Sleep tracking accuracy ios16

bucc208 wrote:

iOS 16 Apple Watch series 8 does not accurately measure deep sleep when compared with Garmin and Polar devices. Data is clearly incorrect and the issue needs to be fixed. This is a healthcare aspect of the watch and should not be providing misleading information.

You can let Apple know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Same issue.

Comparing results with a FitBit Charge 2 IOS 16/Watch OS9 Apple Watch 4 Last night recorded 12 minutes of Deep Sleep, 1 hour 30 minutes of REM; FitBit recorded 1 hour 33 minutes of Deep Sleep, 52 minutes of REM.

There may be differences in the algorithms used. That said the differences shouldn't be that pronounced.

I had the SAME issue. my xiaomi Band 7 (the latest) has been recorded consistently 1 hour to latest 1 hour 40 minutes (and I can feel I slept well in the morning), BUT Apple Watch record I only have 7 min of deep sleep. that just doesn't make any sense.

I’m having the same issue. Just bought the S8, and found it strange that my deep sleep was never higher than 30 minutes.

I downloaded Pillow and when I got the results for the first night, there was a big difference.

something in there algorithm is off.

Hey CapeTownMacaroni,

I am no sleep expert, but have experienced similar "scoring" issues comparing Withings Sleep Mat, Apple Watch and other random wearables since I became interested in health tracking.

I have no association, but if you are interested in digging deep on this I would take a look at The Quantified Scientist. Tons of science based information, comparisons and reviews.

Hope this helps.

All the best.

Interesting conversation Cape Town,

I cannot argue the merits of the Apple Watch Algorithm. If for no other reason than I do not have the knowledge or a large enough personal sample size to produce any data with significance.

TQS does a great job with what he does, but as you mention, his test is on himself which is a baseline of one and does not consider the cofactors associated with other individuals or groups.

Personally, I consider the Apple Watch in the top ten of consumer devices that can be purchased easily, over the counter, at an affordable price to monitor sleep or other health metrics. That being said, I do not consider it a medical device (as close as it may get at times).

Your sample size of 15 with your questionnaire affirms some of my assumptions that that Aura ring is probably better suited at sleep tracking. I would also make the assumption that the sample is a little bias as those usually associated with a biohacking group are more healthy, fit or aware of a health lifestyle than the general population, which may sway the results versus a larger, general population sample.

As a last ditch effort to assist I would do the following if you have not already:

https://www.myhealthyapple.com/apple-watch-not-tracking-sleep-or-sleep-stages-heres-what-you-can-do/

I am not sure if you have stumbled upon this conversation:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleWatch/comments/xrxkfw/am_i_the_only_one_whos_aw_records_very_little/

I enjoy the conversation, but I really have nothing else substantial to provide towards a solution as related to the Apple Watch (I am not sure an Genius is going to get you anywhere with this either). I would find it interesting if you were to track with a different device (Aura, FitBit, etc.) if your results would match your current conclusions or create another outlier?

If you find the time, post back any results or solutions you may find (or if you happen to find an ear at Apple to assist with this).

Good luck. All the best.

I wear a Fitbit Inspire 2 on the same arm next to my Apple watch 6 and I also get lower deep sleep on the watch vs Fitbit. The REM cycles dont match either. The values can be off 2x-3x. I dont buy into the studies showing apple watch is the most accurate wearable since my blood oxygen readings can go from 100% to 85% in the same day. My skin is fair with no tattoos. I tend to believe the fitbit more since deep sleep is a key factor to me and i know what 1+ hrs does to me vs how i would feel with the fewer minutes Apple watch shows.

Never get 5 hours of deep sleep with auto sleep.

Apple Watch consistently underreports deep sleep and it is very strange data.

I have a recent garmin fenix 7s and the sleep data is much more reliable.

Some more data for you:

Apple Watch

9/21 12 Min Deep, 54 min REM

9/22 26 Min Deep, 1 hour 26 min REM

9/23 34 Min Deep, 34 min REM

9/24 15 Min Deep, 1 Hour 12 Min REM

9/25 31 Min Deep, 1 hour 143 Min REM

9/26 31 Min Deep, 58 Min REM

Applied IOS 16.02 Update on 9/24

FitBit Charge 2

9/21 7 Min Deep, 18 Min REM

9/22 1 Hour 6 Min Deep, 41 Min REM

9/23 36 Min Deep, 4 min REM (Only 5 Hours sleep that night)

9/24 No Sleep Stages reported

9/25 1 Hour 1 Min Deep, 22 Mon REM

9/26 12 Min Deep, 53 Min REM

FWIW

ETA: On further consideration I wonder if the Auto Sleep algorithm is different from both the FitBit/IOS algorithm. And which one(s) is (are) more accurate. Looking at my AutoSleep data for the periods involved the Deep Sleep totals are much higher than either the FitBit or IOS.

Fascinating

Come on, guys! What do you expect? Sleep studies attach wires to your head, your arms, your feet, and your chest! They measure actual eye movement, multiple aspects of heart signals, and alpha brain waves! The amazing thing is that an Apple Watch or a Fitbit or whatever can work at all!

You can't compare the Apple Watch data to the Fitbit data, and certainly not to real sleep study data. What you can do is monitor your sleep each day and be aware of drastic changes that might indicate something's going on. This ain't brain surgery, and you don't want your brain surgeon depending on either an Apple Watch or a Fitbit. Let's use it for what it's good for and not complain about what we have no right to expect.

I have been using Fitbit for years and just switched to Apple Watch. I was consistently getting 13-18% deep sleep on fitbit but get only about 1%. That cannot be correct. I feel refreshed when I wake up.

I can support your concern with Deep Sleep recording . In 2020 using my wife's Fitbit I was clocking between 5 - 16% Deep Sleep . I bought Apple 8 series watch about 8 days ago and its recording Zero Deep Sleep most nights !! . My wife and swapped and she recorded 7 mins deep using my watch , but there were some inconsistencies from her watch that I wore . Ive had disturbed sleep patterns for some years , which match REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder symptoms which was my reason for buying the watch. Any research on quality of sleep details the importance of Deep Sleep both in quality and quantity and the rather scary implications should you fall short on this. We are going to try more swap tests and both of us using both watches to compare . It was something of a comfort to hear Im not alone with concerns about Deep Sleep accuracy on Apple Watches. Richnsoul

UK

iOS 16 Apple Watch series 8 does not accurately measure deep sleep when compared with Garmin and Polar devices. Data is clearly incorrect and the issue needs to be fixed. This is a healthcare aspect of the watch and should not be providing misleading information.