Iwatch: Your Sleep's Automatic Guardian

The Apple Watch has offered sleep tracking since WatchOS 7, with the feature being expanded upon in subsequent updates. The Sleep app on Apple Watch allows users to create sleep schedules and goals, with the watch tracking the user's sleep and adding the data to the Health app on their iPhone. The watch can also track the user's respiratory rate and sleep cycles, although the accuracy of this data has been questioned by some users.

How to set up sleep tracking on Apple Watch

To set up sleep tracking on your Apple Watch, you must first ensure that your watch is charged to at least 30% before you go to bed. You should also ensure that your Apple Watch fits comfortably on your wrist. If it is too loose, the accelerometer may register too much movement during your natural sleep.

Next, you must enable sleep tracking on your Apple Watch. You can do this by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tapping 'My Watch', then tapping 'Sleep'. You can also create a sleep schedule by opening the Health app on your iPhone, tapping 'Browse', tapping 'Sleep', and then tapping 'Get Started' under 'Set Up Sleep'. Here, you can set a sleep goal, your bedtime and wake-up times, and turn on Sleep Focus, which limits distractions before you go to bed.

Once you have set up sleep tracking, you can view your sleep history by opening the Health app on your iPhone or iPad and tapping 'Browse'. If you have Sleep saved as a favourite, you can access it from the Summary page in the Health app. You can also view your sleep data on the Sleep app on your Apple Watch.

How to view sleep data on Apple Watch

To view your sleep data on your Apple Watch, you must first ensure that sleep tracking is enabled. To do this, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap the 'My Watch' tab, then tap 'Sleep'. Next, tap Charging Reminders to turn on a reminder on your Apple Watch to charge before your wind-down time.

Once you've ensured that sleep tracking is enabled, wear your Apple Watch to bed. It is recommended that you wear your watch to bed for at least one hour each night to receive sleep data. When you wake up, open the Sleep app on your Apple Watch to learn how much sleep you got and see your sleep trends over the past 14 days. You can also ask Siri how much sleep you got the night before.

To view more detailed sleep data, 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 favourite, you can access it from the Summary page in the Health app. From here, you can view the time and percentage you spent awake or in REM, Core, or Deep sleep. You can also view your Sleep Duration details, such as your Sleep Goal and Time Asleep, as well as your Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate in relation to your time spent asleep.

How accurate is the sleep tracking on Apple Watch?

The accuracy of sleep tracking on the Apple Watch depends on a variety of factors, including the user's settings and the device's limitations.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the Apple Watch is set up correctly for sleep tracking. This involves enabling the "Sleep Tracking" feature and wearing the watch to bed. The watch should be snug on the user's wrist to accurately collect data. Additionally, the Apple Watch should be charged to at least 30% before sleep, as a dead battery could result in incomplete or inaccurate data.

The Apple Watch's Sleep app allows users to create sleep schedules, which can help improve accuracy. However, this requires the user to input their sleep and wake-up times, which may not always be consistent or accurate. The watch can then estimate the time spent in different sleep stages, such as REM, Core, and Deep sleep. While this provides valuable insights, it may not always align perfectly with an individual's sleep experience.

When compared to other wearable devices, the Apple Watch's sleep tracking has been described as superior by some users, while others have found it to be less accurate than alternatives like Fitbit or Garmin. It is important to note that no consumer sleep-tracking device can provide perfect accuracy, and professional sleep studies are required for more precise measurements.

The Apple Watch's sleep tracking feature offers a good estimate of sleep patterns and can help users understand their sleep habits. However, for a completely accurate picture of an individual's sleep, more specialized equipment and studies are necessary.

How does the Apple Watch sleep tracking compare to Fitbit?

Apple Watch's sleep tracking has improved significantly since its launch a few years ago, and now there is little to choose from between it and Fitbit. However, there are some differences in the way they track sleep.

Fitbit has long been a leader in the fitness and sleep tracking market, but Apple has upped its game with the release of WatchOS 9, which allows compatible Apple Watches to track sleep stages and cycles. Fitbit offers a breakdown of sleep stages, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and Sleep Scores. However, you need to pay for a Fitbit Premium subscription to access all of this data. Fitbit also offers a wider range of products at different price points, so it's more likely that you'll find a device that suits your needs and budget. Fitbit devices also tend to have better battery life. Additionally, Fitbit's sleep tracking is considered a richer and more engaging experience, while Apple's approach is more direct and focused on improving sleep habits.

Apple Watch's sleep tracking feature uses motion detection to track sleep when worn to bed. It can also track the user's respiratory rate during sleep, providing insights into their overall health. Apple's sleep tracking is linked to alarms and can integrate with the iPhone to turn off notifications 30 minutes before bedtime. Apple Watches also come with built-in GPS, heart rate zone tracking, and automatic workout detection, making them popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Apple Watch also has the advantage of seamless integration with iPhones, allowing users to utilize apps, listen to music or podcasts, and text and make calls directly from their wrist.

In terms of accuracy, some users have found that the Apple Watch tends to track a longer time asleep, while others have reported that it is very accurate. Fitbit, on the other hand, is generally considered superior in automatic sleep tracking, even for daytime naps. It should be noted that both devices have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on individual preferences, goals, and budget.

How to improve the accuracy of sleep tracking on Apple Watch

To improve the accuracy of sleep tracking on your Apple Watch, you can try the following:

Firstly, ensure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 30% before going to bed. This is important as a low battery may disrupt the tracking or prevent it from taking place at all. You can turn on Charging Reminders to help with this.

Secondly, wear your Apple Watch to bed for at least one hour. The watch uses motion to detect sleep, so it is important to wear it while sleeping to get an accurate reading.

Thirdly, create a personalised sleep schedule. You can do this by opening the Health app on your iPhone and setting a sleep goal, as well as your desired bedtime and wake-up times. This will help the watch to more accurately detect when you are sleeping.

Additionally, you can try using third-party apps such as SleepSpace, which claims to have a uniquely accurate sleep detection model. SleepSpace uses biofeedback to promote relaxation and deeper sleep, which may result in more accurate sleep tracking.

It is also important to note that the accuracy of sleep tracking may be affected by factors such as the tightness of the watch strap, the placement of the watch on the wrist, and individual differences in sleeping patterns. Therefore, it is recommended to experiment with different settings and compare the results with other sleep-tracking devices to determine the most accurate configuration for your personal use.

Frequently asked questions