Colin Snow
The Apple Watch is a popular device for tracking sleep. The watch's built-in Sleep app can estimate the amount of time spent in REM, core sleep, and deep sleep, provided the user wears the device to bed and pre-defines their sleep schedule within the app. Third-party apps, such as SleepWatch, are also available for more advanced sleep tracking and analysis. While the Apple Watch's sleep tracking feature has been well-received, some users have expressed concerns about its battery life, noting that the watch needs to be charged regularly, especially when used for sleep tracking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Track sleep | Yes, the Apple Watch can be used to track sleep |
| Sleep tracking app | SleepWatch, AutoSleep, Sleep Clock App |
| Sleep tracking features | Wind-down mode, sleep schedules, alarm |
| Sleep tracking accuracy | More accurate than Fitbit at sleep tracking |
| Battery life | Requires at least 30% battery life for sleep tracking |
| Charging reminders | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Apple Watch Sleep Tracking Apps
The Apple Watch is equipped with the hardware to estimate sleep patterns. The built-in Apple Watch Sleep app can be used to track sleep, but there are also third-party apps available for download in the App Store.
SleepWatch
SleepWatch is a top-rated Apple Watch sleep tracking app. It can be used to log your sleep history and times to the Apple Health App. It also offers a SleepWatch Score, which represents your sleep on an easy-to-track number. The app also offers personalized coaching, smart alarms, bedtime suggestions, and sleep reports.
AutoSleep
AutoSleep is another Apple Watch app that can track your sleep and quality. It includes information and functionality for sleep monitoring, such as sleep duration, sleep rating, sleep rings, sleep stages, sleep apnea, sleep blood oxygen, respiration rate, and more. The app will also recommend bedtime based on your habits.
Other Apps
Other Apple Watch sleep tracking apps include Pillow, Pulse Genesis Edition, and Superset. Superset also tracks body strain and exercise.
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Apple Watch Sleep Tracking Accuracy
The Apple Watch is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors to estimate sleep patterns. The Sleep app is available on the Apple Watch Series 3 or newer, SE, or Ultra, and requires watchOS 7 or higher. The watch can track sleep stages by analyzing heart rate and movement.
While the Apple Watch provides a convenient way to track sleep, the accuracy of its sleep tracking has been questioned. Some users have reported inconsistencies between the watch's data and their actual sleep experiences, with the watch sometimes reporting significantly more or less sleep than expected.
According to a study that compared 37 devices to an EEG device, the Apple Watch is the best performer for sleep tracking, with an accuracy of about 85% for deep sleep and lower for REM sleep. However, it is important to note that no app or watch can accurately measure sleep stages, and they all rely on algorithms to make their best guesses.
In comparison to other popular sleep tracking devices, such as Fitbit, the Apple Watch has been found to provide more accurate data by some users. However, others have reported inconsistencies between the two devices, with the Apple Watch sometimes showing longer total sleep times.
Third-party apps, such as SleepWatch and AutoSleep, are also available for the Apple Watch and offer additional features for sleep tracking and analysis. These apps can provide insights into sleep patterns and make recommendations to optimize sleep.
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Apple Watch Sleep Tracking vs Fitbit
Sleep tracking is a core feature for anyone considering a fitness tracker. The Apple Watch and Fitbit are two of the most popular options on the market, but which one is better for sleep tracking?
The Apple Watch has a built-in sleep tracking feature and numerous third-party apps that can be used to track sleep. The built-in Sleep app can be accessed by ensuring your Apple Watch is running watchOS 7 or higher on a Series 3 or newer, SE, or Ultra. The Sleep app can then be enabled in the Watch app on your iPhone. The Apple Watch can also be used to wake you during a light state of sleep, provide adaptive bedtime suggestions, and give you a daily and monthly sleep score.
However, some users have reported that the Apple Watch does not track sleep automatically and that you have to turn on sleep tracking every time you go to bed. Additionally, some users have questioned the accuracy of the sleep tracking data, with the Apple Watch sometimes showing a longer total time asleep than the actual time spent in bed.
Fitbit has been a leader in the fitness and sleep tracking market for years, and its sleep tracking algorithm has received positive reviews. The Fitbit Inspire 2, for example, can track sleep cycles and stages, and it can detect naps, which the Apple Watch does not do natively.
While it is difficult to determine from anecdotes alone which device provides the most accurate data, a recent sleep-tracking study by Brigham and Women's Hospital compared the Oura Ring Gen 3, Apple Watch Series 8, and Fitbit Sense 2. The study found that the Oura Ring offered the highest sensitivity for detecting deep sleep, followed by the Fitbit Sense 2, with the Apple Watch Series 8 performing the worst of the three.
In conclusion, both the Apple Watch and Fitbit offer sleep tracking capabilities, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The Apple Watch has a built-in sleep tracking feature and many third-party apps, but its accuracy has been questioned, and it may not automatically detect sleep. Meanwhile, Fitbit has been a trusted name in sleep tracking for years, and its devices can track sleep cycles and stages and detect naps. However, the Apple Watch may now offer more advanced sleep tracking features with the release of WatchOS 9.
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Apple Watch Sleep Tracking Battery Life
The Apple Watch can be used to track sleep using the built-in Sleep app or third-party apps such as SleepWatch and AutoSleep. The Sleep app is available on watchOS 8 or later, while SleepWatch and AutoSleep are available on the App Store for watchOS 6 or higher. These apps can track sleep patterns, sleep stages, and sleep history, providing insights into sleep quality and duration.
To ensure sufficient battery life for sleep tracking, it is recommended to have the Apple Watch charged to at least 30% before bedtime. According to Apple, the watch typically takes 90 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%, and it offers around 18 hours of battery life with typical use. Therefore, charging the watch for about 60 to 90 minutes daily should be enough to use it during the day and night for sleep tracking.
Additionally, the Sleep app has a feature called Sleep Focus, which limits distractions before bedtime and protects sleep once in bed. Users can also set up Charging Reminders to remind them to charge their watch before their wind-down time and notify them when it's fully charged. These features help ensure that the Apple Watch has enough battery life to track sleep throughout the night.
While the Apple Watch provides sleep tracking capabilities, it is worth noting that it may not be as accurate as other methods such as polysomnography, which involves tracking brain waves, breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body movements. However, the convenience of having a sleep tracker on the wrist makes it a popular choice for many individuals looking to improve their sleep habits.
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Apple Watch Sleep Tracking Features
The Apple Watch is a versatile device that offers various features to enhance your sleep tracking journey. Here are some key sleep tracking functionalities you can utilize:
Built-in Sleep App
The Apple Watch comes pre-loaded with a dedicated Sleep app, which is a valuable tool for monitoring your sleep. This app can estimate the duration of your sleep, including time spent in REM, core sleep, and deep sleep. It's important to note that you need to set up a sleep schedule within the app for accurate tracking. The app will then automatically detect when you've gone to bed and will stop monitoring when you wake up.
Third-Party Sleep Tracking Apps
In addition to the built-in Sleep app, you can enhance your sleep analysis with third-party apps available in the Apple Watch App Store. These apps offer more complex features and insights. For example, AutoSleep, for $5.99, allows you to set a smart alarm, manually indicate bedtime, and view detailed sleep data. SleepWatch is another popular option that provides automatic sleep tracking, daily and monthly sleep scores, and adaptive bedtime suggestions based on your routine.
Wind Down and Bedtime Features
Apple recognizes the importance of a proper bedtime routine and wind-down time. The Wind Down feature on iOS 14 connects to helpful apps and suggests activities like meditation to prepare your mind and body for sleep. Additionally, the Bedtime feature allows you to set bedtime and morning alarm times and tracks your phone usage during downtime.
Heart Rate and Movement Tracking
The Apple Watch can track your heart rate and movement during sleep, providing insights into your sleep quality. This data helps the device analyze your sleep patterns and identify any disturbances or irregularities.
Smart Alarm
The Apple Watch can also function as a smart alarm, gently waking you during a light state of sleep. Many users report finding it easier to awaken during light sleep, making for a more pleasant morning routine.
To get the most out of your Apple Watch sleep tracking, remember to keep your device charged, especially before bedtime, as sleep tracking requires a sufficient battery level. Additionally, ensure that your watch fits snugly on your wrist to accurately collect data overnight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Apple Watch can track sleep. The Apple Watch is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors to estimate sleep patterns while you wear it. The Apple WatchOS 7 update added a new sleep app and tracking features, including a wind-down mode, sleep schedules, and an alarm.
To track your sleep with an Apple Watch, you must first ensure that your watch is running watchOS 7 or higher on a Series 3 or newer, SE, or Ultra. You will also need an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or higher. Once you have updated your watch's software, open the Watch app on your phone and enable the sleep feature. You can then set up a sleep schedule and the watch will automatically track your sleep.
There are several third-party apps available on the Apple Watch App Store that can track your sleep, including SleepWatch, AutoSleep, and Fitbit. These apps offer more complex sleep tracking features, such as estimated light/deep and REM sleep phases, and sleep scores.
