iPhone The Most Powerful SLEEP TRACKING APP?

[HappyDude20]

With Apple announcing Sleep Tracking on WatchOS7 this coming Fall, I'm wondering if many think that'll be the best sleep tracking app or if there is perhaps a 3rd party sleep tracking app that takes the cake?

As someone who takes daily naps and sleeps (almost) nightly, I take sleep tracking very seriously.

I'm wondering if I should invest in an Apple Watch Series 3 which'll support WatchOS7 this Fall, of if a S2 would suffice.

Thanks!

 

[Apple_Robert]

Series 2 wont support WatchOS 7.

The new Apple Sleep tracking app only records your bedtime sleep. It does not automatically include naps. You would have to manually record naps with the new Apple sleep tracking app. Pillow app and AutoSleep automatically do naps as well.

 

[HappyDude20]

Series 2 wont support WatchOS 7.

i know, which is why I’m asking if there are better sleep tracking apps already out there better than the feature Apple is introducing this fall in watchOS 7.

I’ve seen around the boards here that you’ve been playing around with the new sleep tracking feature in watchOS 7. So presumably am guessing you’ve tried other third party sleeping tracking apps.

What is your take overall BasicGreatGuy on which is the best way to track sleep with our Apple devices?

 

[Apple_Robert]

i know, which is why I’m asking if there are better sleep tracking apps already out there better than the feature Apple is introducing this fall in watchOS 7.

I’ve seen around the boards here that you’ve been playing around with the new sleep tracking feature in watchOS 7. So presumably am guessing you’ve tried other third party sleeping tracking apps.

What is your take overall BasicGreatGuy on which is the best way to track sleep with our Apple devices?

I like the AutoSleep app (no subscription) ok. I find its layout tedious. It has a charge reminder. I prefer the Pillow App for overall layout and abilities. It shows the different stages of sleep you are in during the night etc. It offers a free version which is very limited. I believe the subscription is $30 a year albeit I got it on sale last year for $7.50 for the year.

The biggest problem with AutoSleep and Pillow is you can’t set a sleep schedule for the week. You have to remember to turn the alarm on each night, whereas the Apple Sleep app will let you set a schedule. If you are a person who goes to sleep at different times during the week, it may or may not be a problem for you.

I have been using the Apple Sleep app for the last 9 - 10 days and like its simplicity, not to mention its battery saving mode of turning the watch screen off and making it a little more involved than a mere tap to turn it back on during the night. I also like that it has a reminder to charge before bed etc.

 

[HappyDude20]

I like the AutoSleep app (no subscription) ok. I find its layout tedious. It has a charge reminder. I prefer the Pillow App for overall layout and abilities. It shows the different stages of sleep you are in during the night etc. It offers a free version which is very limited. I believe the subscription is $30 a year albeit I got it on sale last year for $7.50 for the year.

The biggest problem with AutoSleep and Pillow is you can’t set a sleep schedule for the week. You have to remember to turn the alarm on each night, whereas the Apple Sleep app will let you set a schedule. If you are a person who goes to sleep at different times during the week, it may or may not be a problem for you.

I have been using the Apple Sleep app for the last 9 - 10 days and like its simplicity, not to mention its battery saving mode of turning the watch screen off and making it a little more involved than a mere tap to turn it back on during the night. I also like that it has a reminder to charge before bed etc.

Damn, now I’m conflicted.

I don’t have a set nightly sleep schedule; sometimes I go to sleep early and other nights very late and even occasionally see the sunrise. Not to mention daily naps that vary in time.

Do you have to keep the iPhone and/or Watch screen on throughout the night when using these third party apps?

I keep hearing great reviews about Pillow. When last year was the $7.50 promo? Just so I can keep an eye out for it.

I do like that Apple has those battery saving features, but at the end of the day am seeking the more thorough sleep tracker out there for long term better sleep.

 

[TiggrToo]

Do you have to keep the iPhone and/or Watch screen on throughout the night when using these third party apps?

Why would you (if it were even possible)?

AutoSleep just “works” - no user interaction required.

For example, I just woke up from a little unplanned naperoo, this is directly from AutoSleep:

 

[HappyDude20]

I love AutoSleep. It’s been detecting my sleep at night PERFECTLY

But more stunningly, it’s also been detecting my afternoon naps!

Like, how does it know I’m not just in bed reading on my kindle versus actually napping for 25 minutes?!

Best $3 I ever spent! Am considering buying the alarm app the same company offers. Anyone recommend it?

 

[TiggrToo]

Am considering buying the alarm app the same company offers. Anyone recommend it?

Reviews are not so hot for the alarm app - I’ve not got it myself even though I have AutoSleep and HeartWatch. One look at the reviews for it made me feel that perhaps it wasn’t going to be my best purchase...

 

[HappyDude20]

Reviews are not so hot for the alarm app - I’ve not got it myself even though I have AutoSleep and HeartWatch. One look at the reviews for it made me feel that perhaps it wasn’t going to be my best purchase...

Thank you for the heads up.

My one qualm in regards to AutoSleep is the overall app is hard to maneuver and read but I’m chalking it up to owning the app for less than a week at this point.

A manual of sorts would be helpful.

One thing is for sure, because of AutoSleep I’m not planning on upgrading to WatchOS7. Very happy with this app. The fact it tracked my afternoon 29 minute nap today blew my mind. I didn’t do anything I just fell asleep after reading on my Kindle.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thank you for the heads up.

My one qualm in regards to AutoSleep is the overall app is hard to maneuver and read but I’m chalking it up to owning the app for less than a week at this point.

A manual of sorts would be helpful.

One thing is for sure, because of AutoSleep I’m not planning on upgrading to WatchOS7. Very happy with this app. The fact it tracked my afternoon 29 minute nap today blew my mind. I didn’t do anything I just fell asleep after reading on my Kindle.

It runs in the background; and the lack of movement coupled with the drop in heart rate is what probably triggered the app to note you were sleeping

The app will be updated for WatchOS 7.

 

[HappyDude20]

It runs in the background; and the lack of movement coupled with the drop in heart rate is what probably triggered the app to note you were sleeping

The app will be updated for WatchOS 7.

That’s awesome that it does it so accurately. It’s probably my favorite feature.

But I’m confused when you mention AutoSleep will be updated for WatchOS7. Is there any compelling reason to upgrade to OS7 even though AutoSleep will continue to work normally in OS6? The native Sleep Tracking in WatchOS7 as presented in WWDC20 seems rather bare-bones and leaving something to be desired, especially in comparison to AutoSleep.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That’s awesome that it does it so accurately. It’s probably my favorite feature.

But I’m confused when you mention AutoSleep will be updated for WatchOS7. Is there any compelling reason to upgrade to OS7 even though AutoSleep will continue to work normally in OS6? The native Sleep Tracking in WatchOS7 as presented in WWDC20 seems rather bare-bones and leaving something to be desired, especially in comparison to AutoSleep.

It is always a good idea to keep your device updated with the latest OS release, as it provides bug fixes, app improvements and at times, battery and security improvements etc.

 

[HappyDude20]

It is always a good idea to keep your device updated with the latest OS release, as it provides bug fixes, app improvements and at times, battery and security improvements etc.

Mmmmm, eh I think I’ll pass on OS7.

 

[TiggrToo]

Mmmmm, eh I think I’ll pass on OS7.

Even if it further improves upon the accuracy of the app, or is needed to fix a bug?

What if it’s a requirement for iOS 14 watch pairing?

Never say never...