-tracking capabilities. However, it cannot install WatchOS 9, which has more detailed sleep metrics.

To set up sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3, follow these steps:

First, ensure that your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone. This option is available during setup, but if you have already set up your Apple Watch, you can still turn on sleep tracking later.

Next, open the Health app on your iPhone. Tap 'Browse' at the bottom of the screen, then tap 'Sleep'. From here, you can view data on recent nights of sleep and set your sleep schedule for the future. You can also set your sleep goals and create a customised sleep schedule.

Then, tap ''Full Schedule & Options' and tap 'Manage Sleep with Apple Watch' at the bottom of the screen. This will send you to the Watch app.

Now, turn on 'Track Sleep with Apple Watch' and ''Charging Reminders' so that the Watch can notify you to charge it before bedtime if your battery is low.

Finally, wear your Apple Watch to bed. It should be unlocked, and if you have a passcode, ensure that wrist detection is turned on. The Apple Watch will now track your sleep automatically, using your movements and phone usage to detect whether you are sleeping and to estimate your sleep stages.

You can view your sleep data on the Sleep app on your watch or the Sleep section of the Health app on your phone.

Limitations of the Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 is a highly-rated smartwatch, but it does have some limitations. Here are some of its limitations, particularly concerning sleep tracking:

• Sleep tracking limitations: While the Apple Watch Series 3 can track basic sleep data, such as the duration of sleep and breathing patterns, it cannot provide a breakdown of sleep stages like REM, core, and deep sleep. This is because it cannot install WatchOS 9, which offers more advanced sleep metrics.
• Battery life: The Apple Watch Series 3 has been criticised for its battery life, particularly when making calls or during GPS workouts. This can be a limitation if you plan to use the watch for sleep tracking, as a low battery may interrupt data collection.
• Software updates: The Apple Watch Series 3 may have issues with software updates due to storage restrictions. This could impact the functionality of the watch over time, including its ability to track sleep effectively.
• International roaming: The Apple Watch Series 3 cannot roam between countries and is not compatible with international roaming. This limits its use for those who travel frequently.
• Carrier restrictions: The Apple Watch Series 3 must be connected to the same carrier as your iPhone, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, it requires an iPhone to function and is not compatible with Google Android devices.
• Speed: Some users have reported that the Apple Watch Series 3 can be slow to start up and launch apps, which may be a limitation for those seeking a more responsive device.
• Water resistance: While the Apple Watch Series 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, it is not suitable for all water activities. It should not be used for scuba diving, water skiing, or activities involving high-velocity water or deep submersion.

While the Apple Watch Series 3 is a capable device, these limitations may impact its effectiveness for sleep tracking and overall usability.

Sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3 vs. other Apple Watch models

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track your sleep, but it has some limitations. To enable sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3, you need to set up sleep tracking during the initial device setup or later in the settings. Once set up, you need to wear the watch to bed, and it will automatically track your sleep.

However, some users have reported issues with sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3, such as not seeing sleep data in the Health app or not being able to track sleep stages. It's important to note that the Apple Watch Series 3 cannot install WatchOS 9, which offers more advanced sleep metrics, including estimating the time spent in different sleep stages.

On the other hand, newer Apple Watch models, such as the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, offer more comprehensive sleep tracking features. With WatchOS 8 and later, you can view your sleep history, sleep stages, and nightly wrist temperature data. Additionally, these newer models can provide insights into your breathing patterns and respiratory rate while you sleep.

In summary, while the Apple Watch Series 3 can track basic sleep information, newer Apple Watch models offer more advanced sleep tracking capabilities, benefiting from the latest software updates and improvements.

How to view sleep data on the Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 offers basic sleep tracking, but it is not compatible with watchOS 9, which has more involved sleep metrics. To view your sleep data on the Apple Watch Series 3, you need to set up the Sleep app. Here's how you can do it:

Setting up the Sleep App

• Open the Health app on your iPhone.
• Tap "Get Started" under "Set Up Sleep", then tap "Next".
• Set the number of hours you'd like to spend asleep.
• Set your bedtime and wake-up times.
• Set up Sleep Focus to reduce distractions, such as simplifying your Lock Screen and turning off notifications.
• Wear your watch to bed to track your sleep.

Viewing Sleep Data

• Open the Sleep app on your watch by pressing the digital crown and choosing the blur bed icon from the apps.
• Turn the Digital Crown to view your Sleep Stages data, Time Asleep, and your Sleep Duration for the last 14 days.
• To view your Respiratory Rate, open the Health app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Respiratory" and "Respiratory Rate".
• To see your sleep history on the iPhone, open the Health app, tap "Browse", then tap "Sleep".
• For more details, tap "Show More Sleep Data".

Improving sleep with the Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 can help you improve your sleep by tracking your sleep patterns and providing insights into your sleep quality. Here are some ways you can use the Apple Watch Series 3 to enhance your sleep:

Set Up Sleep Tracking

To start tracking your sleep with the Apple Watch Series 3, you need to set up sleep tracking. Go to the Health app on your iPhone and tap "Get Started" under "Set Up Sleep." Follow the setup process, which includes setting your sleep goals, bedtime, and wake-up times. You can also enable Sleep Focus to reduce distractions by simplifying your Lock Screen and turning on Do Not Disturb during your scheduled bedtime.

Wear Your Watch to Bed

Make sure to wear your Apple Watch to bed each night. It is recommended to wear it for at least one hour to ensure accurate sleep tracking. Keep your watch unlocked and enable wrist detection if you have a passcode set up.

Review Sleep Data

After a night of sleep, you can review your sleep data. Check the Sleep app on your watch or the Health app on your iPhone. You'll be able to see the duration of your sleep, sleep trends, and even estimates of the different stages of sleep, such as deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep. Keep in mind that the data may not be completely accurate, but it can still provide valuable insights.

Adjust Sleep Schedule

Based on the data provided by the Apple Watch, you can adjust your sleep schedule to improve your sleep quality. The watch can help you identify patterns, such as the optimal amount of sleep you need and the times when you feel most rested. Use the Sleep app to set and edit your sleep schedule accordingly.

Reduce Distractions

Utilize the Sleep Focus feature to reduce distractions before bedtime. This feature simplifies your Lock Screen and allows only specific people or apps to notify you. It ensures that you won't be disturbed by unnecessary notifications during the time you've set aside for sleep.

By following these steps and using the Apple Watch Series 3's sleep tracking features, you can gain a better understanding of your sleep patterns and make informed adjustments to improve your sleep quality over time.

Frequently asked questions