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Sleep trackers are devices that a person can use to help monitor their sleep. The best sleep trackers are those that track a range of metrics, including heart rate, breathing rate, and even nightly blood oxygen saturation.

This article provides an overview of the best sleep trackers available. We also provide information on the accuracy of sleep trackers, and discuss some health conditions that may affect sleep. Finally quality, we answer some frequently asked questions about sleep trackers.

Medical News Today includes products that are reputable, well-received, and with a range of price points and features. Additionally, MNT looks at some of the following:

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Best for couples: Beautyrest Sleeptracker

The Beautyrest Sleeptracker sits underneath the mattress. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze and monitor the following:

  • breathing rate
  • heart rate
  • body movement
  • wakefulness

The tracker can monitor two users at a time. Users can review their sleep data on the app, which provides individual sleep coaching, and detects the optimal time for a person to wake up.

The Beautyrest Sleeptracker has a plastic casing. It weighs 1 pound (lb) and has the following dimensions:

  • length: 3.5 inches (in)
  • width: 3.25 in
  • height: 1 in

The Beautyrest Sleeptracker is available for around $94 on Amazon.

Learn about Beautyrest mattresses here.

Pros

  • nonwearable, so it may prove more comfortable for some
  • monitors heart rate and breathing pattern
  • can monitor two people at the same time

Cons

  • may produce error readings
  • requires a monthly fee for tracking reports
  • requires lifting a mattress to use
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Best for app compatibility: Withings Sleep Tracking Mat

The Withings Sleep Tracking Mat sits underneath a person’s mattress, on their usual sleeping side. Its features include:

  • tracking heart rate
  • detecting breathing disturbances and snoring
  • analyzing sleep cycles

This sleep tracker may suit people who wish to review their sleep data in the Health Mate app, which is available on iOS and Android.

The sleep tracker weighs 1.13 ounces (oz) and has the following dimensions:

  • length: 25 in
  • width: 7.5 in
  • height: 0.19 in

The installation guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

The Withings Sleep Tracking Mat is available for $99.95.

Pros

  • tracks heart rate
  • shareable sleep diary
  • home automation

Cons

  • not wearable
  • difficult to reach customer support
  • may have connection problems
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Best for long battery life: Garmin Vivosmart 4

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a fitness tracker that monitors REM sleep and nightly blood oxygen saturation levels.

The device records the data on the app, allowing people to easily monitor their sleep patterns and fitness levels.

The manufacturer states that this activity tracker is safe for use in water and has up to 7 days of battery life.

The tracker is available in small and large sizes, weighing between 0.036 and 0.037 lb. The dimensions are as follows:

  • length: 0.59 in
  • width: 0.41 in
  • height: 7.8 in for the small size and 8.8 in for the large size

Bezel material is aluminum.

The manufacturer sells the Vivosmart 4 for $129.99. People can also purchase the product from Amazon for $100 – $175.

Read a review for the Garmin fēnix 6S Pro here.

Pros

  • battery life of up to 7 days
  • wearable and waterproof
  • versatile as a general fitness tracker with sleep tracking features

Cons

  • more expensive than other options
  • may produce data inaccuracies
  • not solely for sleep tracking
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Best fitness tracking watch for sleep: Fitbit Versa 3

This wearable activity tracker monitors a person’s heart rate and nightly blood oxygen saturation levels. A person can view their sleep data on the watch, but the Fitbit app provides a more detailed overview.

The Fitbit Versa 3 scores the user’s sleep quality. The tracker also has a ‘do not disturb’ mode and options for monitoring stress levels and ovulation.

Fitbit states that the product has a battery life of at least 6 days.

The product weight is 0.70 oz and the dimensions are as follows:

  • length: 1.59 in
  • width: 1.59 in
  • height: 0.49 in

The tracker strap has a soft silicone construction.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is available for purchase online for $229.95 and is available in two colors.

Learn about the best Fitbits here.

Pros

  • versatile as a general fitness tracker with sleep tracking features
  • wearable
  • 6-day battery life

Cons

  • more expensive than other options
  • problems with the new updated interface
  • not solely for sleep tracking
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Best lightweight wearable: Oura Ring Generation 3

This ring-shaped tracker fits on a person’s finger. The manufacturer claims that the ring allows for heart rate readings closer to the arteries, which yields more accurate data.

The Oura Ring Generation 3 is a health and fitness tracker that also monitors sleep activity and provides bedtime guidance. It is compatible with health and fitness smartphone apps.

The tracker has a titanium construction and a battery life of between 4 and 7 days.

The product weighs only 4-6 grams (g), so it may suit individuals looking for a lightweight design that does not feel bulky during sleep. It has the following dimensions:

  • width: 0.3 in
  • thickness: 0.10 in

Oura Ring is available for $299, and a person can choose from four colors. A free sizing kit is available for people who do not know their ring size.

Pros

  • lightweight design
  • Android and Apple app compatibility
  • long battery life
  • wearable

Cons

  • more expensive than other options
  • material lacks flexibility
  • not solely for sleep tracking
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For immediate feedback: Sleepon Go2sleep Tracker

Sleepon claims that its Go2sleep tracker is an advanced sleep tracker. The product measures an individual’s heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It also provides sleep feedback so user’s can see how they should improve their sleep.

The device also offers real-time monitoring and vibration feedback. This may suit individuals who wish to receive immediate notifications about fluctuations in heart rate or oxygen levels.

The device is compact and light, weighing only 0.21 oz, so a person should not feel it while sleeping. The dimensions are as follows:

  • length: 0.87 in
  • width: 1.18 in
  • height: 0.71 in

The product price is $129.

Pros

  • compact design
  • vibration feedback
  • lower cost than similar competitors
  • user-friendly

Cons

  • sizing may not be accurate
  • shorter battery life than competitors
  • vibration feedback may not suit some users
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Best for data reports: Wellue O2 Ring

Wellue’s O2 ring tracks oxygen levels and heart rate overnight. It has a built-in silent vibrator that alerts the user to unhealthy heart rate or oxygen levels.

The product has a rechargeable battery, with each charge lasting 12 to 16 hours. It weighs 0.53 oz and has the following dimensions:

  • length: 1.5 in
  • width: 1.2 in
  • height: 1.5 in

The device allows users to download and export data, which may be useful for long-term tracking and sharing of sleep information.

The Wellue O2 Ring costs $179.

Pros

  • possible to use without an app
  • automatic uploads via Bluetooth
  • silent built-in vibrator

Cons

  • more expensive than similar competitors
  • problems connecting to smartphones
  • app may drain phone battery fast
  • shorter battery life than competitors
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Best standalone unit: SleepScore Max

The SleepScore Max is a device that people place on their bedside table.

A person can download the app on their smartphone to learn more about their sleep, and how it compares to that of other people in the same age group.

The product comes with a smart alarm, and provides lifetime sleep history and on-demand reports for doctors.

The SleepScore Max sleep tracker is available for $149.99.

Pros

  • non-contact sleep tracking device
  • sleep report for physicians
  • smart alarm

Cons

  • lacks range of features of similar competitors
  • requires Bluetooth
  • may not be convenient for traveling
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Best low cost: Xiaomi Mi Band 4

The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 monitors health and fitness, including heart rate and sleep quality. It can also track physical exercise, including walking, cycling, and running.

It is lower cost than many similar wearable fitness or sleep trackers.

The product has a battery life of up to 20 days and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. It weighs 0.18 lb and has the following dimensions:

  • length: 0.79 in
  • width: 2.76 in
  • height: 6.69 in

The product costs around $44.

Pros

  • low cost compared to competitors
  • long battery life
  • versatile as a general fitness tracker with sleep tracking features

Cons

  • may not track sleep during the daytime, such as naps
  • may produce inaccuracies
  • not as many features as competitors
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This table provides a comparison between the top nine sleep trackers:

PriceFormPlacementTracksTrial or returns
Beautyrest$94plastic unitsunder mattresssleep stages,
heart rate,
body movement,
wakefulness,
breathing
30-days for returns
Withings$99.95matunder mattresssleep stages,
heart rate,
snoring,
breathing disturbances
30-day trial
Garmin$100-$175watchwristsleep stages,
blood oxygen saturation levels
30-day returns
Fitbit$229.95watchwristsleep stages,
heart rate,
blood oxygen saturation levels
45-day
money-back guarantee
Oura$299ringfingersleep stages,
heart rate,
sleep and nap tracking,
bedtime guidance
30-day returns
Sleepon$129ringfingersleep stages,
heart rate,
oxygen levels
7-day returns
Wellue$179ringfingersleep stages,
heart rate,
blood oxygen level,
body movements
30-day returns
SleepScore$149.99standalone unitnext to bedsleep stages30-day returns
Xiaomi$44watchwristsleep stages,
heart rate
30-day returns

Some factors to consider when choosing a sleep tracker include:

  • cost
  • battery life
  • whether the tracker is wearable or sits under the bed mattress
  • comfort level during sleep
  • the type of data the device collects, such as heart rate, breathing rate, and movement
  • whether the device offers options for analytic tools
  • whether the device has an alarm or smart alarm option

A sleep tracker can help a person understand their sleeping behavior and detect trends in their sleep cycle. If appropriate, a person can then share these data with a doctor.

Sleep trackers typically use an instrument called an accelerometer to track movement. An algorithm interprets the data to provide an overview of a person’s sleep patterns.

Some wearable devices also have heart rate monitors, which the manufacturers claim add to the effectiveness of sleep tracking.

Sleep trackers do not measure sleep directly. Instead, they often measure inactivity as a way of estimating sleep duration.

A 2018 study suggests that sleep trackers can accurately track total sleep time and time spent in bed. However, they are not as effective as sleep studies in detecting when people wake up. The researchers conclude that sleep trackers are a valid way for people to track their sleeping habits and note that these devices may become more accurate as technology advances.

Sleep trackers could prove useful for people who experience sleep disturbances or other sleep-related conditions, allowing people to collect data on their sleeping behavior and share it with their doctor.

Polysomnography is the technical term for a sleep study. It is a comprehensive test that healthcare professionals use to diagnose sleep disorders.

Polysomnography records a person’s:

Sleep studies not only help healthcare professionals diagnose sleep disorders, they can also assist doctors in developing or adjusting a treatment plan.

Sleep and meditation apps

A person may consider using a sleep tracker alongside a sleep and meditation app to help them gauge the effectiveness of such apps.

Learn more about sleep meditation apps here.

A sleep tracker may help a person identify trends in their sleep behavior and may alert them to possible sleep disorders.

There are many possible causes of sleep disorders, including some physical and mental health conditions, that can cause people to wake easily and frequently.

Physical health conditions and sleep

People with chronic conditions that cause nighttime waking may find it useful to collect data on their sleep. Examples of such conditions include:

Mental health conditions and sleep

Some mental health conditions may disturb sleep. This, in turn, may exacerbate mental health symptoms.

Sleep disturbances can play a role in the onset or exacerbation of various mental health conditions, including:

A person who experiences symptoms of any of the above conditions may wish to track their sleep disturbances and share the information with their doctor.

Neurological conditions and sleep

Certain neurological conditions may cause sleep disturbances. Examples include:

Tracking sleep behavior trends may help a doctor monitor the underlying condition more closely.

A person might consider contacting a doctor if they are experiencing insufficient or low quality sleep. Sleep disturbances could indicate an underlying health condition. They may also exacerbate existing health conditions.

If a person uses a sleep tracker, they may find it helpful to bring the data to their doctor’s appointment. This may help the doctor decide which tests to run or which treatments to recommend.

A person should be able to access all the relevant data on the sleep app on their phone or other smart devices.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about sleep trackers:

How accurate are sleep trackers?

Sleep trackers collect a limited amount of data compared to polysomnography. Unlike sleep trackers, polysomnography also collects brain wave data to determine how much time a person spends in the different stages of sleep.

Analyzing brain wave data is the only definitive method for diagnosing sleep disorders. By comparison, sleep trackers are less sensitive and more likely to produce inaccurate data.

Can a partner or pet influence the results of a sleep tracker?

If a sleep tracking device is wearable, a partner or pet should not influence the data.

If the device is not wearable, a person can typically program certain settings to account for partners. As long as pets do not interfere with a person’s breathing or heart rate during sleep, they should not affect the results.

Is it possible for two people to track their sleep at the same time?

Some under-mattress sleep trackers include an additional pad for the opposite side of a shared bed, allowing two sleeping partners to track their individual sleep habits.

How can a person clean their sleep tracker?

Individuals should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning their tracker to avoid damaging the device.

Most sleep tracking devices are not machine washable, even if they feature waterproofing technology. Some wearable devices have removable straps that make cleaning easier.

Sleep trackers are devices that a person can use to help monitor their sleep. These devices collect heart rate, breathing rate, and movement data to determine how long a person spends sleeping. Some sleep trackers are wearable, while others sit underneath a person’s mattress.

Research suggests that although sleep trackers are not as accurate as sleep studies, these devices could be valid tools for recording sleep behavior. Sharing their sleep data with a healthcare professional may be useful for people experiencing sleep issues.