I think it’s time we address a serious question. Where is the sleep tracker on our Apple Watch? Even with the newly released Apple Watch Series 3, it still doesn’t offer a native sleep tracking feature. Yes, your Apple Watch, regardless of model and version, is capable of keeping an eye on your sleeping patterns.
According to the CDC, there are 50 to 70 million US adults that suffer from some or other sleep disorder. People experiencing sleep insufficiency are more likely to suffer from other chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
That being said, it’s essential that we have control over our sleeping habits. In this collection, I’ll be sharing with you some of my favorite Apple Watch apps that I use to track my sleep.
Sleep++
Sleep++ is the most commonly used app for Apple Watch owners. The application leverage the existence accelerometer in your watch to register:
- deep sleep.
- light sleep.
- restlessness.
- wakefulness.
When you wake up in the morning, the app provides you with instant feedback. One great feature of Sleep++ is that it allows you to synchronize your sleep data with the health app and other HealthKit apps.
The new version of the app now explains the quality of your sleep from each night. It tells you when you slept best and at what time you were restless. With the major focus on HealthKit, the Sleep++ app is sure to become one of the favorite apps for Apple Watch users.
Pillow
Pillow is a “smart sleep tracking” app that works on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. With advanced algorithm, the app detects motion and sound patterns in your sleep, provide an in-depth analysis of how well you slept, and it can also analyze your heart rate at night as well.
Pillow is compatible with the Apple’s Health app, which means you can integrate the two and start getting data synced across devices. In addition, you can export your sleeping data as a .csv file or connect the app to your Runkeeper account.
This amazing sleep tracker is now available on the App Store for free.
AutoSleep
It’s no surprise that most users prefer automation over manual work. Some sleep tracking apps require that before you go to sleep, you have to open the app and tap the “Start” button. This way the sleep tracker knows when you start sleeping.
AutoSleep on the other hands does not require such action. As the name suggested, it will automatically track your sleep as you wear your Apple Watch to sleep. When the morning comes, a notification will be sent to out when your iPhone is unlocked.
You can also track your sleep without wearing the Apple Watch. However, identifying your sleep’s quality is now out of the equation. AutoSleep can only track how long you slept.
Download Auto Sleep from here.
HeartWatch
The name of this app wouldn’t strike anyone that it could be used as a sleep tracker. At $2.99, HeartWatch has a lot to offer. If you ever want to analyze how your heart was doing while you were sleeping, this app comes in handy.
Unlike the apps we mentioned above, HeartWatch provides a combination of 3 trackers: workouts, heart rates, and sleeping. With easy-to-read charts, you will start to learn more about your health.
Note: HeartWatch 3 requires iOS 10 or iOS 11. watchOS 3 or watchOS 4
Beddit
Beddit is a free sleep tracker app for the Apple Watch. Just like AutoSleep, it doesn’t require that you wear your watch when sleeping.
Just place it on your bed sheet, and the app will “accurately” track your sleep pattern. With the comprehensive analysis and charts, you will understand your sleep habits, how to improve it and adjust your routine to better the result.
Free, Download Beddit.
What if I don’t have an Apple Watch?
We hear ya!
Even though there are tons of great alternatives to the Apple Watch, not all of them can measure your heart rate and track your sleeping habits. This is where Amazfit comes into the spotlight.
Amazfit is a smartwatch that helps you stay on top of your overall healthy lifestyle. It will automatically monitor heart rate, sleep quality, how much you walk on a daily basis, and how much calories you consumed.
The best part about Amzfit? This gadget can survive 20 days with a single battery charge.
Amazfit is now available on Amazon for only $69.99.
Good News:
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple is working on multiple new functionalities for the Apple Watch. One of which being a default sleep tracker.
This is important because users will no longer have to download an additional app from the App Store. Hopefully, it will also provide unique features and data as well.
Shari Peterson says
I have a Fitbit Surge now and it automatically detects when sleep begins. Do any of these apps do that?
Karen says
I’m currently using a Fitbit which has built-in sleep tracking feature. I plan on switching over to the Apple Watch but now knowing I have to use a third-party app….IDK!
Howey says
Just bought the Apple Watch Series 2, CAN NOT believe it’s not part of the core watch yet 🙁
aEverlyn says
I’m trying to track my sleep using the Apple Watch. I’m curious if anyone have tried these apps yet. Sleep++ seems pretty popular on the App Store.
Roger mullet says
£369 apple watch can’t track sleep as standard !!! WHY if much cheaper alternatives are on the market such as fitbit products for a fraction of the price.
Vick says
Be nice if you also mentioned what impact each of the apps have on battery life
jennifer valli says
I am wondering what is the best app if you are awake each night for a longer period of time. it doesn’t look the author is answering any of these
Darrin says
I’m looking for something like this for my wife. Problem is, when she wakes in the middle of the night, she plays on her phone. I think that will cause problems with a lot of these apps. Recommendations?
(Thanks)
Heather says
If you use your watch both during the day, and at night as a sleep tracker, when do you charge the watch? I typically charge mine at night. I can go 2 days in-between charging, but, it still has to charge at some point, and when you do, you lose data.