
The Apple Watch can be used to track sleep. The Sleep app, which was introduced in watchOS 7, can track sleep stages, the time you spend asleep, and the time you spend in bed. It can also monitor breathing metrics, heart rate, and heart rate variability. However, it does not track sleep apnea and cannot diagnose sleep conditions. Third-party apps such as AutoSleep, Sleep++, and Pillow can be used to supplement the Sleep app and collect more detailed sleep data.
What You'll Learn
Sleep tracking with Apple Watch
Sleep tracking is available on the Apple Watch. To access the Sleep app, your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 7 on a Series 3 or newer, SE, or Ultra. You'll also need an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or higher.
To set up sleep tracking, open the Watch app on your iPhone and head to General > Software Update. Then, open the app and select Sleep. Tap "Use this Watch for Sleep" to enable the feature and ensure that the switches next to "Track Sleep with Apple Watch" and "Charging Reminders" are turned on. You can also set up a sleep schedule by going to Settings > Focus > Sleep to set up the Focus mode and wind-down time.
Once you've set up sleep tracking, you can view your sleep data on the Health app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Sleep" to see your sleep history. You can also view your recent sleep data on your Apple Watch by opening the Sleep app and turning the Digital Crown to view your Sleep Stages data, Time Asleep, and Sleep Duration for the last 14 days.
In addition to the built-in Sleep app, there are third-party apps available that can be used for sleep tracking. For example, the Pillow app can record sound during the night to tell if you're snoring, talking in your sleep, or making other noises. It can also track power naps and other short bursts of rest. Another option is the AutoSleep app, which automatically tracks and records your sleep during the night.
It's important to note that sleep tracking apps may not always be 100% accurate, and a more comprehensive assessment would involve a full sleep study with medical equipment. However, these apps can provide a good starting point for understanding your sleep patterns.
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Third-party sleep tracking apps
The Apple Watch SE can be used to track sleep using third-party apps. To use third-party sleep tracking apps on the Apple Watch SE, the watch must be running watchOS 6 or higher, which includes a dedicated App Store.
One such third-party app is Pillow, which can record sound during the night to tell if you're snoring, talking in your sleep, or making other noises. The app can also track power naps and other short bursts of rest. The basic app is free, but unlocking all features requires a subscription of $7.99 for a month, $36.99 for three months, or $33.99 for a year.
Another third-party sleep tracking app is AutoSleep, which automatically tracks and records your sleep during the night. The app costs $5.99 and allows you to set a smart alarm to wake you up in the morning and manually tell the app that you're going to sleep. The next morning, you can open the app to see how long you were in bed and how long you actually slept.
Sleep Cycle is another third-party sleep tracking app that uses sound-sensing technology to assess your sleep, detecting the sounds you make when you move. The app offers a detailed analysis of your sleep patterns, detects sounds like snoring and coughing, and provides premium features like relaxing sleep sounds. Sleep Cycle also offers a gentle alarm clock that wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase, helping you feel more energized.
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Sleep tracking accuracy
The Apple Watch can be used to track sleep. The Sleep app can be used to track sleep history, including the average time spent in each sleep stage, and the user's breathing rate. The Apple Watch can also be used to set a sleep schedule and a wake-up alarm.
However, the accuracy of the Apple Watch's sleep tracking has been called into question by some users. Some have reported that the Apple Watch records less deep sleep than other algorithms, and lower scores than are considered normal for healthy adults. Other users have reported that the data from the Apple Watch does not match their experience of sleep.
A study of 11 different consumer sleep trackers (CSTs) found that the Apple Watch 8 showed substantial agreement with polysomnography, indicating its potential application in sleep monitoring. However, the study also found that the Apple Watch used alternative expressions for sleep stages, such as "core sleep" instead of light sleep.
Another study by "The Quantified Scientist" analysed the Apple Watch algorithm for sleep tracking and rated it as the best wearable for sleep tracking. However, the study also found that the Apple Watch consistently reported lower deep sleep scores than other algorithms and devices.
It is important to note that no app or watch can accurately measure sleep stages, and that these are all best guesses using algorithms. The accuracy of sleep tracking also depends on various factors, such as the user's BMI, sleep efficiency, and apnea-hypopnea index.
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Sleep tracking with iPhone
Sleep tracking is a feature that is available on the iPhone. Apple's Health app, represented by a white icon with a red heart, can be used to track your sleep. The app uses your iPhone's built-in motion sensors and accelerometer to analyse your movement patterns during sleep. It can detect when you fall asleep, wake up, and transition between sleep stages.
To set up sleep tracking, you need to input your typical bedtime and wake-up time. This information serves as a reference point for the app to gauge your sleep duration and schedule. The app also considers contextual cues such as your bedtime routine and device usage patterns. For example, it may recognize when you've dimmed the screen or enabled "Do Not Disturb" mode as indicators that you're preparing for sleep.
You can also use third-party apps to track your sleep. For example, the Pillow app can record sound during the night to tell if you're snoring, talking in your sleep, or making other noises. It can also track power naps and other short bursts of rest. Another app, AutoSleep, automatically tracks and records your sleep during the night.
Additionally, if you have an Apple Watch, you can use it in conjunction with your iPhone to track your sleep. The Sleep app on the Apple Watch can help track your breathing rate as you sleep, providing greater insight into your overall health. The watch can also wake you up with an alarm in the morning.
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Sleep tracking features
The Apple Watch SE can track your sleep using the Sleep app. To access the Sleep app, your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 7 or later, and you must have an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or higher.
To set up sleep tracking, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap 'My Watch', and select 'Sleep'. Then, toggle on 'Use this Watch for Sleep'. You can also turn on Charging Reminders to remind yourself to charge your watch before your wind-down time.
Once set up, you can create a sleep schedule by setting a sleep goal, a wind-down period, and a bedtime reminder. The Sleep app will then track your sleep, including the time spent in each sleep stage, and your sleep duration. You can view this data on the Sleep app or in the Health app on your iPhone.
Additionally, the Apple Watch SE can track your respiratory rate while you sleep, providing insights into your overall health. It can also track your sleeping heart rate and wake you up with an alarm in the morning.
It's important to note that the sleep tracking feature may not always be 100% accurate. For a more comprehensive analysis, a full sleep study conducted by a medical professional is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Apple SE can track sleep. To access the Sleep app, your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 7 or later, and you'll need an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or higher.
To set up sleep tracking, open the Watch app on your iPhone and head to General > Software Update. Then, open My Watch and select Sleep. Tap "Use this Watch for Sleep" to enable the feature, and make sure the switches next to "Track Sleep with Apple Watch" and "Charging Reminders" are turned on.
The Apple SE can track your total time asleep, the times you wake up throughout the night, your heart rate, and your calorie burn. It can also track your breathing rate, which can give you greater insight into your overall health.