The science of sleep is both interesting and complex. When we sleep we cycle through stages and at each stage the body has a function to perform that keeps us at an optimum level of health and wellbeing.
Several of the Smart Watches and Fitbits now have Sleep Tracker Apps. These devices are equipped with sensors that measure variables like heart rate and movement, they estimate the amount of time you spend asleep and in various sleep stages giving you a more complete picture of your rest and how it changes over time.
Sleep stages are available on Apple Watch Ultra, SE, and Series 4+. This feature is unavailable on Series 3 Apple Watches since it requires watchOS 9+ and iOS 16+. https://www.myhealthyapple.com/how-to-track-your-sleep-stages-with-apple-watch/
Fitbit Inspire 3 and Fitbit Versa 4 are also equipped with a sleep tracker.
I have an Apple Watch Ultra and measured my sleep patterns for a few weeks. Its interesting to see how you are going and even compare the Sleep App data to how I actually felt in the morning. It was an interesting exercise because it allowed me to understand how important sleep really is and its not something that should be overlooked.
I was always one to think I didn’t need too much sleep but now I place a lot more importance on sleep and make sure I get at least 6-7 hours night. I only measure my sleep patterns occasionally because I have that understanding and knowledge from the Sleep App data.
I will explain the Apple Sleep App because that is the one I am familiar but I think most of the Sleep Apps would be similar. The data may be presented differently.
The Apple Watch Measures Sleep in 4 Stages
If you’re not familiar with what sleep stages are, have no fear, let’s break it down. Sleep occurs in cycles. According to most sleep experts, there are four sleep cycles, which are also known as stages.
The four stages are awake, light, deep, and REM. Now, your Apple device doesn’t use these exact terms when tracking your sleep. Instead, they focus on core sleep, deep sleep, and REM. You can also see your time awake as well.
Core sleep is the equivalent of light sleep and takes place in the first few hours of your sleep. It is the most essential sleep stage.
Deep sleep is exactly what it sounds like. It is the phase of the sleep cycle where it is harder to wake someone up.
Deep sleep is the most important sleep stage because it lets your body release growth hormone and works to build and repair muscles, bones, and tissue. Plus, it helps keep your immune system functioning. https://www.myhealthyapple.com/how-to-track-your-sleep-stages-with-apple-watch/
If you follow the instructions to set yourself up to be monitored you can assess the data in the mornings, the data will look like this:
Once your Sleep and Health apps gather enough data, you’ll be able to see your sleep cycle trends over time in the daily, weekly, monthly, and 6-month charts.
myhealthyapple.com/how-to-track-your-sleep-stages-with-apple-watch/(opens in a new tab)
Scientists still believe that the best way to measure your sleep is to assess how you feel in the morning. It is interesting to know the different stages of sleep then it gives us an understanding of why sleep is so important for us. Getting a good nights sleep consistently will improve our health and wellbeing.
I would like to know if you have a favourite Sleep Tracker App.
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