People who want to learn about the quality of their sleep can use a variety of different sleep apps and wearables to monitor their sleep. Here is some information about some of the leading apps and wearables for tracking your sleep.
Understanding sleep apps and wearables
Sleep apps and wearables provide an at-home way to monitor your sleep quality. Some simply track noise and movements while others use progressive alarms. Some of the wearable devices that can be used to monitor sleep include the following types:
- Armbands
- Headbands
- Masks
- Rings
- Sensor clips
- Wristbands/watches
The various devices and apps have different features but help to track the quality and duration of sleep, the phases of sleep, and lifestyle and environmental factors.
Benefits of sleep apps and wearables
Sleep apps and wearables are not considered reliable for diagnostic purposes. However, they can provide insight for people who use them to help improve awareness of the quality of their sleep. Some apps and wearables track the duration of sleep while others analyze your sleep cycles. Fitness tracking apps and wearables that include sleep tracking features can demonstrate the link between things like exercise, food, caffeine, and alcohol and your sleep.
Leading apps and wearables for sleep
The leading apps and wearables currently on the market for tracking sleep are described below.
1. Sleep Cycle
Sleep Cycle is an app that is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play that analyzes your sleep by listening to your sleep sounds. It can be used through an Apple Watch or smartphone. When you turn it on before going to bed, an alarm will identify the optimal time to wake you up during your lightest sleep phase. Your sleep analysis will be displayed through graphs and guidance about how to improve the quality of your sleep. You will also have access to a library of meditations, stories, and music. It is available as a subscription.
2. Snore Labs
Snore Labs is another sleep appl that is available through the App Store and Google Play. It tracks and measures your snoring and sleep. You can set your smartphone next to your bed, and the app will record your snoring and tell you how loud it was. You can also use the app to track different lifestyle factors to see how they might impact your sleep. This app is free, but some added premium features are available for payment.
3. WHOOP wearable
WHOOP is a wearable wristband tracker that includes sleep tracking. It tracks the duration of your sleep, sleep disturbances, the phases of sleep, your respiration, and latency periods. Lifestyle factors are also tracked, including your sleep debt and sleep needs. WHOOP offers recommendations and coaching to improve your sleep quality. To use this wearable, you will have to purchase the WHOOP wristband and pay a monthly subscription cost.
4. Fitbit
Fitbit offers wearable watches with multiple sleep features. You can use your Fitbit to track and analyze the duration of sleep, sleep cycles, and sleep stages. You can manually set schedules to wake you up at the optimum time in your sleep cycle. You only have to purchase a Fitbit watch and will not have to pay an ongoing subscription cost.
While sleep apps and wearables can provide insight to you about the quality of your sleep, they cannot replace the advice of a licensed doctor. If you are experiencing ongoing sleep problems, contact Accent Sleep Solutions in Gainesville, Florida at 352-271-5375.
