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The Best Sleep Tracking Apps 2021

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The Best Sleep Tracking Apps 2021

April 17th, 2021

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 46 seconds. Contains 556 words

The Best Sleep Tracking Apps 2021

Poor sleep is one of the biggest health concerns in modern society, with an estimated 40% of Australians not getting enough sleep. The consequences of this can be dire, with sleeplessness increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. 20% of Aussies even report falling asleep at the wheel, while the economy loses an estimated $66.3 billion a year in health and indirect costs related to sleeplessness.

If you’re wondering how to track your sleep and improve it, using a sleep monitor app could be a great strategy.

 

Sleep Tracking Apps

Sleep Score

This sleep tracker has a great alarm clock function, which syncs up with your sleep cycle to wake you up within 30 minutes of your set time. This means you’ll be gently nudged awake according to your natural cycle instead of jolted awake.

The app offers a range of data on your sleep activity and can also track other lifestyle habits.

Sleep Cycle

Similar to Sleep Score, the Sleep Cycle app wakes you up at the most suitable time according to your cycle. Sleep Cycle also makes it possible to track your sleep without placing your phone under your pillow – simply have it on your bedside table instead.  

Pillow

Pillow has been designed for use with an iPhone or Apple Watch, with the Apple Watch allowing for more accurate data on your heart rate and any small movements you make throughout the night. It also looks at other lifestyle factors like your mood to determine what type of sleep is best for you.

Fitbit

Fitbit is a highly accurate sleep tracker, as it picks up on your heart rate and movements throughout the night. This allows it to better identify your sleep stages and determine when you’re getting good-quality sleep. Fitbit also lets you create sleep goals and sends you notifications to keep you on track.

Apple Watch

If you’re truly committed to improving your sleep, it might be time to invest in an Apple Watch. This wearable tech lets you create bedtime schedules to meet your sleep goals and can analyse your sleep over a 14-day period.

 

How Do Sleep Tracker Apps Work?

Most sleep tracker apps require you to place your phone under your pillow, which allows it to pick up on important information. This might include:

  • Movement: If you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, your sleep tracking app will know you’ve not had a very restful sleep
  • Heart rate: A wearable device will monitor your heart rate, with low blood pressure indicating you’ve fallen asleep, and a higher heart rate indicating that you’re dreaming in deep sleep
  • Sound: Some sleep apps can capture any night-time noises affecting your sleep, like snoring or restricted breathing
  • Environmental changes: Brightness and temperature can also be picked up by sleep trackers, and then mapped against your sleep cycle to determine how you can improve your sleep.

 

How Accurate Are Sleep Tracking Apps?

Sleep tracking apps are fairly accurate, especially if you’re using a wearable device. But if you continue to suffer from sleep issues, visit your doctor to get to the root of the problem.

 

Do Sleep Tracking Apps Improve Your Sleep?

Sleep tracking apps give you a realistic picture of the quality of your sleep. This can help you recognise sleep patterns and habits, so you can set about making positive lifestyle changes to improve your sleep.

Discover more expert sleep advice on our Bedtime Reading.