Evie Summers
Apple iPhone 7 users can track their sleep using the Health app. However, this feature is no longer available after upgrading to iOS 18. To use the sleep tracking feature on iPhone 7, users need to have the latest version of iOS. The Health app allows users to set sleep goals, create a customised sleep schedule, and view their sleep history. Additionally, users can also pair their iPhone 7 with an Apple Watch to track their sleep. The Apple Watch can measure and record sleep data, including respiratory rate, and send it to the Health app on the iPhone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep tracking | Requires Apple Watch with watchOS 8 or later |
| Sleep tracking data | Requires Apple Watch to be worn for at least 1 hour each night |
| Sleep data | Accessible via Health app on iPhone or iPad |
| Sleep data time frame | Daily, weekly, monthly, and 6-month history available |
| Sleep data details | Time and percentage spent awake or in REM, Core, or Deep sleep |
| Respiratory rate tracking | Requires Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 8 or later |
| Respiratory rate data | Accessible via Health app on iPhone or iPad |
| Sleep Focus | Reduces distractions on iPhone and Apple Watch by simplifying Lock Screen |
| Sleep schedules | Customizable for different days of the week |
What You'll Learn
Using an Apple Watch to track sleep
The Apple Watch is a powerful tool for tracking your sleep. It can monitor your sleep patterns, stages, and habits directly from your wrist. 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 your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone.
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap "Sleep".
- Tap "Get Started" under "Set Up Sleep".
- Set your sleep goals, bedtime, and wake-up times.
- Enable "Sleep Focus" to reduce distractions on your iPhone and Apple Watch during your scheduled bedtime.
- Open the Sleep app on your Apple Watch and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Set a nightly sleep goal and adjust your bedtime and wake-up times as needed.
- Enable "Wind Down" and "Sleep Focus" to limit distractions before bedtime and while you sleep.
- Wear your Apple Watch to bed, ensuring it is charged to at least 30% before sleep.
Your Apple Watch will now automatically track your sleep and provide insights into your sleep patterns, stages, and habits. You can view your sleep data in the Health app on your iPhone or the Sleep app on your Apple Watch. This will include your total sleep duration, time spent in each sleep stage, and your average sleep data over the last 14 days.
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Limitations of iPhone sleep tracking
As of iOS 18, Apple removed the iPhone-only sleep-tracking feature, "Time in Bed". This means that the iPhone can no longer track sleep independently, without the use of an Apple Watch. This is a significant limitation for those who do not own an Apple Watch or prefer not to wear it to bed.
Even with an Apple Watch, there are some limitations to sleep tracking. Firstly, the Apple Watch must be worn for at least one hour each night to track sleep. This may be inconvenient or uncomfortable for some users. Additionally, while the watch can track respiratory rate, this feature is intended for insight only and is not to be used for medical purposes.
Furthermore, the accuracy of sleep tracking data has been called into question by some users. One user reported that the Sleep Cycle app indicated they were in light sleep when they were, in fact, awake and engaging in various activities. Another user pointed out that the data provided by the iPhone sleep tracking feature, which only indicated whether the phone was picked up during designated sleep hours, did not provide any meaningful insights into sleep quality or quantity.
In conclusion, while iPhone sleep tracking can provide some basic insights into sleep habits, it has limitations in terms of accuracy, convenience, and comfort.
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Sleep tracking on iOS 18
Apple has removed the iPhone-only sleep-tracking feature, "Time in Bed", in iOS 18. This means that you can no longer track your sleep using just your iPhone. However, you can still track your sleep by pairing your iPhone with an Apple Watch.
To track your sleep using an Apple Watch, you need to ensure that you have an iPhone with the latest version of iOS and an Apple Watch with the latest version of watchOS. Additionally, make sure that your Apple Watch is charged to at least 30% before you go to bed, and that Sleep Tracking is enabled. You will need to wear your Apple Watch for at least one hour each night to receive sleep data.
If you wish to continue using your iPhone to track your sleep without an Apple Watch, there are some alternative options. One option is to create shortcuts that can be used in automations to mimic the "In Bed" tracking behaviour from before iOS 18. This works by recording the time when you plug your phone in while in Sleep Focus mode. When you unplug your phone, the shortcut checks for that initial recorded time, and a new "In Bed" health sample is created in Apple Health.
Another alternative is to use third-party sleep-tracking apps that are compatible with iOS. For example, the app "Sleep Cycle" has been recommended by users for its free features. Additionally, Apple acquired Beddit, which is now supported by the HealthKit integration. This app can be used to track your bedtime sleep with or without pairing a watch.
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Third-party sleep tracking apps
Apple introduced the Sleep feature with watchOS 7 and more advanced sleep tracking with watchOS 9. However, this update does not apply to older Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 or for people with iPhones but without Apple Watches. This is where third-party sleep-tracking apps come in.
Pillow
Pillow offers a detailed sleep analysis, including a comparison of data between days, weeks, months, or even years. The free plan is limited to your sleep hours and quality for a single night. Without a subscription, the app is very minimal, and you can only get a limited daily sleep analysis and an alarm clock. Pillow offers a 7-day free trial of the app.
AutoSleep
AutoSleep allows you to track your sleep with your Apple Watch in two different ways. The first and most detailed and accurate way is to wear your Apple Watch while you sleep. If you do this, all you have to do is download the AutoSleep app from the App Store and plug in some basic information about yourself. If you track your sleep this way, you’ll get a variety of details about your sleep every morning when you wake up. This information includes a graph showing your sleep qualities and cycle. Additionally, you can view how long you laid awake in bed, how restful your sleep was, your average heart rate, and how long you spent in deep sleep. AutoSleep is available on the App Store for $2.99.
Sleep Cycle
Sleep Cycle has a smart alarm clock that gently wakes you up when you're in a light sleep phase. It detects things like snoring, sleep talking, coughing, and other things that can decrease your quality of sleep. Premium features include relaxing sleep sounds and a story library. Sleep Cycle uses sound analysis, so you don't need to wear your Apple Watch to bed. Sleep Cycle is free, with a $29.99/year premium subscription.
SleepWatch
SleepWatch is a sleep-tracking app that measures total sleep time, total restful sleep time, average sleeping heart rate, sleep rhythm, sleep disruptions, and more. It uses AI to offer personalized insights to help you get a better night's sleep. Premium membership unlocks features like an advanced tracking mode, which estimates the time it takes you to fall asleep each night. SleepWatch is free, with a $3.99/month or $29.99/year premium membership.
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Manually adding sleep data
To manually add sleep data to your iPhone 7, you will need to use the Health app.
First, open the Health app on your iPhone. Tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Sleep" in the list of options.
To manually add sleep data, tap "Add Data" in the top-right corner of the screen. This will allow you to input your sleep data for the night manually. You can also view your sleep data by week or month by tapping on the tabs at the top of the screen. To change the time span displayed in the graph, swipe the graph left or right. To view the details for a specific day, tap the column for that day.
You can also use Siri to manually add sleep data. On supported models, you can ask Siri, "How much did I sleep last night?" and it will provide you with the information.
It is worth noting that, according to some sources, Apple removed the iPhone-only sleep-tracking feature (Time in Bed) in iOS 18. However, you can still track your sleep by wearing your Apple Watch to bed and enabling the "Track Sleep with Apple Watch" feature.
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Frequently asked questions
The iPhone 7 does not have a built-in feature to track sleep. However, you can use the Health app to set up a sleep schedule and view your sleep history. Alternatively, you can use an Apple Watch to track your sleep and view the data on your iPhone.
To set up sleep tracking on your iPhone 7, open the Health app and tap "Browse" at the bottom of the screen. Then, tap "Sleep" and follow the prompts to set up your sleep schedule.
Yes, you can use the Health app on your iPhone 7 to track your sleep without an Apple Watch. However, please note that the iPhone 7 does not have any built-in sensors to track sleep, so the data may not be as accurate as when using an Apple Watch.
If you do not want to use your iPhone 7 to track your sleep, you can consider using a dedicated sleep tracking device or app. There are many options available, such as the Apple Watch, which can provide more accurate and detailed sleep data. Alternatively, you can manually add sleep data to the Health app on your iPhone.
