Up App Sleep Tracking: How Does It Work?

Sleep tracking apps have become increasingly popular for those who want to understand their sleep patterns and improve their sleep quality. These apps use various methods to track sleep, such as sound analysis, heart rate monitoring, and movement tracking. Some apps, like Sleep Cycle, use sound analysis and accelerometer data to track sleep, while others, like SleepScore, use sonar technology to assess movement and breathing rate. Some apps also offer additional features such as sleep education, alarm clocks, and personalized insights. While these apps can provide valuable insights, they should be used in conjunction with medical advice and clinical sleep studies for a comprehensive understanding of sleep health.

Sonar technology

The setup for using sonar-based sleep tracking apps is simple. The phone running the app is placed on a bedside table, with its speakers aimed at the bed and the phone charging. The app then sends out sonar signals or silent signals, which are reflected back to the phone's microphone when they come into contact with the user's body. The app's advanced algorithms interpret the shape and movement of these reflected sound waves to measure breathing rate and body movement. This information is used to determine the various stages of sleep, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, providing an overall sleep score.

Heart rate monitoring

The Oura Ring, for example, is worn on the finger all day and night and measures heart rate, movement, and temperature. It uses the variability of these measurements to identify the stages of sleep. A study found that the Oura Ring is 96% accurate when all data points are recorded and used in combination with its sleep-tracking algorithm.

Sleep.com is another app that uses sonar technology and advanced algorithms to track sleep. It sends silent signals into the user's sleep environment, which reflect off their chest as they breathe. The shape of the deflected waves varies as the rhythm and depth of the user's breath change throughout the night, and these are picked up by the phone's microphone and analysed by the app's algorithms. This allows the app to track the user's sleep stages and provide a detailed sleep report.

Some apps also use sound sensing and heart rate data to give a snapshot of sleep duration and quality. These apps can detect sleep-wake stages and sleep-related breathing disorders similar to clinical sleep studies. However, it's important to note that while these apps can provide valuable insights, they should not be used as a replacement for medical advice or a clinical sleep study.

Sleep score

The Sleep.com app, powered by SleepScore, uses sonar technology and advanced algorithms to track sleep without requiring a separate device. It sends silent signals into the user's sleep environment, which reflect off their body and are interpreted by the app to measure breathing rate and body movement. This data is then used to generate a SleepScore, which provides a snapshot of the user's nightly rest. The app also offers free and premium features, including sleep tracking and sleep challenges, to help users improve their sleep.

Other apps, such as Pillow and Calm, also offer sleep tracking features. Pillow provides insights into sleep quality, while Calm helps users fall asleep. Additionally, the Apple Watch and iPhone can be used together to track sleep, allowing users to set sleep goals and receive data about their sleep patterns.

While these apps can provide valuable insights into sleep patterns and quality, it's important to note that they should be used as additional tools and not as a replacement for medical advice or clinical sleep studies.

Sleep stage tracking

Sound Analysis:

Some apps, like Sleep Cycle, use sound analysis to track sleep. It picks up sounds like talking or sweeping and identifies sleep stages based on the noises made. This method may not always be accurate, as it can mistake activities for light sleep.

Sonar Technology:

The Sleep.com app uses sonar technology, sending silent signals into the user's sleep environment. The sound waves reflect off the user's chest as it moves during breathing, and the phone's microphone picks up these deflected waves. The app's algorithms then interpret the shape and movement of the waves to measure breathing rate and body movement, providing an accurate record of sleep patterns.

Optical Heart-Rate Monitoring:

This method is used by devices like the Apple Watch and the Oura Ring. Tiny LEDs in the band shine a light through the skin to capture blood flow. As heart rate changes, so does the light reflected back, and this information is combined with movement data to deliver a sleep report. The Oura Ring, for example, measures heart rate, movement, and temperature to identify sleep stages with 96% accuracy.

While these apps provide insights into sleep patterns, it is important to remember that they are not a replacement for medical advice or clinical sleep studies. They can, however, help bring awareness to one's sleep habits and prompt lifestyle changes for better sleep hygiene.

Sleep data sharing

Additionally, some apps provide sleep scores, which give users a snapshot of their sleep quality and duration. These scores are based on various factors, including sleep patterns, heart rate, body movement, breathing rate, and sleep stages (light sleep, REM sleep, and deep sleep). The sleep data is usually collected through the phone's microphone, which picks up sound waves deflected by the chest as it moves during breathing. This technology is known as sonar, which is also used by animals like bats, dolphins, and whales for echolocation.

It is important to note that while sleep tracking apps can provide valuable insights, they should not be used as a replacement for medical advice or a clinical sleep study. Instead, they can be a helpful tool to gather additional information about sleep habits and quality. For example, the Oura Ring, which is a device worn on the finger, measures heart rate, movement, and temperature to identify sleep stages with 96% accuracy, according to a study. This data can then be shared with healthcare professionals for further analysis and advice.

When choosing a sleep tracking app, it is worth considering the level of detail and accuracy provided by the app, as well as its compatibility with your device. For instance, SleepScore is known for providing detailed sleep-stage data and actionable advice, but it only works with iPhone 6 and higher and a limited number of Android phones. On the other hand, Sleep Cycle is compatible with both iOS and Android devices but provides less detailed sleep-stage data and less transparency about its research.

Frequently asked questions