How Coros Pace 2 Tracks Sleep And More

The Coros Pace 2 is a lightweight, entry-level fitness tracker with a range of features, including sleep tracking. It is a popular choice for runners and triathletes due to its accurate tracking capabilities and affordable price point. While it offers impressive performance for its cost, some users have reported limitations with its sleep-tracking function, such as not recording sleep outside designated hours or missing short naps. However, firmware updates have been released to improve sleep tracking, including the addition of REM sleep tracking for a more comprehensive understanding of sleep quality.

Sleep tracking accuracy

The Coros Pace 2 watch can automatically recognise and track sleep 24 hours a day. Sleep tracking is a feature that is available on the Pace 2, as well as other Coros watches such as the APEX Pro, VERTIX 1, and VERTIX 2.

Sleep tracking on the Pace 2 watch works by providing an overall sleep quality assessment and recording sleep stages, including deep sleep, light sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Sleep that lasts more than 3 hours will receive a sleep quality evaluation, which can be graded as "Great", "Good", "Fair", "Low", or "Poor". Sleep lasting less than 3 hours is considered a nap and will not receive an overall sleep quality score.

In May 2022, Coros released a firmware update that improved the accuracy of sleep detection for the Pace 2, in addition to tracking waking periods in the middle of the night to a higher degree of accuracy. This update also added the sleep stage REM, which is a crucial piece in understanding the overall picture of sleep quality as it is commonly known as the stage where dreams occur.

Despite these improvements, some users have reported issues with the sleep tracking feature on the Pace 2 watch. For example, some users have noted that the watch does not track sleep outside of designated hours, and that it can miss naps or periods of sleep that occur after early waking.

Sleep tracking limitations

Sleep tracking is a feature available on the COROS PACE 2 watch. This watch can automatically recognize and track sleep 24 hours a day. However, there are some limitations to sleep tracking on the COROS PACE 2 and other sleep-tracking devices in general.

Firstly, the COROS PACE 2 watch only provides a sleep quality assessment and records sleep stages if sleep lasts more than 3 hours. Any sleep that lasts less than 3 hours is categorized as a nap and does not receive an overall sleep quality score or sleep stage recordings. This limitation may exclude certain sleep patterns, such as short naps or interrupted sleep, from being accurately tracked and analyzed.

Secondly, while the COROS PACE 2 watch can track sleep duration and quality, it may not provide insights into all sleep phases or sleep cycles. Sleep typically progresses through various stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and these stages can repeat in cycles throughout the night. However, the watch may not always accurately capture the transitions between these stages or the exact duration spent in each stage.

Additionally, sleep tracking devices, including the COROS PACE 2, rely on measuring inactivity as a surrogate for estimating sleep. They do not directly measure sleep but rather make estimations based on inactivity. This can result in discrepancies between the tracked sleep data and the actual sleep patterns, especially if there is movement during sleep or if the user wakes up briefly during the night.

Furthermore, limited independent studies have comprehensively validated the performance of widely used consumer sleep trackers. The accuracy and reliability of these devices can vary, and they may not always provide exact data about sleep habits. While they can be useful for recognizing patterns and gaining insights into sleep routines, it is important to interpret the data with caution and consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional for any sleep-related concerns.

Sleep tracking compared to competitors

The Coros Pace 2 offers 24/7 sleep tracking, with a graph view that shows how long the user is awake, and in light, deep, or REM sleep states. The watch is able to establish when you go to sleep, meaning there is no need to engage a separate sleep mode. The Pace 2 will also give you insights into your sleep quality and sleep stages, with sleep lasting more than 3 hours receiving an overall sleep quality assessment.

Compared to its competitors, the Coros Pace 2 has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised the Pace 2 for its sleep tracking capabilities, with one user commenting that it is a great entry-level fitness tracker for runners. The lightweight design and accurate tracking of the Pace 2 make it a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and functional running watch.

However, other users have criticized the Pace 2 for its sleep tracking limitations. One common issue is the watch's inability to track sleep outside of designated hours. For example, if a user wakes up early and then tries to get back to sleep, the watch will not track this additional sleep period. This has been a significant drawback for those who prioritize sleep tracking as a key feature in their fitness watches.

Another competitor, the Fitbit Charge 4, offers more comprehensive sleep tracking than the Pace 2. The Charge 4 provides data on spo2, breath per minute, heart rate variability, and REM stage tracking. It also has the ability to track sleep that is outside the set sleep time, which is a feature that the Pace 2 currently lacks.

Despite these criticisms, it is important to note that Coros has released firmware updates to improve the sleep tracking capabilities of the Pace 2. These updates have included the addition of REM tracking and improvements to the accuracy of sleep detection. While there is still room for improvement, Coros has shown a commitment to enhancing the sleep tracking functionality of its devices.

Sleep tracking updates

The COROS PACE 2 is a great entry-level fitness tracker for runners. It is lightweight, has a long battery life, and offers accurate tracking. The PACE 2 is a full multisport watch that can track a range of exercises, including running, cycling, and swimming. It also has a triathlon multi-sport mode and a GPS connection.

In terms of sleep tracking, the PACE 2 offers 24-hour sleep tracking and can automatically recognize and track sleep. It provides a sleep quality assessment and records sleep stages, including deep sleep, light sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Sleep lasting more than 3 hours will receive an overall sleep quality score, while sleep of 3 hours or less will be categorized as a nap. The PACE 2 also has a handy graph view that shows how long the user is awake and in different sleep states.

There have been some concerns about the accuracy of sleep tracking on the PACE 2, with some users reporting discrepancies between their actual sleep and the watch's recordings. However, firmware updates have been released to improve sleep tracking accuracy. For example, the September 2024 Feature Update included All Day Sleep Tracking and Sleep Quality Scores. This update also improved the accuracy of sleep detection and added tracking for the REM sleep stage.

It's important to note that the PACE 2 will not support future firmware updates that require additional storage capacity on the watch. However, app-based software updates will continue to be available for all PACE 2 users. Despite some limitations, the PACE 2 offers comprehensive sleep tracking features that can provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns and quality.

Sleep tracking comfort

Sleep tracking is a feature that is available on the COROS PACE 2. The watch can automatically recognise and track sleep 24 hours a day. This means that the PACE 2 can establish when you go to sleep, removing the need to engage a separate sleep mode. The watch will provide an overall sleep quality assessment and record sleep stages, including deep sleep, light sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Sleep lasting less than 3 hours will be categorised as a nap and will not receive an overall sleep quality score or sleep stages.

The PACE 2 is lightweight and comfortable to wear at night. It has swappable straps, which can be removed with small pins. However, some users have reported minor skin irritation after extended use. The 1.2-inch display is clear at all times of the day and does a good job of mitigating sunlight, making it easy to read in the middle of the night. The circular display is navigated through buttons, one of which doubles as a digital crown, similar to the Apple Watch.

The PACE 2 provides a graph of your sleep in the COROS app, which can be viewed the next day. This graph shows how long the user is awake and in light, deep, or REM sleep states. The watch will also detect sleep patterns for the next 5 hours after the user wakes up if they have two separate sleep periods. This update also includes tracking waking periods in the middle of the night to a higher degree of accuracy.

While the PACE 2 offers sleep tracking, some users have reported issues with its accuracy. For example, the watch may not track sleep outside of designated hours or after waking up early and trying to get back to sleep. Despite these limitations, the PACE 2 provides insightful training analysis and is an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly triathlon watch or fitness tracker.

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