The Apple Watch Series 3 has long been one of the most popular smartwatches on the market, combining a range of features that cater to fitness enthusiasts, tech-savvy users, and casual wearers alike. Among its many capabilities, sleep tracking has become a crucial function for those interested in monitoring their sleep quality. However, many potential buyers and current users wonder: does the Apple Watch 3 track sleep stages? This article aims to explore the Apple Watch 3’s sleep tracking features, their limitations, and whether this smartwatch can be relied upon for detailed sleep monitoring.
Understanding Sleep Tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 introduced users to a new era of wearables with fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and many other health-related features. However, sleep tracking was not a native feature in the Apple Watch Series 3 at launch. While it could track basic sleep data, it was not equipped to monitor the different stages of sleep such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This limitation led many users to seek third-party apps that could extend the watch’s functionality.
Does the Apple Watch 3 Natively Track Sleep Stages?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not natively track sleep stages. At the time of its release, sleep tracking on the Apple Watch was limited to simply recording the duration of your sleep. This means that while the Apple Watch Series 3 could tell you how long you slept, it did not differentiate between light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. This is a significant limitation for those who wanted a more comprehensive understanding of their sleep cycle.
However, Apple later added native sleep tracking to its newer models in watchOS 7 and beyond, which provided more detailed information about sleep patterns. Unfortunately, this feature was not available on the Apple Watch Series 3, which was limited to a more basic tracking system that simply counted the hours of sleep.
Using Third-Party Apps for Sleep Tracking on the Apple Watch 3
Although the native sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 3 is limited, third-party apps can provide more detailed sleep tracking features. These apps can track the different stages of sleep, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, by utilizing the Apple Watch’s sensors, including the heart rate monitor and accelerometer. Some popular third-party apps for sleep tracking include:
- AutoSleep: AutoSleep is one of the most popular sleep tracking apps for the Apple Watch. It uses the watch’s sensors to track your movements during the night and monitors your heart rate to determine your sleep stages. The app can automatically detect when you fall asleep and wake up, providing detailed insights into your sleep cycles.
- Pillow: Pillow is another highly-rated app that provides detailed sleep tracking, including sleep stages. It uses the Apple Watch’s sensors and microphone to monitor your movements and sounds while you sleep. The app also provides an analysis of your sleep quality and a sleep score.
- Sleep Cycle: Sleep Cycle is a well-known app that focuses on optimizing your sleep through smart alarm functionality. It tracks your sleep stages and uses the watch’s sensors to assess your sleep quality. The app also offers a sleep analysis to help you improve your sleep habits over time.
These apps can track sleep stages effectively, but it’s important to note that their accuracy depends on the quality of the sensors in the Apple Watch Series 3. Since this model lacks the advanced sleep tracking features found in later models, the data may not be as precise as that from newer versions like the Apple Watch Ultra.
The Limitations of Sleep Tracking on the Apple Watch 3
While the Apple Watch Series 3 is capable of tracking sleep to some extent, there are several limitations that users should be aware of. These limitations impact the overall usefulness of the device for those who want in-depth insights into their sleep patterns.
Accuracy of Sleep Data
Although third-party apps can provide more detailed sleep tracking, the accuracy of the data is still limited by the sensors available in the Apple Watch Series 3. Unlike the newer models, which come with more advanced sensors and features like blood oxygen measurement and more precise heart rate monitoring, the Apple Watch 3 lacks some of the capabilities that would improve the precision of sleep stage tracking. As a result, while the watch can track general sleep duration, it may not always provide accurate data regarding the various sleep stages.
Lack of Advanced Features
Advanced features like tracking blood oxygen levels, heart rate variability, and more detailed sleep analysis are not available on the Apple Watch Series 3. These features, which are present in later models such as the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Ultra, contribute to a more thorough understanding of your sleep quality. With the Apple Watch 3, users miss out on these advanced tools that could enhance sleep tracking and provide more meaningful insights.
Battery Life Concerns with Continuous Sleep Tracking
Another limitation is the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3. While the Apple Watch is generally known for its all-day battery life, sleep tracking apps, especially those that track sleep stages, can significantly drain the battery overnight. For users who rely on continuous sleep tracking, this means that they might have to charge the watch more frequently, potentially interrupting the ability to monitor sleep over consecutive nights.
Should You Choose the Apple Watch Series 3 for Sleep Tracking?
If your primary goal is sleep tracking and you want a detailed breakdown of your sleep stages, the Apple Watch Series 3 may not be the best choice. The model lacks advanced sleep tracking features and relies heavily on third-party apps for enhanced functionality. If sleep tracking is a key consideration for your smartwatch purchase, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model like the Apple Watch Series 6 or higher, which offers more accurate and comprehensive sleep tracking features.
However, if you’re looking for a basic sleep tracker that monitors your sleep duration, the Apple Watch Series 3, combined with third-party apps, can provide some useful data. Just be mindful of the limitations in terms of accuracy and battery life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not natively track sleep stages but can monitor sleep duration. While third-party apps can enhance its sleep tracking capabilities, they still rely on the watch’s basic sensors and may not provide the most accurate data. For more detailed and advanced sleep tracking, newer models like the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, or the Apple Watch Ultra are better options. If you’re Mainly interested in basic sleep tracking features, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a solid choice, but be aware of its limitations.
For more information on the Apple Watch price and to explore different models, visit the Apple Watch page.