Tomtom Spark 3: Tracking Sleep And Your Health

The TomTom Spark 3 is a fitness tracker that also offers sleep-tracking capabilities. While it does not have a brainwave monitor, it uses motion detection to track sleep. When the user is not moving for a period of time after 4 pm, the device assumes they are asleep. However, this method of sleep tracking has limitations, as it may not accurately distinguish between inactivity and sleep, leading to potential overestimations or underestimations of sleep duration. Some users have reported inconsistent sleep tracking, with the device occasionally failing to record sleep or mistaking sedentary activities for sleep. To improve accuracy, TomTom suggests turning on sleep tracking right before bedtime and turning it off upon waking up.

Inaccurate sleep tracking

The TomTom Spark 3 Cardio Sleep Monitor has been reported by some users to be inaccurate in its sleep tracking. The device uses movement to sense sleep and does not factor in heart rate or other vital signs. This means that it makes assumptions about the quality of sleep based on movement, which varies from person to person. Some people move a lot in their sleep, while others remain very still, which can lead to inaccurate sleep tracking.

Some users have reported that the device only recorded sleep for a few nights out of many and that it often recorded shorter sleep periods than they actually experienced. In some cases, the device failed to record sleep at all, even when the user was wearing the watch correctly. This could be due to the user's restless sleeping patterns or other factors that the device is not taking into account.

Additionally, there have been instances where the device recorded the user as sleeping during periods of inactivity while they were awake, such as when working at a desk or watching TV. This suggests that the device may be too reliant on movement as the sole indicator of sleep, without considering other factors that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the user's sleep patterns.

To improve the accuracy of sleep tracking, some users have suggested taking the device off the wrist and placing it on a stable surface near the bed. While this may result in the loss of 24/7 heart rate monitoring, it could provide a more accurate representation of sleep patterns by eliminating the impact of restless sleeping habits.

It is important to note that sleep tracking technology is constantly evolving, and the accuracy of sleep tracking in the TomTom Spark 3 may improve with future updates and advancements in the field.

Tracking sleep through movement

The TomTom Spark 3 tracks sleep by monitoring your movement. It assumes that when you are not moving for a prolonged period in the afternoon, you are asleep. The day 'resets' at 4:00 pm, and a new 'night' begins. This means that any inactivity before 4:00 pm will not be counted as sleep. The device does not use heart rate or other factors to determine sleep; it relies solely on movement. As such, it may not be suitable for people who move a lot in their sleep or those who are very still when asleep.

Some users have reported that their sleep is not always accurately tracked. For example, one user reported that their watch only recorded sleep for three out of six nights, and on one of those nights, it only recorded half the night as it assumed their sleep ended when they got up to use the bathroom. Another user reported that their watch recorded them as sleeping while they were working at their desk. These inaccuracies may be due to the device's reliance on movement alone to track sleep.

To improve the accuracy of sleep tracking, some users suggest turning on the sleep tracking function just before going to bed and turning it off when they wake up. This can help to reduce false readings caused by inactivity during the day. Additionally, users can try placing the watch on a side table while they sleep, ensuring it is not moved or shaken, to detect sleep based on lack of movement. However, this method will not track heart rate during sleep.

It is important to note that the TomTom Spark 3 is not a scientific instrument and is meant to promote overall fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The data it provides is a close estimation of your activity and may not always be completely accurate.

Sleep tracking when stationary

The TomTom Spark 3 tracks sleep by measuring motion and assuming that when you are not moving after a certain time in the afternoon, you are asleep. The day 'resets' at 4:00 pm and the watch starts counting a new 'night' at that point. This means that if you are sitting still before bed, for example, reading a book or watching TV, the watch may assume you are asleep and start tracking your sleep from that point onwards.

Some users have reported that their watch only tracks their sleep every few nights, or that it records them as sleeping during the day when they are inactive for a period of time. If you are experiencing issues with the sleep tracking function, one solution is to turn the sleep tracking function on right before going to bed and then turn it off when you wake up, so as not to get any false readings.

The watch does not track heart rate or other factors, so it makes assumptions about the quality of your sleep based strictly on movement. This means that if you are a restless sleeper and move around a lot, the watch may not be able to accurately detect your sleep patterns. In this case, you can try taking the watch off and placing it on a bedside table to track your sleep.

It is important to note that the TomTom Spark 3 is not a scientific instrument and is meant to promote overall fitness by encouraging more movement. The data and information provided by the watch are intended as close estimations of your activity and may not be completely accurate.

Sleep tracking and heart rate

The TomTom Spark 3 tracks sleep by measuring motion and assuming that when you are not moving after a certain time in the afternoon, you are asleep. The day 'resets' at 4:00 pm, and the watch starts counting a new 'night' at that point. This means that if you are sitting still before bed, reading a book or watching TV, it may assume you are asleep.

Some users have reported that the sleep tracker does not monitor their sleep every night, even though the sleep function is turned on. On some occasions, the watch has recorded no sleep at all when the user slept for 7 or 8 hours. This could be because the tracker does not detect any movement and, therefore, assumes the user is awake.

To avoid false readings, some users turn the sleep-tracking function on right before going to bed and then turn it off when they wake up. The tracker does not measure heart rate during sleep, so it cannot use this data to determine whether or not you are asleep.

Viewing the heart rate for the periods when the watch incorrectly records you as sleeping can put the sleep data in perspective. For example, if you are a restless sleeper and move around a lot, the watch may not be able to detect your sleep patterns accurately. In this case, you can take the watch off your wrist and put it on a bedside table to detect when you are asleep.

Comparing sleep tracking devices

Sleep tracking devices are a popular way to monitor sleep patterns and quality. They can be a useful tool for people who want to gain insight into their sleep habits and make adjustments for a better night's rest. However, it's important to note that these devices do not directly measure sleep and should not be solely relied upon for diagnosing sleep disorders.

There are two main categories of sleep tracking devices: wearables and non-wearables. Wearables include devices like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, Withings Sleep, Biostrap EVO, and Garmin Venu 3. These devices are typically in the form of a watch, bracelet, ring, or chest strap that you wear on your wrist or body. They track vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, and movement to determine your sleep patterns. Some wearables also have additional features like step counters, calorie counters, and fitness tracking.

Non-wearables, on the other hand, are thin devices that you slide under your sheet or mattress or place on your bedside table. They usually track environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, which can impact your sleep quality. Non-wearables may be a good option for those who want sleep insights without wearing a device to bed.

When choosing a sleep tracking device, consider your budget and desired features. Some devices offer basic sleep tracking, while others provide additional insights such as sleep phase monitoring, sleep coaching, and smart alarms. It's also important to remember that sleep tracking devices should be used as a tool to support your overall sleep hygiene and health, and any concerns or persistent issues should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions