We aree all obsessed with sleep, it’s vital for both our physical and mental health. After all, it is difficult to find the time with all our busy lives and packed schedules to make note of our sleep schedule and how much rest we take. Enter sleep tracking: The Fitbit is a well-known fitness tracker that provides users with a plethora of features including sleep tracking to keep track of how well slept you have or haven’t as the case may be. However, how accurate is Fitbit sleep tracking? In this article, we’ll look more closely at how the device’s sleep-tracking technology works and what research has told us about its accuracy. Why are people turning to Fitbits to track their sleep? They ask us this common question and we have answered all such questions here. So, let’s get started!
What you need to know about Fitbit sleep tracking.
Of course, as with any sort of technology, there is a bit of a question of how accurate the Fitbit sleep tracking feature really is. We’ll also tell you in this article whether the Sleep Cycle app is a good tool to track sleep. Reach the bottom to know all about Fitbit and whether you can rely on it for sleep tracking.
Average Fitbit Sleep Score By Age.
What is a Fitbit sleep score and how can it help you get a better night’s sleep? There’s no official Fitbit sleep score average by age, but research has shown that sleep needs and patterns vary by age. Knowing the average sleep score by age can give a good idea of how much ony needss sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s study on the amount of sleep humans needd per nighs an adult aged 18-64 years longs for 7 to 9 hours. But for senior citizens 65 years or older, rest won’t be needed the same amount of time, typically around 7-8 hours each night. With an average Sleep Score on Fitbit of 77, our global sleep average is also 77.
Based on user’s sleep patterns and personal characteristics (age, gender, weight) in some, Fitbit provides personalized sleep score insights. Individual differences have less impact on sleep score averages than we might think, but users can compare their sleep score to the average score for their age and gender group. The average Fitbit sleep score will generally fall in the mid 70’s to low 80’s. Why it’s important to mention: the sleep score is just one metric and there are other metrics out there that can help shed some light on your sleep quality, and even then, it’s important to look at the data in connection to personal sleep behavior and lifestyle factors.
Is Fitbit Wrong in Underestimating Deep Sleep?
There is also evidence that Fitbit is missing deep sleep in some users. Physical and mental recovery occurs during the deep sleep stage (sleep cycle) that is so essential. Accurately tracking deep sleep is tricky and even some sleep tracking devices, including the Fitbit Inspire and other versions, can miss this step of sleep. While Fitbit was shown in one study in the Journal of Sleep Research to underestimate deep sleep significantly relative to polysomnography (a sleep monitoring method used in sleep labs), countless studies have also shown Fitbit to overestimate the time in bed spent in very light sleep (VLL). It found Fitbit only picked up 60 percent of deep sleep compared with polysomnography. It confirms whether Fitbit underestimates deep sleep.
Another study, in the Journal Sleep, also found that Fitbit devices may misclassify sleep ststagessn older adults, as Fitbit devices tended to overestimate light sleep and underestimate deep sleep. To be noted however is that sleep tracking accuracy is often dependent on device type as well as software version, and individual user characteristics. While Fitbit sleep tracking can be a useful tool for reviewing how much sleep you get regularly, it’s important to be aware that the data this sleep tracking tool produces should be looked at in the broad context of how you sleep and your lifestyle and shouldn’t be the sole means by which you monitor how you sleep.
Is a Fitbit Accurate for Sleep?
Depending on things such as device type, software version, and how you use your Fitbit, your sleep tracking can be accurate or not. While some studies oFitbits sleep tracking have reported good agreement with self-reported sleep and wake times, recent evidence also indicates there is room for error regarding the detection of the deeper sleep stages by Fitbit’s sleep tracking. For this reason, it is not a clear-cut answer to the question. Fitbit Sleep Tracking can give us some useful insight into our overall sleep patterns, so for example, how much sleep we’ve gotten and what was our pattern of wakefulness, but it may not be as accurate as sleep monitoring methods with more advanced sleep laboratory use.
How Accurate is FitBit Sleep Tracking?
So that, after going over all the information that we’ve discussed in sections a and b (and d and e) above. So this brings us to, how accurate is your Fitbit sleep tracking and the answer to this is quite accurate. However, the accuracy is unverified by absolute evidence. To achieve the most accurate Fitbit sleep tracking data, take the following.
- Ensure that the device is fitted and worn correctly: The accuracy of sleep tracking data from the device depends on wearing it too loosely or too tightly.
- Use the latest software version: As Fitbit gives out regular updatess of sleep data, it improves their accuracy and reliability.
- Compare data over time: However, it takes tracking sleep patterns over several nights to get a better sense of how sleep quality has been in general across the days of the week, as well as if there is any fluctuation in how much sleep we get.
- Use sleep tracking data as part of a broader sleep improvement plan: Sleep tracking data from Fitbit can be useful in helping you identify where you need improvement in your sleep habits, ho, ever you’ll also need to use other methods such as sleep hygiene, re laxation, ion, n and stress reduction to help you sleep overall.
- Consider seeking professional sleep evaluation if experiencing persistent sleep issues: Fitbit sleep tracking can offer helpful insights into the overall sleep patterns but if there are persistent problems with sleep such as insomnia or sleep apnea then it is best to consult with a health professional for a deeper look at your sleeping patterns and the best way to attack.
