In the world of wearable technology, the Apple Watch has established itself as a leader. Among its many features, health and fitness tracking have become its hallmark, offering everything from heart rate monitoring to activity tracking. However, one feature that has increasingly gained attention in recent years is sleep tracking.
As people become more health-conscious and seek ways to improve their sleep quality, sleep tracking technology has emerged as a critical tool. The Apple Watch SE, a more affordable version of Apple’s flagship smartwatch, offers a range of features, but does it include sleep tracking? In this article, we will delve into the question: Does the Apple Watch SE have sleep tracking? We will explore the Apple Watch SE’s capabilities, its sleep tracking features, and how it compares to other devices in the market.
What is the Apple Watch SE?
Before we dive into the specifics of sleep tracking, it’s essential to understand the Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE is a mid-range option in the Apple Watch lineup, offering a balance between functionality and price. Released in September 2020, the Apple Watch SE is designed for users who want the core features of the Apple Watch without the premium price tag of the Series 6 or the Series 7.
The Apple Watch SE comes with a powerful set of features, including:
- A large Retina display
- Advanced fitness and health tracking tools
- Integrated GPS
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Customizable watch faces
- Family setup for those who do not have an iPhone
While the Apple Watch SE is packed with features, it is important to evaluate whether sleep tracking is one of its capabilities.
Does the Apple Watch SE Have Sleep Tracking?
In short, yes—the Apple Watch SE does have sleep tracking. However, there are some caveats to consider when it comes to its sleep-tracking capabilities. Unlike some more advanced models like the Apple Watch Series 7 or Series 8, which offer additional sensors, the Apple Watch SE uses a simplified version of sleep tracking.
Here’s what you need to know about the sleep tracking feature on the Apple Watch SE.
Sleep Tracking in WatchOS 7
Sleep tracking was introduced to the Apple Watch with the release of watchOS 7, which was compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 and newer models, including the Apple Watch SE. This update marked the beginning of sleep tracking on Apple devices, and the Apple Watch SE was able to take full advantage of it.
The sleep tracking feature on the Apple Watch SE works by monitoring your movement and heart rate throughout the night. It does this by using sensors built into the device, such as the accelerometer and optical heart rate sensor. The watch records data on your sleep stages and provides insights into how well you are sleeping.
Sleep Tracking Features of the Apple Watch SE
While the Apple Watch SE does not offer some of the more advanced features available in higher-end models, it still provides a solid and reliable sleep tracking experience. Let’s break down its key features:
Basic Sleep Tracking: The Apple Watch SE tracks the total amount of sleep you get each night, offering an overview of how many hours you’ve slept. This data is collected and displayed in the Health app on your paired iPhone.
Sleep Goals: You can set a personalized sleep goal to ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of sleep. Apple’s sleep tracking feature encourages users to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by sending reminders to wind down before bed.
Sleep Data and Insights: After each night of sleep, the Apple Watch SE provides an analysis of your sleep, including the total time slept and a rough estimate of how much time you spent in the various stages of sleep, such as:
- Core Sleep: The deep restorative sleep phase.
- REM Sleep: The phase where dreaming typically occurs.
- Light Sleep: The lightest stage of sleep, often just before waking up.
Wind Down Mode: The Apple Watch SE integrates with the Wind Down feature on the iPhone, allowing you to prepare for sleep by limiting distractions and promoting a calming environment. This mode includes options like Do Not Disturb and sleep-focused notifications.
Silent Alarm: The Apple Watch SE can wake you up with a haptic vibration, which is gentle and non-disruptive to others sleeping nearby. This feature is great for people who wake up at different times than their partner or roommates.
What Does the Apple Watch SE Not Do for Sleep Tracking?
While the Apple Watch SE’s sleep tracking features are functional, they do come with certain limitations. Here’s a breakdown of what the Apple Watch SE does not offer:
No Advanced Sleep Stage Tracking: The Apple Watch SE tracks the general amount of sleep, but it doesn’t offer detailed information on specific sleep stages (such as light, deep, and REM) in the way that more advanced devices do. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers more advanced tracking with its Blood Oxygen sensor and ECG capabilities.
No Blood Oxygen Monitoring During Sleep: Some of the more recent Apple Watches, such as the Series 6 and newer, include a Blood Oxygen sensor, which can track oxygen saturation levels during sleep. This feature is useful for identifying potential issues like sleep apnea. Unfortunately, the Apple Watch SE does not have this sensor, so it cannot track your blood oxygen levels during sleep.
Lack of Advanced Sleep Analysis: While the Apple Watch SE offers basic insights into how much sleep you get, it doesn’t offer the detailed sleep analysis that is available on some other wearables, such as the Oura Ring or the Whoop Strap.
No Sleep Apnea Detection: Apple Watch SE does not have the capability to detect sleep apnea, which is a critical feature in some advanced sleep tracking devices. For those with sleep apnea concerns, specialized devices like a CPAP machine or dedicated sleep monitors may be necessary.
How to Use Sleep Tracking on the Apple Watch SE
Using sleep tracking on the Apple Watch SE is straightforward. Here’s how you can set it up:
Set Up Sleep Tracking:
- Open the Health app on your paired iPhone.
- Tap on Browse and select Sleep.
- Follow the prompts to set up your sleep schedule, including your sleep goal, wind-down time, and wake-up time.
Wear Your Apple Watch SE to Bed:
- Make sure your Apple Watch SE is fully charged before bed, as it needs to last through the night.
- Wear the watch snugly on your wrist, but not too tight. The watch needs to be able to measure heart rate and movement.
Review Your Sleep Data:
In the morning, open the Health app to review your sleep data. You’ll see an overview of your total sleep duration and the estimated time spent in different stages.
Track Your Sleep Over Time:
The more consistently you wear your Apple Watch SE at night, the more data it will collect. Over time, you’ll be able to track your sleep patterns and see trends in your sleep quality.
Apple Watch SE vs. Other Sleep Tracking Devices
How does the Apple Watch SE compare to other devices when it comes to sleep tracking? There are several key competitors in the market that also offer sleep tracking features. Let’s look at how the Apple Watch SE stacks up:
Apple Watch Series 6/7/8
The Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 come with advanced health monitoring features, including blood oxygen and ECG sensors, making them better equipped for tracking sleep quality in a more detailed way. These models also support additional sleep analysis, which is lacking on the Apple Watch SE.
Fitbit Sense & Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit’s Sense and Charge 5 are known for their advanced sleep tracking features. These devices provide detailed insights into sleep stages and sleep scores, which is something the Apple Watch SE cannot do. Additionally, the Fitbit Sense has a skin temperature sensor that tracks fluctuations in body temperature, another key indicator of sleep health.
Oura Ring
The Oura Ring is a highly regarded sleep tracker that is worn on your finger, unlike a wrist-worn device. The Oura Ring offers extremely detailed insights into sleep stages and includes features like body temperature fluctuations and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. It is considered one of the most accurate sleep trackers available today.
Whoop Strap 4.0
The Whoop Strap 4.0 is another wearable device that specializes in sleep tracking. It provides detailed information on your sleep stages, recovery, and overall sleep quality. Whoop also offers a recovery score to help you understand how well your body is rested and ready for physical activity.
Final Thoughts: Is the Apple Watch SE Good for Sleep Tracking?
In conclusion, the Apple Watch SE does indeed offer sleep tracking, but it is more basic compared to some of its competitors in the market. If you’re looking for a device that provides basic sleep data and is integrated with the broader Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice. However, if you need more detailed insights into your sleep stages, blood oxygen levels, or other advanced sleep metrics, you might want to consider other options like the Fitbit Sense or Oura Ring.
The Apple Watch SE’s sleep tracking can help you understand your sleep patterns and encourage better sleep hygiene, but for serious sleep monitoring, particularly for conditions like sleep apnea, it may not be enough. Nevertheless, for many users who are simply looking for basic sleep tracking alongside other health and fitness features, the Apple Watch SE is a solid, well-rounded option.
FAQs
How accurate is the Apple Watch SE sleep tracking?
The accuracy of the sleep tracking is generally good for tracking overall sleep duration. However, it may not be as precise in detecting specific sleep stages as some other advanced sleep trackers.
Can the Apple Watch SE track naps?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE can track naps if they last for a significant amount of time. However, shorter naps may not be detected accurately.
Does the Apple Watch SE track sleep apnea?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not have the capability to track sleep apnea. For sleep apnea monitoring, you would need specialized equipment.
How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch SE during sleep tracking?
The Apple Watch SE can typically last up to 18 hours on a full charge. If you wear it overnight for sleep tracking, you’ll need to charge it during the day to ensure it lasts the full day.
Conclusion
Sleep tracking on the Apple Watch SE is a valuable tool for those looking to monitor their sleep habits and improve their overall health. Although it doesn’t offer advanced features like blood oxygen monitoring or detailed sleep stage tracking, it provides a simple, effective way to track sleep duration and establish healthy sleep routines. Whether you’re new to sleep tracking or simply need a basic overview of your nightly rest, the Apple Watch SE offers a reliable solution.