Best sleep tracking apps: Monitor sleep quality, identify disturbances for proper shut-eye

Sleep tracking apps like Tide and Sleep Cycle track your sleep to help you identify sleep disturbances. Based on your data, these apps personalise sleep tips and recommendations (Image: Canva)

Sleep is often overlooked, yet it's crucial for our overall health and well-being. In today’s rat race, sleep tracking apps have emerged as valuable tools to help individuals understand their sleep patterns, identify potential sleep disturbances, and improve their sleep quality. These apps utilize various techniques to gather data about your sleep. By analysing this information, sleep tracking apps can provide insights into your sleep duration, sleep stages, and sleep interruptions.

Sleep tracking apps like Tide and Sleep Cycle track your sleep to help you identify sleep disturbances. Based on your data, these apps personalise sleep tips and recommendations. Some apps include built-in noise machines to create a relaxing sleep environment.

Also read | Health benefits of sleep: Deep, restorative sleep matters more than hours spent in bed

How sleep tracking apps work

Sleep tracking apps use a variety of methods to monitor your sleep, including:

• Motion sensors that detect your movements throughout the night to determine when you're asleep and awake.
• Heart rate monitors that track your heart rate to identify changes in sleep stages.
• Sound analysis to listen for noises that may disrupt your sleep, like snoring or other sounds

• Identify sleep disturbances: Identify sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.
• Set sleep goals: Tracking sleep can help set goals and help you work towards achieving them.
• Improve sleep hygiene: These apps provide tips on improving your sleep environment and habits, such as creating a relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Gain insights into your sleep: Sleep apps provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns, such as how much time you spend in each sleep stage.

Choosing the right sleep tracking app

There are many sleep tracking apps available, so it's important to choose one that suits you. Consider the following factors when choosing one:

• Features: Look for an app that offers the features, such as sleep stage tracking, heart rate monitoring, and noise analysis.
• Ease of use: It should be easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface.
• Privacy and security: Make sure the app protects your personal data and ensures privacy.

• Be consistent: Use the app every night to get accurate data on your sleep patterns.
• Set realistic goals: Start with small, such as getting to bed at the same time each night.
• Make adjustments as needed: If you're not seeing the results, make changes to your sleep habits and track the impact.

Three popular sleep apps are Tide, Loud Alarm and Sleep Cycle. Here is what each one does.

Tide

Pros:

• Unique alarm system: The combination of calm and loud phases can be effective for waking up gently.
• Customization options: Users can personalize sleep experience with various sounds and settings.
• Additional features: Some users appreciate the app's focus on relaxation and mindfulness.

• Limited free features: The full potential of the app may require a subscription.
• Accuracy of sleep tracking: Tide's accuracy can vary depending on individual sleep patterns.

Pros:

• Simple and effective: The app's primary function is to provide a loud alarm to wake you up.
• No-frills approach: Users who prefer a straightforward alarm app might like it.

• Lack of features: The app doesn't offer features like sleep tracking or personalized settings.
• Can be disruptive: The loud alarm might be too harsh for some users.

Pros:

• Advanced sleep tracking: Sleep Cycle can provide detailed insights into your sleep patterns.
• Smart wake-up feature: The app aims to wake you up during the lightest stage of sleep.
• Customization options: Users can adjust settings and choose from various alarm sounds.

• Accuracy can vary: The app's ability to accurately track sleep stages may depend on factors like phone placement and individual sleep patterns.
• Limited free features: Some features, such as detailed sleep analysis, might require a premium subscription.