Fitbit Blaze Sleep Tracking: How Does It Work?

Fitbit Blaze is a fitness tracker that can monitor your heart rate, steps, calories burned, and sleep. While you sleep, the device tracks beat-to-beat changes in your heart rate, known as heart rate variability (HRV). These numbers fluctuate as you transition between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep stages. However, some users have reported issues with the automatic sleep tracking feature, requiring manual activation of sleep mode from the app. In such cases, users are advised to restart their device and review their sleep tracking sensitivity settings.

The Fitbit Blaze uses Autodetection to track sleep

The Fitbit Blaze uses Autodetection to track your sleep. Autodetection is based on your movement and heart rate. When you haven't moved in over an hour, algorithms assume that sleep has begun, which is confirmed by the length of time your movements are indicative of sleep behaviour, such as rolling over. Morning movement tells your tracker that you're awake. If you're not moving but are still asleep for long periods, it's possible for your tracker to falsely record you as sleeping, in which case you can delete the sleep record from your dashboard.

The Fitbit Blaze tracks your heart rate all day and during exercise. When you exercise, the heart icon shows which zone you are in, and you can customise your heart rate zones in the settings. Your tracker will automatically track your sleep. Just wear it to bed! Using heart rate, you can now track your time in light, deep, and REM sleep, plus the time you spend awake. Use the Fitbit app to manually adjust your sleep.

While you're sleeping, your device tracks the beat-to-beat changes in your heart rate, known as heart rate variability (HRV). These numbers fluctuate as you transition between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep stages. When you sync your device in the morning, Fitbit uses movement and heart rate patterns to estimate sleep cycles from the previous night.

It's important to note that some users have reported issues with the automatic sleep tracking feature of the Fitbit Blaze. In some cases, the device may not properly log sleep or may only record a portion of the sleep duration. If you encounter such issues, it is recommended to contact Fitbit support for troubleshooting steps and further assistance.

Autodetection is based on movement and heart rate patterns

The Fitbit Blaze uses Autodetection to track your sleep. Autodetection is based on your movement and heart rate patterns. When you haven't moved in over an hour, algorithms assume that sleep has begun, which is confirmed by the length of time your movements are indicative of sleep behaviour, such as rolling over. Morning movement tells your tracker that you're awake. If you're not moving but are still asleep for long periods, it's possible for your tracker to falsely record you as sleeping, in which case you can delete the sleep record from your dashboard.

The Fitbit Blaze tracks your heart rate all day and during exercise. You can see your heart rate on the display, and when you exercise, the heart icon shows which zone you are in. You can customise your heart rate zones in the settings. Your tracker will automatically track your sleep. To track your heart rate, your band should lay flat, a finger's width above your wrist bone. For better readings during exercise, wear the band higher up on your wrist—about 2-3 finger widths above your wrist bone.

Fitbit's sleep feature estimates sleep stages using a combination of movement and heart rate patterns. During sleep, your device tracks the beat-to-beat changes in your heart rate, known as heart rate variability (HRV). These numbers fluctuate as you transition between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep stages. When you sync your device in the morning, Fitbit uses movement and heart rate patterns to estimate sleep cycles from the previous night.

If your Fitbit Blaze is not auto-tracking your sleep, you can try switching sleep tracking from normal to sensitive. If this does not work, your heart rate monitor may be faulty, and you may need to replace your unit.

The device tracks beat-to-beat changes in heart rate

The Fitbit Blaze uses Autodetection to track your sleep. This is based on your movement—when you haven't moved in over an hour, algorithms assume that sleep has begun, which is confirmed by the length of time your movements are indicative of sleep behaviour (e.g. rolling over). Morning movement tells your tracker that you're awake.

In addition to movement, the Fitbit Blaze also uses heart rate patterns to track your sleep. The device tracks beat-to-beat changes in your heart rate, known as heart rate variability (HRV). These numbers fluctuate as you transition between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep stages.

Heart rate variability is the variation in the beat-to-beat intervals of your heart rate. It is a physiological phenomenon that occurs naturally in the body. HRV is influenced by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

During sleep, your autonomic nervous system activity changes, which is reflected in your heart rate variability. By tracking these beat-to-beat changes, the Fitbit Blaze can estimate your sleep stages and provide a sleep score that helps you understand your sleep patterns and quality.

False recording of sleep can be deleted from the dashboard

The Fitbit Blaze is designed to automatically track your sleep when worn to bed. It uses heart rate tracking to monitor the time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep, as well as the time spent awake. However, in some cases, the device may not accurately record sleep, resulting in false sleep data. This can occur due to various factors, such as a faulty heart rate monitor or user-related issues like forgetting to wear the device.

To address false sleep recordings, Fitbit allows users to manually edit or delete sleep logs. From the “Today” tab in the Fitbit app, users can access their sleep data by tapping the “Sleep Duration” tile. To edit a sleep session, tap the three dots icon and select "Edit Sleep." Swiping up will display the sleep sessions, allowing users to choose the specific session they want to modify.

Deleting a sleep log can be achieved by following similar steps. From the “Today” tab, tap the “Sleep Duration” tile, then select the sleep log you wish to remove. The three dots icon will provide an option to “Delete Sleep Log” or “Delete Log." Confirm your changes, and the false sleep recording will be removed from the dashboard.

It is important to note that deleting sleep data is an irreversible action. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be recovered from the dashboard. Therefore, users should exercise caution when deciding to delete sleep logs to avoid permanent loss of data.

Sleep tracking can be switched from normal to sensitive

The Fitbit Blaze is a wrist-based device that automatically tracks your sleep when you wear it to bed. It uses your heart rate to track the time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep, as well as the time awake. To get the best results, it is recommended to wear the band snugly, but not too tightly, about 2-3 finger widths above your wrist bone.

Sleep tracking on the Fitbit Blaze can be switched from normal to sensitive mode. The normal mode records significant movements, such as rolling over, as time spent awake, and this setting is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the sensitive mode captures almost all movements as time spent restless or awake. This mode may be useful if you often feel tired in the morning, even though your sleep history suggests you've had enough rest.

To adjust your sleep settings, you can access the Sleep Duration tile on the Today tab in the Fitbit app. From there, you can choose to edit or delete a sleep log by tapping the menu icon in the top right corner. For devices that record sleep patterns instead of sleep stages, you will find the option to switch between normal and sensitive modes.

It is important to note that the Fitbit Blaze is designed to be water-resistant and splash-proof, but it is not recommended to shower or swim with it. Additionally, the battery life of the device can last up to 5 days on a single charge, depending on usage and settings.

Frequently asked questions