How Series 3 Tracks Your Sleep

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track sleep, but there are some limitations. With the release of watchOS 7, Apple introduced native sleep tracking to the Apple Watch, allowing users to track their sleeping patterns. However, the Series 3 watch cannot install WatchOS 9, which offers more detailed sleep metrics, including the ability to estimate the time spent in each sleep stage (REM, Core, and Deep sleep). Additionally, the Series 3 may not provide as accurate or insightful sleep data as dedicated sleep-tracking devices or third-party apps. Nevertheless, it can still provide a rough idea of sleep quantity and duration, and it can track respiratory rate.

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track sleep trends over the past 14 days

The Apple Watch Series 3 can be used to track sleep trends over the past 14 days. Sleep tracking is available on the Apple Watch with watchOS 7 or later. With watchOS 9, the Apple Watch can estimate the time spent in each sleep stage, including REM, Core, and Deep sleep. However, the Apple Watch Series 3 cannot install watchOS 9 and does not provide more involved sleep metrics.

To track sleep with the Apple Watch Series 3, users can wear the watch to bed, and it will automatically measure and record sleep data. The Health app on the iPhone can be used to set up sleep goals and create a customized sleep schedule. Additionally, third-party apps like SleepWatch can be used to log sleep history and times to the Apple Health App.

While the Apple Watch Series 3 can provide basic sleep tracking features, it may not offer the same level of insight or data interpretation as other dedicated sleep-tracking devices or third-party apps. It is important to note that the Apple Watch Series 3 might not be as accurate as specialized sleep-tracking devices, and it is not approved as a medical device. Therefore, users with serious medical conditions or sleep concerns should not rely solely on the Apple Watch for sleep tracking and should consult a doctor for professional advice.

It can track the duration of sleep and breathing patterns

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track the duration of sleep and breathing patterns. To track sleep, the watch must be paired with an iPhone and the Sleep feature must be set up. This can be done by opening the Health app on the paired iPhone and tapping "Get Started" under Set Up Sleep, then tapping "Next". The user can then set their desired sleep goal and create a customised sleep schedule by setting their bedtime and wake-up times.

The Sleep Focus feature can be used to reduce distractions by simplifying the Lock Screen and turning on Sleep Focus at the scheduled bedtime. Certain people or apps can be given permission to notify the user during Sleep Focus. The "Do Not Disturb" mode can also be enabled to prevent the screen from lighting up and to mute all incoming notifications while the user is supposed to be sleeping.

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track the duration of sleep and the number of times the user breathes in a minute. This data can be viewed in the Health app on the user's iPhone or iPad. However, it is important to note that the Apple Watch Series 3 cannot install WatchOS 9, which offers more detailed sleep metrics.

It cannot, however, track sleep stages like REM, Core, and Deep sleep

The Apple Watch Series 3 can be used to track sleep. However, it cannot track sleep stages like REM, Core, and Deep sleep. This is because the Series 3 cannot install WatchOS 9, which has more advanced metrics and can estimate the time spent in each sleep stage. While the Series 3 can track the basic duration of sleep and trends, it does not provide the same level of insight as newer Apple Watch models or dedicated sleep-tracking devices.

The Apple Watch Series 3 can be used to track sleep by wearing it to bed and enabling the "Sleep Mode" menu. This will turn on Do Not Disturb and prevent the screen from lighting up while the user is asleep. The Health app on the iPhone can also be used to set sleep goals, create a customised sleep schedule, and track progress over time in meeting those goals. Additionally, third-party apps like SleepWatch can be downloaded to track sleep and provide more insights.

While the Apple Watch Series 3 can provide some basic sleep tracking features, it is important to note that it is not a medical device and cannot diagnose sleep conditions. For more detailed sleep analysis, users may need to consider newer Apple Watch models or alternative sleep-tracking devices.

To improve sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3, it is recommended to ensure the watch is charged to at least 30% before bed and worn for at least one hour during sleep. Additionally, pairing the Apple Watch with the iPhone during the initial setup can simplify the process of enabling sleep tracking.

In conclusion, while the Apple Watch Series 3 can track some basic sleep metrics, it cannot provide insights into sleep stages like REM, Core, and Deep sleep. For more advanced sleep tracking features, users may need to consider newer Apple Watch models or alternative sleep-tracking devices.

Third-party apps can be used to supplement the Sleep app and collect more details

The Apple Watch Series 3 can track sleep using the built-in accelerometer. However, it only provides basic sleep data such as the total time spent sleeping and breathing patterns. For more detailed sleep tracking, including REM, Core, and Deep sleep stages, an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer is recommended as they can install WatchOS 9, which offers more advanced sleep metrics.

While the Apple Watch Series 3 has limited sleep tracking capabilities, users can enhance their sleep analysis by utilizing third-party apps that offer more comprehensive insights. These apps can provide a wealth of information and functionality for sleep monitoring, often including features beyond what is available on the Apple Watch alone.

One such example is AutoSleep, which offers automatic sleep tracking with no buttons to press. It provides a range of features, including sleep duration, sleep rating, sleep rings, heart rate, deep sleep, REM sleep, sleep apnea detection, blood oxygen measurements, respiration rate, environmental noise measurements, sleep analysis, and sleep consistency. AutoSleep also respects user privacy, with no user analytics tracking, advertising plugins, third-party code, or data upload.

Another popular option is Sleep Cycle, which allows users to see how their sleep data correlates with various lifestyle habits and compare their sleep with that of others worldwide. Sleep Cycle presents this information neatly, making it easy for users to understand the relationships between their sleep and other factors. However, it should be noted that Sleep Cycle's privacy policy has been criticized for being less accessible than some other apps, and its use of a phone's microphone for detection may be a concern for some users.

In addition to these apps, there are numerous other third-party sleep tracking applications available on the App Store and other platforms. Each app may offer unique features and capabilities, so it is worth exploring the options to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. By utilizing these third-party apps in conjunction with the built-in sleep tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 3, users can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their sleep patterns and make more informed decisions to improve their sleep quality.

The Apple Watch Series 3 can be used to set sleep goals and create a sleep schedule

The Apple Watch Series 3 can be used to track your sleep and set sleep goals. While it won't be as accurate as a dedicated sleep-tracking device, it can give you a rough idea of how much and how well you sleep. You can also use third-party apps like SleepWatch to track your sleep.

To set up sleep tracking on your Apple Watch Series 3, make sure it is paired with your iPhone beforehand. Open the Health app on your iPhone and tap "Get Started" under "Set Up Sleep". You can then set 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.

If you have already set up your Apple Watch and iPhone, you can still turn on sleep tracking later. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the "My Watch" tab, and then tap "Sleep". You can also adjust your sleep goal and schedule in the Health app by tapping Browse and then Sleep.

Once you have set up sleep tracking, wear your Apple Watch to bed to start tracking your sleep. You can then view your sleep data in the Sleep app on your Apple Watch or in the Health app on your iPhone. This will show you your Sleep Stages data, Time Asleep, and Sleep Duration for the last 14 days.

Frequently asked questions