Galaxy Watch Active: Sleep Tracking Explained

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is a fitness smartwatch that offers sleep tracking as one of its features. The watch automatically switches to sleep-tracking mode when it detects that you've gone to bed, and it breaks down the quality of your sleep based on the length of time spent in each phase. However, several reviews have pointed out erratic tracking issues, with the watch sometimes failing to differentiate between relaxation and sleep. To use the sleep tracking feature, you need to enable certain settings in the Samsung Health app and wear the watch while you sleep.

Accuracy of sleep tracking

The accuracy of sleep tracking on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active has been called into question by several users. Some have reported that the watch fails to differentiate between relaxation and sleep, with one user noting that it logged them as sleeping while they were watching a film. This is supported by a study of 11 different consumer sleep trackers (CSTs), which found that the REM stage of sleep showed a substantially higher average F1 score than the deep sleep stage. This indicates that the Galaxy Watch Active may be better at detecting REM sleep than deep sleep.

Users have also reported inconsistencies in the data, with the watch occasionally recording two sleep records per night, indicating that it stopped tracking their sleep for an hour or more. This issue appears to be more common on the Galaxy Watch Active than on competing products like the Fitbit. One user noted that their Fitbit recorded around an hour of deep sleep each night, while the Galaxy Watch Active often recorded none.

However, it is worth noting that the accuracy of sleep tracking can be influenced by various factors, such as the user's sleep habits and the fit of the watch. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch Active has received praise for other features, such as automatic workout detection and water resistance. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking highly accurate sleep tracking, it still offers a compelling mix of features for the price.

Comparison to Fitbit

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active has been criticised for its erratic tracking, which also affects its sleep tracking capabilities. Users have reported that the watch fails to differentiate between them being asleep and simply relaxing, resulting in inaccurate sleep tracking. The watch also occasionally stops tracking sleep halfway through the night, resulting in multiple sleep records per night.

In comparison, Fitbit is considered the "unequivocal leader in the health/fitness tracking space". Fitbit devices are known for their accurate sleep tracking, with users reporting that they provide a more accurate representation of deep sleep compared to the Galaxy Watch Active. The Fitbit Versa, for example, offers in-depth sleep tracking and a battery life of up to 4+ days on a single charge, which is significantly longer than the Galaxy Watch Active's advertised two days of use per charge.

However, the Fitbit Versa lacks some features that the Galaxy Watch Active offers, such as a microphone for voice responses and built-in GPS. Additionally, the Fitbit Pay feature is only available on the Special Edition model, whereas the Galaxy Watch Active offers Samsung Pay as a default feature.

The Galaxy Watch 7, a newer model, offers advanced sleep tracking that goes beyond sleep duration and provides insights into sleep stages, sleep scores, and blood oxygen levels. This model also includes a Samsung BioActive Sensor, which combines a heart rate sensor, an electrical heart rate signal, and a bioimpedance sensor.

Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and the Fitbit Versa are excellent smartwatches, but the decision between the two ultimately depends on the user's specific needs and preferences. The Fitbit may be more suitable for those seeking a more affordable, fitness-oriented device, while the Galaxy Watch is a better choice for those wanting a feature-rich smartwatch with a longer battery life and built-in GPS.

Sleep coaching

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active can be used to track your sleep patterns. The watch automatically switches to sleep-tracking mode when it detects that you've gone to bed. It then breaks down the quality of your sleep based on how long you spent in each phase. The watch also has a sleep coaching feature that can help you get a better night's sleep.

To use the sleep coaching feature, you must first wear your watch for at least seven days and nights to collect enough data. You can then open the Samsung Health app on your connected phone and tap the Sleep tile. From there, you can tap "Get started with sleep coaching" and answer some questions about your sleep to help determine the best way to coach you. The sleep coaching settings can only be adjusted from your phone and not the watch itself.

The sleep coaching program will provide guidance and recommendations based on your sleep data and goals. It will help you establish a more organized sleeping schedule and address any issues such as insomnia. The program takes into account your survey results and sleep pattern data to tailor the coaching to your needs.

In addition to sleep coaching, the Samsung Health app offers various features to enhance your sleep tracking experience. You can view your sleeping time, sleep stages, blood oxygen levels, sleep consistency, and more. The app also includes snore detection, allowing you to measure and record your snoring.

While the Galaxy Watch Active provides insights into your sleep patterns, it's important to note that some users have reported discrepancies in sleep tracking compared to other devices like Fitbit. There have been instances where the watch fails to accurately differentiate between relaxing activities and actual sleep. However, the watch's sleep tracking capabilities continue to improve with software updates.

Snore detection

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active can detect and record your snoring. The data is compiled in the Samsung Health app, which you can check the next morning. To use this feature, you need to ensure that your watch is connected to your phone via the Galaxy Wearable app.

• Open the Samsung Health app on your phone.
• Tap the Sleep card.
• Tap More options (three vertical dots).
• Select Advanced measurement.
• Tap Snoring.
• Tap the switch at the top of the screen to turn on Snore detection.
• Allow the necessary permissions when prompted.
• You will see a pop-up informing you that turning on Snore detection will increase phone battery consumption. Tap OK to continue.
• Select your preference under Detect snoring (Always or Once).
• You can also record your snoring by tapping the switch next to Record audio.

Please note that you will need to wear your watch for at least seven days and nights before you can use the Sleep coaching feature. Additionally, the sleep coaching settings can only be adjusted from your phone, not the watch itself.

Blood oxygen levels

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is a fitness smartwatch that can track your sleep patterns. The watch automatically switches to sleep-tracking mode when it detects that you've gone to bed. It can break down the quality of your sleep based on how long you spent in each phase: Awake, REM, Light, and Deep sleep cycles.

One of the key metrics the watch can track is your blood oxygen levels during sleep. This is one of the features available on the Samsung Health app and Sleep tile on the Galaxy Watch. To enable blood oxygen tracking, you need to open the Samsung Health app on your watch, swipe to Settings, and turn on the switch next to "Blood oxygen during sleep."

The watch's sleep tracking feature has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised its accuracy, while others have experienced issues with inconsistent tracking and low deep sleep readings. It's important to note that the watch's activity tracking capabilities, including sleep tracking, can be improved with software updates and better calibration.

In addition to blood oxygen levels, the Samsung Health app also provides insights into your sleep time, sleep score, sleep stages, snoring, sleep skin temperature, and sleep consistency. The app even offers a sleep coaching program to help you improve your sleep habits.

Frequently asked questions