Miya Pearson
The Apple Watch's sleep tracking feature has been criticised for not recording naps. By default, the Apple Watch is set to automatically track sleep during the nighttime sleep period only. If users nap outside of their set sleep schedule, the watch may not recognise this as a sleep period. This has been a source of frustration for some users, who have expressed a desire for more accurate sleep tracking and the inclusion of a nap-tracking feature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Napping detection | No, Apple Watch does not detect naps. |
| Sleep tracking | Yes, but only during the nighttime sleep period. |
| Sleep tracking accuracy | Poor accuracy, especially for those with irregular sleep patterns. |
| Sleep tracking improvement | Third-party apps like AutoSleep and Sleep++ are recommended for better accuracy. |
| Alternative devices | Fitbit and Garmin's Venu 3 series watches offer better nap detection and sleep tracking. |
What You'll Learn
Apple Watch sleep tracking is inaccurate
The Apple Watch's sleep tracking feature assumes that users sleep on a regular schedule, which is not the case for many people, especially those with sleep disorders or irregular work schedules. The watch is set to automatically track sleep only during the nighttime sleep period, and if the user's sleep schedule deviates from this, it may not be detected. This can be a problem for people who take naps or have inconsistent sleep schedules.
Some users have found that third-party apps like AutoSleep or Sleep++ are much better at tracking sleep and providing accurate sleep totals. These apps can automatically track sleep on the watch, whether the user has Sleep Focus on or not, and can also write nap data to the Health app.
Overall, while the Apple Watch does offer some sleep tracking features, they are not as accurate or comprehensive as those offered by other devices or third-party apps. The Apple Watch's sleep tracking capabilities have been described as "unexpectedly primitive" and in need of an overhaul, especially in terms of nap detection.
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Third-party apps for sleep tracking
The Apple Watch has a built-in sleep-tracking feature that offers details on sleep cycles, such as time spent in deep, REM, and light sleep stages. It also focuses on consistency and sleep hygiene, encouraging users to set a constant bedtime and wake-up time to build better sleep habits. However, the native sleep tracking app has limited data, which is where third-party applications come in.
Third-party sleep-tracking apps for the Apple Watch can provide richer and more insightful statistics. One of the most popular apps is AutoSleep, which offers a lot of data and integrates with Apple's Health app. It also has no user analytics tracking, advertising plugins, or data upload. Another similar option is Sleep Pulse 3, a fully-featured standalone sleep app that tracks your heart rate and motion. It also has a sleep view that shows your resting heart rate and how long you've been sleeping.
If you're looking for an app with smart alarm features, Sleep Cycle is a good option. It has an intelligent alarm clock that wakes you up gently during your lightest sleep phase, helping you feel more energized. It also offers a detailed analysis of your sleep patterns and can detect sounds like snoring and coughing. Additionally, it has features like sleep stories, relaxation guides, and calm sleep sounds to help you fall asleep easier.
Other third-party sleep-tracking apps for the Apple Watch include those that utilize sonar technology, such as Sonar itself. These apps emit sound waves from your phone's speakers, which deflect off your chest as you breathe, allowing the app to analyze your sleep based on the shape of the deflected waves. This technology provides insights into your sleep stages and breath rhythm changes throughout the night.
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Apple Watch doesn't track naps
The sleep tracking feature is primitive for an Apple device, especially when compared to other smartwatches on the market. For example, Samsung watches don't require users to schedule sleep. They automatically detect when a user is asleep, whether it's a full night's sleep or a nap, by lowered heart rate and stopped movement.
Some users have recommended buying third-party apps, such as AutoSleep, which can automatically track sleep on the watch whether Sleep Focus is on or not. However, this is an additional cost on top of an already expensive device.
It's worth noting that as of June 2024, there are indications that Apple has introduced a new Auto Sleep & Nap Tracking feature for the Apple Watch.
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Sleep schedule and tracking issues
The Apple Watch has been criticised for its poor sleep tracking capabilities, especially when it comes to naps. The watch does not seem to track sleep outside of a user's selected sleep window or schedule. This means that if you take a nap during the day, the watch will not record it as part of your sleep data. This is a significant issue for those with irregular sleep patterns or those who work night shifts.
Some users have suggested that the watch only tracks sleep when the user is lying down, and if they get up before their alarm, it assumes they are awake for the rest of the sleep cycle. This can lead to inaccurate data, especially if the user has a sleep disorder or irregular sleep patterns. The watch also does not seem to have a way to differentiate between a nap and a full night's sleep, which can further skew the data.
The Apple Watch's sleep tracking feature appears to be designed for those who sleep according to a regular schedule and in one block during the night. This is not reflective of everyone's sleep patterns, and as such, the watch's functionality in this regard is limited. Some users have suggested that third-party apps, such as AutoSleep, are much better at tracking sleep and providing accurate totals.
The Apple Watch's inability to accurately track sleep and naps can be frustrating for users, especially considering the price of the device. It is hoped that Apple will address these issues and improve the sleep tracking feature to make it more holistic and reflective of users' actual sleep patterns.
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Alternative devices for sleep tracking
While the Apple Watch does have a sleep-tracking feature, it doesn't track naps. If you're looking for an alternative device that can track your sleep, including naps, there are several options available:
Fitbit
The Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Alta HR are two devices that have been found to accurately detect sleep onset and track sleep cycles. The Fitbit Versa 4 is another option that has been praised for its sleep-tracking capabilities, although it does require a subscription for deeper insights. The Fitbit app provides an easy-to-use interface to view your sleep data, including sleep stages and blood oxygen saturation.
Oura Ring
The Oura Ring Gen3 and Oura Ring 4 are comfortable to wear and provide comprehensive data and daily guidance on your sleep. They accurately measure heart rate and heart rate variability, offering detailed summaries and recommendations to improve your sleep.
Ultrahuman Ring Air
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is a highly accurate sleep tracker that provides valuable insights and advice through its accompanying app. It features a medical-grade temperature sensor, a PPG sensor, and a motion-sensing IMU to track your sleep stages, heart rate, and temperature.
Garmin
Garmin's fitness trackers, such as the Epix Pro and the Garmin Venu 3S, offer advanced sleep monitoring capabilities. They can track sleep stages, blood oxygen saturation, respiration, and restlessness. The Connect app allows you to set Sleep and Wake windows for more precise results.
Whoop 4.0
The Whoop 4.0 is a good option if you want to track both your sleep and daily activity. It accurately tracks heart rate during sleep and logs the intensity of activities. The Whoop app provides educational content and coaching, although it requires a subscription.
Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 is a great option for Android users looking for a sleep-tracking device. It offers sleep-tracking capabilities and provides a Sleep Score out of 100.
These alternative devices provide various features and insights into your sleep patterns, including nap tracking, which may be a valuable addition to your health and fitness routine.
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Frequently asked questions
The Apple Watch does have a sleep tracking feature, but it is not very accurate. It only tracks when you are lying in bed and if you have a morning alarm and you stop it, it assumes you have woken up and stops tracking sleep.
The Apple Watch does not track naps by default. It is set to automatically track your sleep only during the nighttime sleep period. However, you can enable the "Sleep Mode" feature or manually start sleep tracking to track your naps.
To track your naps on the Apple Watch, you can enable the "Sleep Mode" feature or manually start sleep tracking. You can also try third-party apps like AutoSleep, which can automatically track your sleep on the watch whether you have Sleep Focus on or not.
Yes, there are several alternatives to the Apple Watch that track naps. This includes the Fitbit, Samsung watches, and the Garmin Venu 3 series. These devices offer more accurate sleep tracking and can detect both nighttime sleep and daytime naps.
