Sleep tracker on Apple Watch

koharua wrote:

HEalth: the Sleep score on my apple watch is often incorrect, so averages are wrong. . how do I fix that?

How is it incorrect? The metrics that go into the sleep score (in an algorithm that is proprietary) include: sleep duration, bedtime (early or late), and sleep interruptions. Are one or more of those three metrics incorrectly sensed by the watch?

The watch senses when you are asleep from heart rate, breathing rate, and other indicators, such as an accelerometer on the watch that senses when you are moving around in a way that awake people move, versus moving around the way sleeping people do. This seems to work well and accurately for MOST people, but a small percentage of individuals have unique physiology or other unique characteristics that result in a less accurate watch sleep score.

One thing that is important is to make sure that the watch band is snug and properly positioned on the arm, including being centered on the arm and staying centered all night. If the sensors underneath the watch cannot get consistent readings, the sleep metrics won't work. Unique skin markings can also interfere (including tattoos).

If you look at the watch's recorded heart rate (pulse), it should be somewhat higher during the day, even higher during workouts, and there should not be gaps. At night (sleep), it should be very steady and lower. With no gaps.

If you notice gaps or oddball heart rate readings, the sleep score will almost certainly be wrong. Some people with unique medical conditions that cause arm motion at night will receive much lower sleep scores. One example is Parkinson's. Or if the watch band fit is such that the watch shifts on the arm during sleep, the sleep score may be inaccurate.

Which of those three metrics looks wrong to you? Do you have any other factors mentioned above that may be relevant?

Sleep tracker on Apple Watch

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