Sleep tracking apps like SleepScore and Sleep as Android use sonar to monitor sleep patterns. The apps send out inaudible sound waves to measure bodily movement, sleep duration, the time taken to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time. The sound waves are considered safe and are at a frequency above the level of adult human hearing. Electric fans could potentially interfere with sleep tracking depending on their proximity to the phone, volume level, and the type of sound they emit. However, some users have reported that their sleep tracking apps worked even with a bedside fan on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Interference | Depending on the location, volume level, and type of sound emitted, a tower fan may interfere with the accuracy of sonar sleep tracking. |
| Safety | Sonar uses sound waves and is not harmful to humans or pets. |
| Setup | The phone running the sleep tracking app should be placed on a bedside table or nightstand, ideally plugged in or charging. |
| Sleep Tracking Features | Sleep tracking apps with sonar can measure sleep duration, time to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, wake time, respiration, and breath rate. |
| Compatibility | Sonar sleep tracking is compatible with certain smartphone models, such as the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S5. Not all Android models are fully supported. |
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What You'll Learn
- The SleepScore app uses sonar to track sleep patterns
- Electric fans can interfere with sleep tracking apps
- The Sleep.com app performs an interference check at the start of each sleep session
- Sleep as Android uses sonar to track sleep
- SleepScore's sonar frequencies are above the level of adult human hearing

The SleepScore app uses sonar to track sleep patterns
The SleepScore app is unique in that it does not require any additional hardware to track sleep. Instead, it uses the speakers and microphone built into a user's smartphone. The app sends out silent signals into the sleep environment, and when these sound waves reflect back into the microphone, the app's advanced algorithm interprets their shape and movement to measure breathing rate and body movement. This information is then used to create an accurate record of the user's nightly sleep patterns.
The SleepScore app is also designed to be easy to use. Setup is simple, with users only needing to place their phone on a bedside table, plugged in or laid on a charger. The app recommends that the phone is slightly elevated and that the speakers are aimed in the direction of the bed. In the morning, the app uses a smart alarm that wakes the user up during lighter moments of sleep.
While the SleepScore app uses sonar to track sleep patterns, it is worth noting that other sleep-tracking apps use different methods. Some apps use a microphone or phone accelerometers to measure motion when placed on a bed, while others are wearables that use direct skin contact to discern heart rate and motion. Additionally, external factors such as air conditioners and electric fans could potentially cause interference with sleep tracking apps, depending on their proximity to the phone, volume level, and the type of sound they emit.
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Electric fans can interfere with sleep tracking apps
Electric fans could interfere with sleep tracking apps, depending on factors such as proximity to the phone, volume level, and the type of sound they emit. The Sleep.com app, for example, performs an interference check at the start of each sleep session to ensure accurate tracking.
Some sleep tracking apps, like SleepScore, use sonar (sound waves) to monitor sleep. This technology emits inaudible sound waves or sound frequencies above the level of normal adult human hearing, which are considered safe. The SleepScore app has been reported to work with a bedside fan on, indicating that a tower fan may not disturb its sleep tracking.
However, it's important to note that other factors, such as the fan's proximity to the phone running the sleep tracking app and the volume of the fan, could potentially impact the accuracy of the tracking. Additionally, some apps, like Sleep as Android, use ultrasound to track sleep, which pets can hear and may find disturbing.
To ensure accurate sleep tracking, it is recommended to test the setup with the fan on and off to determine any potential interference. This can be done through the settings in the app, where you can adjust the frequency and sensitivity of the sonar signal.
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The Sleep.com app performs an interference check at the start of each sleep session
The Sleep.com app is a tool designed to help users monitor their sleep. It uses sonar to track sleep patterns, measuring sleep duration, the time it takes to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time. The app also measures respiration and can detect breathing rates. This is particularly useful for people who may suffer from nightly breathing disorders or sleep apnea.
To address this potential issue, the Sleep.com app uses sound frequencies that are above the level of adult human hearing. While children and young adults may be able to hear these frequencies in some cases, it has not been shown to cause any ongoing disturbance. Additionally, the ultrasound emitted from the app is at a volume comparable to a refrigerator, which is not considered disturbing.
The Sleep.com app also provides a sonar testing feature that allows users to test the capability of their phones to produce the signal, adjust the strength of the sonar signal, and change the sonar properties, such as frequency and sensitivity. This testing feature ensures that users can optimize their setup and minimize potential interference from external sources, such as fans or air conditioners.
Overall, while a tower fan may have the potential to cause interference with the Sleep.com app's sonar sleep tracking, the app provides tools and measures to mitigate this issue, ensuring that users can accurately track their sleep patterns.
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Sleep as Android uses sonar to track sleep
Sleep as Android is a sleep-tracking app that uses sonar to monitor your sleep. The app can be downloaded from the Play Store, and you can set it up by going to Settings > Sleep tracking > Sensor and selecting Sonar. The app uses your phone's speaker and microphone to sense movement in the near surroundings. It emits inaudible sound waves to measure bodily movement overnight. The frequency of the sound waves is on the edge of audible and inaudible sound (around 20 kHz) and the volume is around 50 dB, which is less than the volume of a normal conversation.
Sleep as Android can measure your sleep duration, the time it takes you to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time. It is also sensitive enough to measure respiration and recognize REM (rapid-eye movement) periods. The app can also measure your breathing rate and display this in a sleep graph. It can also be used to detect any breathing disorders or disturbances.
The app is designed to be simple and easy to use. You just need to place your phone on a nightstand and go to sleep. The app will then track your movement and sleep patterns using sonar. Sleep as Android also has a smart alarm that wakes you up during lighter moments of sleep.
Sleep as Android also offers a basic sleep-tracking option using a motion sensor. This can be done using a phone or a connected wearable device. However, the sonar feature brings contactless motion tracking, so there is no need for a device attached to your wrist or in your bed.
The app also includes other sensors such as a passive infrared sensor that can detect breath rate and coarse movement, and ambient light sensors that measure the level of ambient light in the bedroom.
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SleepScore's sonar frequencies are above the level of adult human hearing
SleepScore's phone app works by sending out inaudible sound waves (sonar) to measure bodily movement overnight. The sound frequencies used in the SleepScore app are above the level of normal adult human hearing and are considered safe. This means that the sound waves are not detectable to the average human ear. The Sleep.com app, which is powered by SleepScore, also uses advanced sonar at sound frequencies that are above the level of adult human hearing.
The SleepScore app measures sleep duration, the time it takes to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time. It is sensitive enough to measure respiration and recognize REM (rapid-eye movement) periods. The Sleep.com app can determine the amount of time spent awake and asleep, and break that time down into the key sleep stages: light sleep, REM sleep, and deep sleep. It uses a combination of sonar technology and advanced algorithms to provide an accurate picture of your sleep.
The SleepScore app is designed to raise awareness of sleep disorders by grading a night's sleep with an overall score. A score of 75-78 is considered normal, with anything above being good, and anything below being poor sleep. The app looks for patterns in sleep and makes recommendations to guide better sleep based on collected insights.
The Sleep.com app performs an interference check at the start of each sleep session to ensure that you're set up for success. However, electric fans could still cause interference depending on their proximity to your phone, their volume level, and the type of sound they emit. If you're a regular user of a fan or speaker at night, you may need to make minor adjustments to the settings and location of these electronics.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the fan's proximity to the phone, its volume level, and the type of sound it emits, it is possible that a tower fan may interfere with the accuracy of sleep tracking. However, some apps like SleepScore have been known to work even with a bedside fan on.
Sonar sleep tracking uses sound waves to send out inaudible sound waves or ultrasonic signals to measure bodily movement and sleep patterns overnight. It can be used to measure sleep duration, the time it takes to fall asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wake time.
Sonar sleep tracking is available on both iOS and Android devices. However, not all Android models are supported, and some may have reduced accuracy.
Yes, sonar sleep tracking is safe. The sound frequencies used are above the level of normal adult human hearing and are considered safe. The volume of the sound is around 50 dB, which is less than the volume of a normal conversation.

















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