Are sleep trackers effective in measuring sleep quality and duration during the night? How do devices, bracelets and watches that detect different sleep phases work? Stay here, we answer all your questions about the different ways to monitor your sleep in this article!
Top 5 sleep trackers at a glance eye :
We'll give you all the information a little further down on these different models. But if you're part of the team in a hurry, here's our top 5:
| Model | Tracker type | Highlights | Price |
| Oura ring | Connected ring |
20 data recorded Complete tool |
329 € |
| Whoop | Connected bracelet |
Versatile: sleep and activity tracker Efficient |
264 € |
| Apple Watch |
Connected bracelet |
All in one: watch and activity tracker Connectivity |
279 € (SE series) |
| Withings Sleep Analyzer |
Sleep Reader |
Technology developed by sleep specialists Places under the mattress |
149.95 € |
| Eightsleep | Connected mattress |
Performance and precision Self-heating mattress |
2895 € |
What is a sleep tracker used for?
First, let's lay the foundations: what is a sleep sensor and what is it used for?
A sleep monitor is a device, apparatus or application that will analyze your sleep by recording several factors (heart rate, movements, breathing for example). Monitoring via these devices allows you to learn more about the duration of sleep, but also its quality, the different phases and habits of sleep.
Basically, a sleep tracker allows you to analyze, among other things, sleep cycles , their sequence, the duration of light and deep sleep . If you think you suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or night awakenings , this can already give you a first indication.
There are several types: from the connected bracelet to the device to install in your bed, including smart watches, you have the choice between several features for all budgets. But we'll talk about that later.
Features: Real-time sleep monitor, heart rate tracking
But tell me Jamy, how does this thing work? Well, it's quite simple: the sleep sensor will measure different data that will be analyzed by an algorithm . Depending on the type of tracker chosen, you will have more or less measured data:
- ⏰ Bedtime and wake-up times , time spent lying down, sleep rhythm.
- ❤️ Heart rate: useful for knowing when you fall asleep and how the phases of sleep are linked.
- 😮💨 Breathing: like heart rate, helps track the sequence of cycles.
- 📊 Oxygen saturation: can alert you to possible sleep apnea or oxygenation disorders.
- 🌡️ Body temperature: temperature is an essential factor for rest, we talked about it in our complete guide on the ideal temperature for sleeping well . By measuring your body temperature, the sensor will be able to make the link with your sleep.
- 🫨 Movements: If your sensor is equipped with an accelerometer, it will be able to detect the movements you make in your bed, their frequency and their number.
All the information collected is analyzed and transcribed by algorithms (dedicated sleep application , for example) to inform you about the duration of sleep, but also the different cycles: phases of light sleep and deep sleep, paradoxical sleep, night awakenings, sequence of sleep cycles during the night.
Once all this information is recorded over a significant period of time (count several nights in a row under normal conditions), you will have indications but above all advice for sleeping well : the ideal duration of sleep , the recommended bedtimes and waking times... In short, a personalized sleep routine.
💡 Please note: you can imagine that depending on the type of device, the data and their analysis can be more or less accurate . Some measurements can be distorted, especially if you are calm and lying in your bed, a sensor that is not precise enough or poorly calibrated may believe that you are taking your best nap . We therefore advise you to opt for a fairly advanced tracker to have more reliable results.
Smartwatch, bracelet, sleep sensor: what to choose?
There are several types of sleep trackers to monitor your sleep:
- 🔗 Connected bracelets : you have probably already heard of fitness bracelets like the Fitbit or Xiaomi Mi Band which mainly measure heart rate. Rather basic, these models are not recommended if you want a precise and reliable analysis. We recommend the Whoop bracelet instead, which we will tell you about a little further down
- ⌚️ Smartwatches : we're moving upmarket a bit with the famous Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch and versatile devices that don't just tell the time. By measuring your heart rate, oxygen saturation and temperature, they can give you a fairly accurate analysis of your sleep. You have access to the summary of the results via a wide range of dedicated applications
- 💍 Sleep rings : even more advanced, this type of sensor measures the same signals as those above, but also your movements. Rather comfortable and discreet, it is a good option for more reliable and precise sleep analysis
- 🛏️ Bed sensors : to be placed directly under your pillow or mattress: here we move to the next level with devices that are solely designed for sleep monitoring and can even be integrated directly into smart mattresses and pillows!
- 📡 External sensors : these are based solely on environmental factors such as noise (snoring, breathing, movement). These are either dedicated devices to place on your nightstand or smartphone applications
Of course, the choice will depend on your needs, your preferences and your budget. And if you don't really know which model to go for, we've prepared a great selection for you just below 👇
Best trackers for sleep monitoring: our top 5
Still a little lost? Don't panic, here are five trackers we recommend to monitor your sleep in real time!
Oura ring , from €329
If we had to recommend only one sleep ring, it would be this one! Discreet, comfortable and efficient, this connected ring can measure more than 20 data in total , such as:
- Resting heart rate
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Respiratory rate
- Blood oxygen level
- Body temperature
- The movements and steps you take day and night
With all these variables, the algorithm gives you a sleep score (and a readiness score) taking into account your bedtime and wake-up times, your sleep rhythm, the time spent in total sleep, REM, deep or light sleep. You can find all the reports and personalized advice on the dedicated app, available on Android and iOS .
But the Oura smart ring doesn't just do that: it also offers tracking and recording of your activities, your rest times, or even your stress level. In short, a complete tool, designed with a holistic approach for your daily well-being , but which has a price: from €329 (+ €5.99 monthly subscription, with the first month free).
Whoop , from €264
One of the team's favorites, here too! This is a hyper-complete connected bracelet, which is both an activity tracker and a sleep bracelet . Its special feature? It doesn't have a screen, but accurately measures several useful variables to understand and optimize the quality of your sleep:
- Heart rate
- HRV: heart rate variability
- Respiratory rate and O2 saturation
- Skin temperature
- Falling asleep and sleeping time
- Different phases of sleep
Praised by many athletes and celebrities, this device works like a bracelet with a screen, but in a much more precise and efficient way, while being forgettable: all the advantages of a bracelet or a connected watch without the disadvantages .
For charging, everything is done via a mobile box to be recharged separately. The goal here is to wear the bracelet permanently, to ensure precise monitoring and truly personalized calibration .
Price-wise, the subtlety lies in the fact that it is mainly the subscription that you pay for, because a bracelet is offered with each subscription. Annual price: €264, with the first month free.
Apple watch , from €279
The third wearable device we want to introduce to you, we don't need to introduce it anymore, it's the famous Apple Watch. This connected watch has become more and more efficient to track your sleep and your daily activities , in addition to being a real relay to your smartphone.
Here, what really interests us is the sleep analysis function, which integrates directly into the health application of your iPhone, but also other applications available on the store. If you are looking for a versatile, but rather effective device, we advise you to take a look .
Price-wise, the latest models (Series 9) start at €499, but you can also get a satisfactory upgrade with an earlier model like the Apple Watch SE starting at €279.
Withings sleep analyzer , from €149.95
This sleep reader that is placed under the mattress is a small concentrate of technology: it is able to accurately detect episodes of sleep apnea, measure your cardiovascular health, your breathing, your movements and even your snoring during the night. As soon as you wake up, you can find all the results deciphered by the free Withings application (available on IOS & Android).
A real alternative to medical devices, since it was developed with sleep doctors at Béclère hospital in Paris .
Its price: €149.95
Eightsleep , from €2,895
Well, here we are clearly on the Rolls Royce of sleep trackers: this automatic temperature mattress has an integrated tracker with excellent performance and unrivaled measurement precision.
Sure, it's not cheap ( €2,895 for the older version, €4,499 for the latest, ultra-sophisticated version) , but if you were looking for the best sleep tracker, we had to mention it .
The final word: sleep trackers
- A sleep sensor can help you learn more about the quality of your nights and any sleep problems you're experiencing. These devices measure signals related to your sleep each night, such as changes in heart rate, breathing, movement, and oxygen saturation.
- Not all devices are equal : we advise you to opt for a better quality to have reliable measurements. Before buying a tracker, we advise you to determine the important points for you and what use you want to make of it.
- The team's favorite sensors, the ones we use every day : Oura Ring, Whoop, the latest Apple Watch. If you have others to add to this selection, don't hesitate to tell us about them in the comments!