Fitbit's Rem Sleep Tracking: Which Device Records It Best?

Fitbit devices can help you understand your sleep patterns and quality. All Fitbit devices can track your sleep in terms of how long it lasts, and every Fitbit with a heart rate monitor can also figure out the differences between sleep stages, including REM sleep. Fitbits with heart rate monitors can discern between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, when vivid dreams are more likely.

The Sleep Profile feature, a more detailed breakdown of your sleep that appears once a month, is available only on specific models. To get those reports, you’ll need a Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 2, Inspire 3, or Luxe tracker, or any Sense or Versa watch (except the very first Versa model from 2018).

Fitbit devices that track heart rate (except Charge HR and Surge) also track sleep stages. Your Fitbit device can estimate your sleep stages by using your movement and heart-rate patterns. When you don't move for about an hour, your tracker or watch assumes you're asleep. Additional data such as the length of time when your movements indicate sleep behavior (like rolling over), help confirm your sleep status.

Fitbit records sleep through movement and heart rate

Fitbit devices automatically detect sleep when you wear your device to bed. They use movement and heart-rate patterns to estimate sleep stages. When you don't move for about an hour, your tracker or watch assumes you're asleep. Additional data, such as the length of time when your movements indicate sleep behaviour (like rolling over), help confirm your sleep status.

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

Fitbit trackers and watches use your sleeping heart rate, movement, and more to measure your time spent in each sleep stage and give you a personalised Sleep Score that shows how well you slept.

To get a more accurate reading, it is recommended that you wear your device in a snug wristband while sleeping and not in a clip or pendant accessory. For optimal sleep tracking, wear your device higher on your wrist (about 2-3 finger widths above your wrist bone). The band should feel secure but not too tight.

Fitbit can record naps over an hour long

Fitbit devices can record naps over an hour long. This is done automatically when your body is completely at rest and you haven't moved for about an hour. The device then records that you're asleep.

Fitbit devices with heart-rate tracking (except Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge) can record the sleep stages you cycle through. These sleep stages are traditionally measured in a lab using an electroencephalogram to detect brain activity, but your Fitbit device can estimate your sleep stages in a more comfortable and convenient way.

Fitbit estimates your sleep stages by using your movement and heart-rate patterns. When you don't move for about an hour, your tracker or watch assumes you're asleep. Additional data, such as the length of time when your movements indicate sleep behaviour (like rolling over), help confirm your sleep status.

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

Each night, your body cycles through different sleep stages based on your heart rate, and getting enough time in each one is key to feeling refreshed. Light sleep strengthens memory and learning, deep sleep enables physical recovery, and REM sleep helps with strategic thinking and creativity.

Fitbit's sleep tracking is automatic

The device will track your sleep by monitoring your heart rate and movement throughout the night. It will record the length of time you spend in each sleep stage, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. The following morning, you can sync your device to view your sleep stats and insights in the Fitbit app.

To ensure accurate sleep tracking, it is recommended to wear your Fitbit higher on your wrist, with the band feeling secure but not too tight. This allows the device to get a consistent heart-rate reading. Additionally, make sure your Fitbit is charged before going to bed.

While Fitbit's sleep tracking is automatic, there may be times when it doesn't track your sleep automatically. In such cases, you can manually add a sleep log or use the \"Begin Sleep Now\" option in the Fitbit app. However, it is always best to let the device automatically track your sleep whenever possible.

By understanding your sleep patterns through Fitbit's automatic sleep tracking, you can gain insights into your sleep quality and make adjustments to improve your sleep hygiene and overall well-being.

Fitbit can be set to remind you when it's bedtime

To set a bedtime reminder, tap the gear icon in the top right corner of the app and turn on the bedtime reminder. You can also set the time and frequency of the reminder. For example, you can choose to receive bedtime reminders on Sunday through Thursday, which are common work or school nights.

If you are having trouble setting up your bedtime reminder, try logging out of the Fitbit app, force quitting the app, and then logging back in. You can also try clearing your iPhone cache. If you are still having issues, you can refer to the Fitbit Help Center for more troubleshooting tips.

In addition to setting bedtime reminders, you can also use Fitbit to track your sleep and set a sleep schedule. Fitbit devices with heart-rate tracking (except Fitbit Charge HR and Surge) can estimate your sleep stages by using your movement and heart-rate patterns. This allows you to see how much time you spend in light, deep, and REM sleep, which can help you identify and address any sleep-related issues.

Fitbit can track sleep stages, including REM sleep, light sleep, and deep sleep

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

The Fitbit app can give you a personalised Sleep Score based on your heart rate, restlessness, and more. It can also wake you up during the optimal sleep stage with a silent alarm.

The Sleep Profile feature is a more detailed breakdown of your sleep that appears once a month and is available on specific models. To get those reports, you need a Fitbit Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 2, Inspire 3, or Luxe tracker, or any Sense or Versa watch (except the 2018 version).

Frequently asked questions