Skip to main content
St Louis

Back to all posts

How Do Fitness Trackers Measure Sleep?

Published on
8 min read
How Do Fitness Trackers Measure Sleep? image

Best Sleep-Tracking Fitness Devices to Buy in November 2025

1 Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL WITH DAILY READINESS AND ACTIVITY INSIGHTS.
  • MANAGE STRESS EFFECTIVELY WITH PERSONALIZED WELLNESS TRACKING TOOLS.
  • ENJOY SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY AND 10-DAY BATTERY LIFE ON THE GO!
BUY & SAVE
$95.95
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)
2 Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)

Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)

  • 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING: TRACK HEART RATE, OXYGEN, AND SLEEP QUALITY.
  • ALL-DAY ACTIVITY TRACKING: AUTOMATICALLY LOGS STEPS, DISTANCE, AND CALORIES.
  • 25 SPORT MODES: SUPPORTS DIVERSE ACTIVITIES FOR IMPROVED TRAINING EFFICIENCY.
BUY & SAVE
$28.99
Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)
3 Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Rose Pink)

Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Rose Pink)

  • 24/7 HEALTH TRACKING: MONITOR HEART RATE, OXYGEN & SLEEP QUALITY.

  • ALL-DAY ACTIVITY STATS: AUTO-TRACKS STEPS, DISTANCE, AND CALORIES BURNED.

  • CUSTOMIZABLE AMOLED DISPLAY: 70+ WATCH FACES & PERSONAL PHOTO OPTIONS.

BUY & SAVE
$28.99
Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Rose Pink)
4 Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

  • REAL-TIME HEART RATE & BLOOD PRESSURE TRACKING FOR HEALTH INSIGHTS.
  • SLEEP MONITORING WITH PERSONALIZED SCORES FOR BETTER REST QUALITY.
  • 25 SPORT MODES TO TRACK ACTIVITIES; ACHIEVE FITNESS GOALS EFFICIENTLY!
BUY & SAVE
$28.99
Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)
5 Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Morning Glow/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Morning Glow/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • OPTIMIZE YOUR ACTIVITY WITH DAILY READINESS SCORE AND 20+ MODES.
  • MANAGE STRESS EFFECTIVELY WITH WELLNESS TRACKING AND MINDFULNESS TOOLS.
  • ENHANCE SLEEP QUALITY USING AUTOMATIC TRACKING AND PERSONALIZED SCORES.
BUY & SAVE
$87.99 $99.95
Save 12%
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Morning Glow/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
6 Amazfit Helio Strap Fitness Tracker Wristband, 24/7 Activity & Sleep Tracker with Heart Rate, 10 Days Battery, 27 Sports Modes, Strength Training, Hyrox Race, Subscription Free for Android & iPhone

Amazfit Helio Strap Fitness Tracker Wristband, 24/7 Activity & Sleep Tracker with Heart Rate, 10 Days Battery, 27 Sports Modes, Strength Training, Hyrox Race, Subscription Free for Android & iPhone

  • TRACK RECOVERY EFFORTLESSLY: MONITOR HEART RATE, FATIGUE, AND RECOVERY ACCURATELY.

  • LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: ENJOY UP TO 10 DAYS OF BATTERY LIFE FOR SEAMLESS TRAINING.

  • COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSIGHTS: 24/7 TRACKING FOR HEART RATE, SLEEP, AND MORE.

BUY & SAVE
$99.99
Amazfit Helio Strap Fitness Tracker Wristband, 24/7 Activity & Sleep Tracker with Heart Rate, 10 Days Battery, 27 Sports Modes, Strength Training, Hyrox Race, Subscription Free for Android & iPhone
7 Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Monitor Sleep Tracker 120 Sports Modes Activity Trackers Step Calorie Counter IP68 Waterproof for Andriod iPhone Women Men

Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Monitor Sleep Tracker 120 Sports Modes Activity Trackers Step Calorie Counter IP68 Waterproof for Andriod iPhone Women Men

  • STUNNING 1.47 TOUCH SCREEN: ENJOY VIBRANT VISUALS WITH 150+ WATCH FACES!

  • 24/7 HEALTH TRACKING: MONITOR HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE & OXYGEN ANYTIME.

  • SLEEP & ACTIVITY INSIGHTS: GET TAILORED SLEEP ANALYSIS AND TRACK 120 SPORTS!

BUY & SAVE
$29.99 $49.99
Save 40%
Smart Watch Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen Blood Pressure Monitor Sleep Tracker 120 Sports Modes Activity Trackers Step Calorie Counter IP68 Waterproof for Andriod iPhone Women Men
8 BIEMHA Smart Ring with Sleep Apnea Monitoring, No APP Subscription, 10-Day Battery Life, Stress/Heart Rate/Women's Health Tracker, Android & iOS Compatible (Black, 8)

BIEMHA Smart Ring with Sleep Apnea Monitoring, No APP Subscription, 10-Day Battery Life, Stress/Heart Rate/Women's Health Tracker, Android & iOS Compatible (Black, 8)

  • 10-DAY BATTERY LIFE: ENJOY CONTINUOUS HEALTH TRACKING WITHOUT FREQUENT CHARGING.

  • NO APP SUBSCRIPTION: ACCESS ALL FEATURES WITH NO HIDDEN FEES OR EXTRA COSTS.

  • 80-METER WATERPROOF: PERFECT FOR ALL ACTIVITIES, FROM WORKOUTS TO SWIMMING!

BUY & SAVE
$59.99 $69.99
Save 14%
BIEMHA Smart Ring with Sleep Apnea Monitoring, No APP Subscription, 10-Day Battery Life, Stress/Heart Rate/Women's Health Tracker, Android & iOS Compatible (Black, 8)
9 Smart Health Ring for Women Men Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Blood Pressure, Sleep Monitoring, Step Counting, IP68 Waterproof for iOS and Android, No Subscription Fee, Rose Gold 8

Smart Health Ring for Women Men Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Blood Pressure, Sleep Monitoring, Step Counting, IP68 Waterproof for iOS and Android, No Subscription Fee, Rose Gold 8

  • SIZE COMFORT FIRST: ORDER OUR SIZING KIT FOR THE PERFECT FIT!

  • ADVANCED HEALTH TRACKING: MONITOR HEART RATE, OXYGEN, AND PRESSURE EFFORTLESSLY.

  • SMART FITNESS PARTNER: 8 SPORTS MODES AND STYLISH DESIGN FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES.

BUY & SAVE
$57.99
Smart Health Ring for Women Men Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Blood Pressure, Sleep Monitoring, Step Counting, IP68 Waterproof for iOS and Android, No Subscription Fee, Rose Gold 8
+
ONE MORE?

Fitness trackers measure sleep using a combination of motion sensors and heart rate monitoring. The motion sensors, typically accelerometers, detect movements and changes in position throughout the night. Based on these movements, the tracker can determine different phases of sleep, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.

Furthermore, the heart rate monitor on the fitness tracker provides additional data on sleep patterns. During sleep, heart rate tends to vary depending on the sleep stage. For example, heart rate is usually lower during deep sleep compared to lighter stages of sleep. By continuously monitoring heart rate, the tracker can estimate the sleep stages and also measure the duration of each stage.

Using the data collected from motion sensors and heart rate monitoring, fitness trackers provide users with information about their sleep quality, including the amount of time spent in each sleep stage, total sleep duration, and any disruptions during the night. Additionally, some trackers may offer features like sleep scores or personalized insights to help users understand their sleep patterns better and make improvements for better overall sleep health.

How do fitness trackers differentiate between sleep and restful periods?

Fitness trackers use a combination of sensors and algorithms to differentiate between sleep and restful periods. Here's how they typically work:

  1. Accelerometer: Most fitness trackers have an accelerometer that detects your movement patterns. During periods of restful sleep, your body movements are usually minimal. The accelerometer measures these movements and distinguishes between restful periods and times of wakefulness.
  2. Heart Rate Monitor: Fitness trackers with heart rate monitors can also detect sleep stages based on your heart rate patterns. During restful sleep, your heart rate tends to be lower and more consistent, while during periods of wakefulness, it may increase. By analyzing variations in heart rate, the tracker can determine the sleep stages you go through.
  3. Sleep Algorithms: Fitness trackers use complex algorithms to analyze data from the accelerometer, heart rate monitor, and other sensors. These algorithms assign sleep stages (such as deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep) based on movement patterns, heart rate, and sometimes even environmental factors such as ambient light and noise. These algorithms continuously improve with machine learning and user input to provide more accurate sleep tracking over time.
  4. User Input: Some fitness trackers allow users to manually input their sleep data, such as bedtime and wake-up time. This user input can help in refining the sleep analysis and improve accuracy.

Ultimately, fitness trackers aim to provide an estimation of your sleep patterns rather than exact measurements. While they can give informative insights into your sleep quality, it's important to note that they may not always be 100% accurate.

Yes, some fitness trackers are designed to monitor sleep-related activities beyond simply tracking sleep duration and quality. These features might include monitoring sleep meditation or deep breathing exercises. Some fitness trackers have guided breathing exercises or meditation programs built into their applications, which can be used before or during sleep to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. These features usually involve instructional prompts and visual cues to help users follow specific breathing patterns or meditation techniques. However, it is important to note that not all fitness trackers offer these sleep-related features, so it is essential to research and choose a tracker that specifically includes the capabilities you desire.

How do fitness trackers handle sleep tracking during periods of long travel or time zone changes?

Fitness trackers handle sleep tracking during periods of long travel or time zone changes differently depending on the device and its features. Here are a few common ways they handle it:

  1. Automatic Time Zone Adjustment: Many modern fitness trackers have built-in features that automatically adjust the time and date based on your location. These trackers use GPS or other location services to detect your new time zone and adjust sleep tracking accordingly.
  2. Manual Time Zone Adjustment: Some fitness trackers allow users to manually adjust the time zone settings. This feature is useful when traveling to different time zones, as you can update the tracker with the new local time to ensure accurate sleep tracking.
  3. Sleep Mode Activation: Some trackers have a specific sleep mode that you need to activate manually before going to bed. This makes it easier to track your sleep during travel or time zone changes by separating it from regular daily activity tracking.
  4. Recording Sleep Continuously: Some advanced fitness trackers are designed to record sleep continuously throughout the day, regardless of time zone changes or travel. These trackers analyze data based on your movement patterns and heart rate to determine your sleep phases, even during irregular sleep schedules.
  5. Companion Mobile Apps: Many fitness trackers are paired with companion mobile apps that allow you to manually adjust sleep tracking settings. These apps may also offer features like sleep schedule customization, sleep goals, or the ability to manually add and modify sleep records to account for travel or time zone changes.

It's important to note that the accuracy of sleep tracking during travel or time zone changes may vary depending on the device's capabilities and the quality of the data it collects. Reading product manuals or contacting the manufacturer's customer support can provide specific instructions on how a particular fitness tracker manages sleep tracking in such situations.

Can fitness trackers detect sleep disorders or conditions like sleep apnea?

Fitness trackers generally cannot diagnose sleep disorders or conditions such as sleep apnea. While some fitness trackers may provide data on sleep duration and quality, they often use basic sensors like accelerometers to detect movement during sleep. These trackers can estimate the time spent in different sleep stages (e.g., light, deep, REM sleep) based on movement patterns, but they cannot identify sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires a thorough diagnosis by a healthcare professional. Diagnostic tests for sleep apnea typically involve polysomnography, a sleep study conducted in a controlled environment, which measures various physiological parameters like brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.

Fitness trackers may occasionally suggest irregularities or abnormalities in sleep patterns, such as disruptions in breathing or prolonged awakenings, but these indications should not be taken as definitive evidence of a sleep disorder. It is always recommended to consult a medical professional if you suspect a sleep disorder, as they can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

How does the data collected by fitness trackers during sleep help in overall health and fitness tracking?

The data collected by fitness trackers during sleep can provide valuable insights and contribute to overall health and fitness tracking in several ways:

  1. Sleep Duration: Fitness trackers monitor the duration of sleep, including the total hours and the time it takes to fall asleep. This information helps track whether an individual is getting sufficient sleep or if they have any sleep deficits.
  2. Sleep Patterns: Fitness trackers analyze sleep patterns, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. Understanding these sleep stages is crucial for assessing the quality of sleep. For example, a good balance of deep and REM sleep indicates a healthier sleep cycle.
  3. Sleep Efficiency: By tracking movements and heart rate variability, fitness trackers determine sleep efficiency. Sleep efficiency measures the percentage of time an individual spends asleep while in bed. Low sleep efficiency may indicate poor sleep quality or underlying health issues.
  4. Sleep Interruptions: Fitness trackers can detect interruptions or disturbances during sleep, such as frequent awakenings or restless sleep. This information helps identify factors that may negatively affect sleep quality, like noise, stress, or uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
  5. Sleep Heart Rate: Monitoring heart rate during sleep can provide insights into overall cardiovascular health. Rapid changes in heart rate during sleep could indicate potential sleep disorders or other health conditions.
  6. Sleep Trends: By collecting data over time, fitness trackers can establish sleep patterns and trends. This allows individuals to identify long-term sleep habits and make adjustments to improve their sleep duration or quality.
  7. Sleep Recommendations: Based on the collected data, fitness trackers often provide personalized recommendations to improve sleep quality. These recommendations may include adjusting sleep schedules, optimizing sleep environment, or suggesting relaxation techniques.

By leveraging sleep data, fitness trackers can contribute to a holistic understanding of an individual's overall health and fitness. Sleep plays a crucial role in physical and mental well-being, and monitoring it helps identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to optimize health and fitness goals.

What is the battery life of fitness trackers while tracking sleep?

The battery life of fitness trackers while tracking sleep can vary depending on the specific device and its features. However, most fitness trackers typically have a battery life that can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days before needing to be recharged. Some advanced devices may have shorter battery life, while others with less features might last longer. It's always advisable to check the manufacturer's specifications for the particular fitness tracker you are interested in to get accurate information about battery life.