Ultimate Guide to Tracking Sleep with Your Apple Watch

How to Activate Sleep Tracking on Your Apple Watch

To get started, simply launch the Settings application on your Apple Watch, navigate to Sleep, and select Use This Watch for Sleep.

Make sure to switch on the toggle for ‘Sleep Tracking’.

You can also enable sleep tracking through your iPhone by opening the Watch app, selecting Sleep, and turning on the toggle for Track Sleep with Apple Watch.

Does Your Apple Watch Automatically Monitor Sleep?

Unfortunately, the Apple Watch does not automatically monitor your sleep. This means you must establish a sleep schedule on your Apple Watch to gather sleep data, even if sleep tracking is turned on.

Setting Up Your Sleep Schedule on Apple Watch

Follow these steps to create a sleep schedule on your Apple Watch, ensuring it tracks your sleep effectively and provides valuable insights. All sleep-related functionalities will be activated during this period on your Apple Watch.

Step 1: Launch the Sleep app on your Apple Watch and tap on the Turn On option to begin your schedule.

Step 2: Tap on Set Your First Sleep Schedule. Define your wake-up time for this schedule.

Step 3: Next, select your Bedtime for the schedule.

Step 4: You can opt to use this schedule for the entire week or limit it to certain days, such as weekdays or weekends. Tap the button under Active on to unselect the days you don’t want this schedule to apply.

Step 5: Later, you can create a different schedule for any remaining days. Additionally, you can set an alarm to sound at your designated wake-up time. Tap the checkmark icon once you’ve finalized your schedule.

You can also set up a sleep schedule via your iPhone by accessing the Health app, navigating to Sleep in the Browse section, and creating a schedule that will synchronize with your Apple Watch.

Utilizing Sleep Focus with Your Sleep Schedule on Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch can aid in minimizing distractions from apps and notifications during your sleep period. Configure your Apple Watch to automatically activate the Sleep Focus mode at the outset of your sleep schedule.

To do this, navigate to the Health app on your iPhone, select Sleep in the Browse section, and enable the toggle for Use Schedule for Sleep Focus.

Adjustments can be made to the Sleep Focus Mode in the Focus Mode settings on your iPhone.

Once activated, Sleep Focus mode will automatically turn on for both your iPhone and Apple Watch, even if you have opted out of mirroring focus mode settings from your iPhone on your Apple Watch.

You can also enable the Wind Down feature for your sleep routine, which initiates Sleep Focus mode before your sleep schedule begins, helping you to relax and minimize screen time prior to sleeping. Set when Wind Down should start relative to your sleep schedule.

Wind Down can be adjusted and managed directly from the Sleep Schedule settings on your Apple Watch.

How to Access Your Sleep Data on Apple Watch

Once your sleep schedule concludes, you can access statistics and insights about your sleep patterns. Open the Sleep app on your Apple Watch to view your latest sleep data, including sleep stages, total sleep duration, and your sleep performance over the last two weeks.

You can also check your sleep statistics using the Health app on your iPhone. Besides offering independent sleep tracking, the Health app uses your Apple Watch as a data source to give insights into your sleeping habits.

Modifying Your Sleep Schedule on Apple Watch

Of course, it’s common not to stick to the same sleep schedule every day. For accurate tracking on your Apple Watch, you may need to edit your sleep schedule, whether for specific days or more broadly. Here’s how to adjust just one instance.

Editing Just the Next Wake-Up Time

Step 1: Launch the Sleep app on your Apple Watch and tap either Bedtime or Wake Up.

Under ‘Edit Next Wake Up Only’, you can adjust the Bedtime or Wake Up time, or deactivate the alarm.

Alternatively, you may also utilize your iPhone. Open the Health app and choose Sleep in the Browse menu. Use the Edit option under Your Schedule to alter your upcoming sleep schedule.

Complete Editing of Your Sleep Schedule on Apple Watch

If you wish to modify your entire sleep schedule, launch the Sleep app and select either Bedtime or Wake Up.

Under the Full Schedule option, tap your Schedule to find modification options.

You can also make these changes through the Health app on your iPhone by selecting Sleep in the Browse menu and utilizing the Edit button under Your Schedule.

Bonus: Top Sleep Tracking Applications for Apple Watch

As previously stated, the Apple Watch does not autonomously track your sleep. However, with various app options available, you can enhance your sleep tracking capabilities. Here are three highly recommended apps from the App Store for your Apple Watch.

1. Pillow: The Ultimate Free Sleep Tracker App

Pillow is a powerful sleep tracking app designed for the Apple Watch, offering in-depth analysis of your sleep patterns, heart rate, personalized recommendations, and multiple features aimed at improving sleep quality. Key features include:

Automatic sleep tracking achieved by wearing the watch during sleep.
Thorough reports detailing sleep stages, heart rate analysis, and sleep scoring.
Custom insights and suggestions to develop healthier sleeping habits.
Extensive historical sleep data and trend reports.
Additional functionalities like alarm presets, mood monitoring, and sleep aid options featuring sounds and music.

The app also includes audio recording features (not available in automatic mode), bedtime analysis, and Siri Wind Down support for an all-encompassing sleep monitoring experience.

Cost: Free; Premium: starting at $6.99 per month

Download Pillow

2. Sleep ++: Easy & Free Automatic Sleep Tracker

Sleep ++ is an Apple Watch app that concentrates on automatic sleep tracking. By utilizing the full range of sensors in your Apple Watch, it delivers comprehensive analytics of your sleep. Its key features include:

User-friendly interface for effortless monitoring.
In-depth insights into sleep patterns and trends.
Personalized suggestions based on sleep data to boost quality.
Customizable settings for a personalized sleep tracking experience.
Reminders for maintaining bedtime consistency.

Cost: Free; Ads Removal: $1.99

Download Sleep ++

3. Sleep Cycle: Comprehensive Sleep Tracker

Sleep Cycle is a feature-packed sleep tracking application for your Apple Watch that focuses on analyzing sleep patterns and waking you up at the most optimal time.

Sleep Cycle ensures you wake up during light sleep for a gentler start to your day.
The app employs sound analysis and movement tracking via the microphone to identify sleep stages and patterns.
It provides detailed statistics, daily graphs, and trends to help visualize and enhance your sleep habits.
Integration with Apple Health for sleep and heart rate data analysis.
Interesting compatibility with Phillips HUE lights, simulating a sunrise to facilitate a more gentle awakening.