Deep Sleep Tracking: Active 2 Watch Accuracy Explored

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 watch uses movement and heart rate to track sleep. It records sleep in four stages: awake, light, deep, and REM. However, the accuracy of the watch's sleep tracking has been called into question by some users, who have reported issues with deep sleep recordings and inconsistencies with other sleep-tracking devices. While some users have found solutions to improve tracking accuracy, others have attributed the discrepancies to issues with Samsung's sleep tracking algorithm.

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 uses movement and heart rate to determine sleep phases

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 watch uses movement and heart rate to determine sleep phases. The watch automatically records sleep based on movement, and the user can turn on Record REM sleep to track the four stages of sleep: awake, REM, light, and deep. The data is then tracked in the Samsung Health app, which can be viewed on the watch or a smartphone.

The accuracy of the sleep tracking may vary as it is based on movement and heart rate. For example, if a person works at a desk and keeps their arm very still, the watch may mistake this for sleep. Similarly, if a person moves a lot in their sleep, the accuracy of the tracking may be affected. Additionally, the watch may not accurately detect sleep if worn on the inside of the wrist, as the watch may not be in contact with the skin.

To improve the accuracy of sleep tracking, users can ensure that the watch is worn tightly on the outside of the wrist. Additionally, users can enable continuous HR monitoring and change the wrist position and tightness. Resetting the watch and forcing a manual sync between the watch and the Samsung Health app may also help.

It is important to note that the Samsung Health app's tracking of sleep depth has been updated to include a heart rate variance measure. Deep sleep is characterized by a low and steady heart rate, while REM sleep is more active. This update may help improve the accuracy of sleep tracking by taking into account heart rate in addition to movement.

Users have reported issues with the accuracy of the deep sleep tracking

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 watch uses movement and heart rate to determine if the user is awake or in light, deep, or REM sleep phases. This data is tracked in the Samsung Health app, which can be viewed on the watch or a smartphone. While some users have reported that the watch tracks their sleep accurately, others have reported issues with the accuracy of the deep sleep tracking feature.

Some users have noticed that their deep sleep recordings started to become non-existent a few months into using the watch. They have also reported that the watch records very little deep sleep, which does not match their expectations based on their sleep patterns. For example, one user compared their Active 2 recordings to their Fitbit data and found that the Active 2 reported less than 30 minutes of deep sleep, while the Fitbit reported an average of 1 hour. Another user reported that the watch recorded only 4 minutes of deep sleep, which they felt was inaccurate based on their sleep habits.

Users have tried various methods to improve the accuracy of deep sleep tracking, including resetting the watch, ensuring continuous HR monitoring, changing wrist position and tightness, and manually syncing data. Some users have also suggested using a different app, such as "Sleep as Android," to track sleep.

It is important to note that the accuracy of sleep tracking devices can vary, and they may not provide perfectly accurate data. Additionally, individual factors, such as sleep position and movement during sleep, can also impact the accuracy of the tracking.

The watch may mistake stillness for sleep, and movement for wakefulness

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 watch uses movement and heart rate to determine if the wearer is awake or in light, deep, or REM sleep phases. This data is then tracked in the Samsung Health app. However, the watch may mistake stillness for sleep and movement for wakefulness. For example, if a person is working at a desk and has their arm in a similar position to when they are laying down, the watch may start tracking sleep. Similarly, if a person is reading in bed but is not yet asleep, the watch may mistake this stillness for sleep.

The accuracy of the Active 2 watch's sleep tracking has been called into question by some users, with some reporting that their watch records very little or no deep sleep. This could be due to the watch mistaking stillness for sleep, but it could also be a result of other factors such as the watch's algorithm, the positioning or tightness of the watch on the wrist, or the accuracy of the heart rate monitoring.

To improve the accuracy of sleep tracking, some users have suggested making sure the watch is set to continuous heart rate monitoring and ensuring that the wrist position and tightness are correct. Resetting the watch, restarting both the watch and the phone, and forcing a manual sync between the devices and the Samsung Health app may also help. Additionally, users can try using a different sleep tracking app, such as "Sleep as Android," which has been reported to provide more accurate results.

It is important to note that the accuracy of sleep tracking devices can vary, and no device can provide perfect accuracy. A 2017 study found that a Fitbit Charge 2 detected light sleep with 81% accuracy and REM sleep with 74% accuracy, but only detected deep sleep with 49% accuracy. While the Active 2 watch may not always accurately distinguish between the different sleep stages, it can still provide valuable insights into a person's sleep patterns and duration.

The Record REM sleep option was deprecated in 2020

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 watch is designed to track sleep by monitoring the user's movement and heart rate. The data is then recorded in the Samsung Health app, which categorises sleep into four stages: awake, light, deep, and REM. The watch can be set to record REM sleep, which is the deepest sleep stage, characterised by increased heart rate, brain activity, and rapid eye movement.

Additionally, the watch may mistake periods of inactivity while awake for sleep. For example, someone working at a desk may have their arm in a similar position to when they are sleeping, which could trigger the watch to start tracking sleep. Another factor that can affect the accuracy of sleep tracking is the position and tightness of the watch on the wrist. Users have also reported issues with the Samsung Health app not syncing sleep information between the watch and the phone.

To improve the accuracy of sleep tracking, users can try resetting the watch, ensuring constant heart rate monitoring, and adjusting the wrist position and tightness. Samsung has also updated its sleep depth tracking to include a heart rate variance measure, with the idea that deep sleep should be indicated by a low and steady heart rate, while REM sleep should be more active.

The Samsung Health app allows users to view sleep data on their phone

The Samsung Health app, available on your phone, is the ideal way to view your sleep data. While you can view your sleep data on the Galaxy Active 2 watch, the small screen size can make it difficult to see the details. The app provides a more comprehensive overview of your sleep patterns.

The app records your sleep in four stages: Awake, Light, Deep, and REM. It uses your movement and heart rate to determine which stage of sleep you are in. This data is automatically uploaded from your watch to your phone. However, there may be times when your watch fails to sync your sleep information to the app. In such cases, you can try restarting both devices and, if that doesn't work, perform a manual sync by opening the Samsung Health app, tapping the Menu button, choosing Settings, and then selecting "Sync with Samsung account".

It's important to note that the accuracy of sleep tracking may vary. The watch primarily relies on movement and heart rate to determine sleep patterns, which may not always be accurate, especially for those who move a lot in their sleep. Additionally, there have been reports of discrepancies in sleep data when compared to other sleep tracking devices, such as Fitbit. Some users have also expressed a desire for more editing capabilities within the app to correct inaccurate sleep recordings.

Despite these limitations, the Samsung Health app still provides valuable insights into your sleep patterns. It can help you identify trends and make informed decisions about your sleep habits. By understanding the different sleep stages and their importance, you can work towards improving your sleep quality and overall health.

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