For the past week, I’ve embarked on a sleep-monitoring journey with the Apple Watch Ultra. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience of wearing the Apple Watch Ultra while sleeping, delving into its benefits and drawbacks.
Sleeping with the Apple Watch Ultra: Is It a Good Idea?
My initial hesitation to wear the Apple Watch Ultra to bed primarily stemmed from concerns about comfort. Compared to the standard Apple Watch models, the Ultra is thicker and larger in size, making it less comfortable for overnight wear. To avoid potential discomfort during sleep, I had refrained from the idea of wearing it at night.
However, my curiosity got the best of me, as I wanted to fully explore the Apple Watch Ultra’s sleep-tracking capabilities, including monitoring my body temperature—a feature exclusively recorded while wearing the watch at night. Despite my reservations about comfort, over time, I found myself adjusting to wearing the Apple Watch Ultra during sleep. While it may not be the most comfortable way to sleep, it’s currently the only method I have to monitor my sleep hours using an Apple device.
Unlocking Sleep Insights with the Apple Watch Ultra
The most rewarding aspect of my foray into sleep monitoring has been the wealth of data available in the Health app on my iPhone. These statistics offer a comprehensive overview of my sleep habits and their impact on my overall health. Here’s a summary of the data at my disposal:
- Average Sleep Time: One of the most valuable statistics is my average sleep duration. Thanks to the Apple Watch Ultra, I now maintain an accurate record of my sleep hours, enabling me to make adjustments to my routine if necessary.
- Sleep Phases: Another intriguing feature is the ability to explore sleep phases. Detailed data on my sleep cycles, including light, deep, and REM stages, provides valuable insights into my sleep quality.
- Sleep vs. Heart Rate: Examining the correlation between my sleep patterns and heart rate is another enlightening aspect of my well-being analysis. In-depth comparisons allow me to identify patterns that can help me fine-tune my lifestyle for improved health, if needed.
- Respiration: Surprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra also provides statistics on my breathing patterns. This function helps users detect significant changes that could impact sleep quality.
When Should I Charge My Apple Watch If I’m Using It for Sleep Tracking?
An essential consideration when using the Apple Watch for sleep tracking is determining when to charge the device. While my Apple Watch Ultra boasts excellent battery life, offering up to 36 hours of usage on a single charge, recharging is still a necessity.
Before incorporating sleep tracking into my routine, I used to charge the watch overnight. Now, I typically charge it during periods when I’m not engaged in physical activity or wearing the watch. For instance, I use charging time while working at my computer, watching a TV series, or in the few minutes before leaving the house while I prepare for the day.
Fast charging capabilities allow me to achieve a satisfactory battery level in a short time frame. I often take advantage of the moments when I’m brushing my teeth or changing into pajamas to ensure my Apple Watch doesn’t run out of battery overnight while I monitor my sleep.
Despite my initial reluctance to wear the Apple Watch Ultra during sleep, the wealth of data I’ve collected has shifted my perspective on this matter. Hopefully, in the future, Apple will enhance the design of the Apple Watch Ultra to prioritize nighttime comfort for users.