Ashwin Lewis
Apple iPhone users previously had access to a feature called 'Time in Bed', which allowed them to track their sleep using the Health app on their phones. However, this feature was removed in iOS 18. Now, iPhone users can only track their sleep by wearing an Apple Watch to bed and connecting it to the Health app on their phones. Alternatively, users can try third-party apps, such as Sleep Cycle, or create their own shortcuts to mimic the previous 'In Bed' tracking feature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Track Sleep with Apple Watch | Requires Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 8 |
| Sleep Data | Requires a minimum of 1 hour of watch time each night |
| Sleep History | Can be viewed on the Health app on iPhone or iPad |
| Sleep Schedule | Can be personalized to help meet sleep goals |
| Sleep Tracking | Uses iPhone's built-in motion sensors and accelerometer to analyze movement patterns during sleep |
| Sleep Data | Can view the time and percentage spent awake or in REM, core, or deep sleep |
| Track Time in Bed | Removed in iOS 18 |
What You'll Learn
iPhone sleep tracking removed in iOS 18
Apple has removed the iPhone-only sleep-tracking feature in iOS 18. This means that iPhone users can no longer track their sleep using the built-in motion sensors and accelerometer in their phones. Instead, sleep tracking is now only available through the Apple Watch.
Previously, iPhone users could track their sleep using the Health app on their phones. This app could detect when users fell asleep, woke up, and transitioned between sleep stages by analysing their movement patterns. Users could also set up sleep schedules and sleep goals within the app.
Now, with the removal of the iPhone-only sleep-tracking feature, users who wish to track their sleep with Apple products will need to purchase an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch uses sleep tracking to measure and record the number of times a person breathes in a minute, providing insights into their overall health.
It is worth noting that there are alternative sleep-tracking apps available for iPhone users who do not wish to purchase an Apple Watch. For example, the Sleep Cycle app offers free features to track sleep, and the Bearable app allows users to manually rate their quality of sleep.
While some users may be disappointed by the removal of the iPhone-only sleep-tracking feature, it is important to consider the benefits of using a dedicated device like the Apple Watch for sleep tracking. The watch can provide more accurate data and insights into sleep patterns and overall health.
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Using Apple Watch to track sleep
The Apple Watch is a powerful tool for tracking your sleep. It allows you to monitor your sleep patterns, stages, and habits directly from your wrist. The Sleep app on your Apple Watch displays your total sleep duration, the time spent in each sleep stage, and your 14-day average sleep data.
To use your Apple Watch for sleep tracking, you must first set up a sleep schedule in the Health app on your iPhone. This schedule helps your watch know your planned sleep times. Ensure you turn on the “Track Sleep with Apple Watch” setting to begin monitoring your rest. You can also set up sleep tracking directly on the Apple Watch by launching the Sleep app and following the prompts.
Your Apple Watch uses advanced sensors to track your sleep. It detects micro-movements from the watch’s accelerometer. These movements signal when you’re asleep or awake. The device also uses your heart rate data to determine sleep stages. Changes in heart rate variability help identify different phases of sleep. Additionally, it can help identify signs of sleep apnea by tracking interruptions in your breathing throughout the night.
To get the most accurate results when wearing your watch to sleep, it is recommended that you turn on Charging Reminders. This will remind you to charge your Apple Watch before you go to bed. You may also want to enable Sleep Reminders, which will notify you a bit before Wind Down time is about to begin.
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iPhone sleep tracking without wearables
Apple provides a built-in solution to track your sleep through the Health app on your iPhone. The app is represented by a white icon with a red heart. It can be used to track your health metrics, including sleep, without the need for additional devices.
To set up sleep tracking, open the Health app and go to the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down and select Sleep under the "Browse All" section. Tap ""Get Started" and set your sleep schedule by adjusting the bedtime and wake-up time according to your typical routine, then tap Next. The Health app considers contextual cues such as your bedtime routine and device usage patterns to further refine its understanding of your sleep habits. 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.
Apple's sleep tracking feature uses your iPhone's built-in motion sensors and accelerometer to analyze your movement patterns during sleep. It can detect when you fall asleep, wake up, and transition between sleep stages. Using the motion sensors and accelerometer already present in your iPhone, the Health app can detect subtle movements, even while your phone is placed on your bedside table.
As you track your sleep using the Health app, your Fusion Copilot app can leverage this valuable data to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your sleep patterns to help you optimize your routines better.
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Tracking sleep with the Health app
The Health app on your iPhone can help you gain insights into your sleep habits. It can be used in conjunction with an Apple Watch, or on its own to track your sleep.
Using the Health app with an Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch, you can track your sleep by wearing it to bed. This option is available during setup if you've paired your Apple Watch with your iPhone beforehand. If you pair your Apple Watch after setup, you can still turn on sleep tracking later. You can adjust your wind-down and sleep goal as needed on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
To view your sleep history, open the Health app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap 'Browse' at the bottom of the screen, then tap 'Sleep'. If you have Sleep saved as a favorite, you can access it from the Summary page in the Health app. The bar graph by default is set to 'D' for daily. Tap 'W' at the top of the chart to view your sleep history for the past week, 'M' for the past month, or '6M' for the past six months. Tap 'Show More Sleep Data' and select a category to review additional sleep details. You can view the time and percentage you spent awake or in REM, core, or deep sleep.
Using the Health app without an Apple Watch
The Health app can also track your sleep without the need for an Apple Watch or any other additional device. To do this, the app uses your iPhone's built-in motion sensors and accelerometer to analyze your movement patterns during sleep. It can detect when you fall asleep, wake up, and transition between sleep stages.
To set up sleep tracking, open the Health app on your iPhone. It is represented by a white icon with a red heart. Go to the 'Browse' tab at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down and select 'Sleep' under the "Browse All" section. Tap "Get Started" to set up sleep tracking. Set your sleep schedule by adjusting the bedtime and wake-up time according to your typical routine, then tap 'Next'.
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Third-party sleep tracking apps
The iPhone Health app can be used to track your sleep using your iPhone's built-in motion sensors and accelerometer to analyse your movement patterns during sleep. However, there are also third-party sleep-tracking apps available on the App Store.
One such app is Sleep Cycle, which uses sound-sensing technology to assess your sleep, detecting the sounds you make when you move. It also records snoring, coughing, breathing, sleep talking, and ambient noise. The app then allows you to review and delete these recordings. Sleep Cycle also offers a variety of relaxing music, sleep stories, and meditations, as well as gentle wake-up tones.
Another popular option is Calm, an app designed to help users relax and reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of sleep disturbances. Calm offers sleep stories, sounds, white noise, and sleep meditations. It also features music playlists and celebrity sleep stories.
SleepScore is another third-party sleep-tracking app that is known for its specific and easy-to-understand privacy policy. The technology behind SleepScore is based on over 12 years of scientific research and is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
It is important to note that while these apps can provide insights into your sleep patterns, they should not be used as a replacement for medical advice or a clinical sleep study.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can track your sleep with an iPhone. You can use the built-in Health app on your iPhone to track your sleep. You can also pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone to track your sleep.
To track your sleep with an iPhone, you can use the Health app. During setup, input your typical bedtime and wake-up time. The app will then use your phone's motion sensors and accelerometer to analyze your movement patterns during sleep.
Yes, you can track your sleep with an Apple Watch. To do so, pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone and turn on the "Track Sleep" feature. Wear your watch to bed, and it will automatically measure and record the number of times you breathe in a minute.
