One of the most requested features for Apple Watch is sleep tracking, and with watchOS 7 and iOS 14, Apple finally brings it to the table. In true Apple style, it does much more than just go on when you start and stop sleeping.
It would be quite easy for Apple to create an application that detects the start and end point of your dream. Apple has a tendency to go the extra mile on features, though, thinking about implementation as a whole, and not just what users anticipate.
For watchOS 7 and iOS 14, Apple thought of the complete sleeping experience for users. That includes maintaining a consistent routine, sitting down before bed, waking up gently, and analyzing the data that is collected.
So that’s what Apple did by introducing the Sleep app for Apple Watch, sleep mode for iPhone and Apple Watch, revamping the Bedtime feature found in iOS 13, and introducing Wind Down.
Start sleep tracking with Apple Watch
To get started with sleep tracking for Apple Watch, users can access the new Sleep app on the wrist-worn computer or on the Health app on their iOS 14-equipped iPhone. We opted for the latter.
When you go to the Sleep category of the Health app, there is a new option to set your bedtime. First, you can enable sleep mode. Sleep mode simplifies the lock screen at your scheduled bedtime and activates Do Not Disturb to reduce interruptions.
The application will suggest you enable Wind Down. The idea is that your nightly routine can start before bed, before going to sleep. Sleep mode is when you’re really sleeping and Wind Down is all that leads to that. You choose how much you want before bed to start Wind Down. This can be between 15 minutes and three hours.
Relax on iOS 14
What Wind Down will do is help you with those routines as you prepare to go to bed while reducing screen time on your phone. Simplify your lock screen, just show the time, your alarm and any shortcuts or apps you can use. Create a shortcut to listen to a relaxing podcast, play your night music playlist, or start your two-minute toothbrush timer. Anything you do before bed can be added here.
Finally, Health will ask you if you want to monitor your sleep with Apple Watch. Then you get your summary of everything you set up, including your schedule and enabled features.
Apple Watch details
Once everything is set up, you can start tracking sleep. Almost everything happens in the background. Your phone will enter Wind Down mode before Watch enters sleep mode.
Manually enable sleep mode on iPhone or Apple Watch within Control Center
Sleep mode can also be configured manually, both on the watch and on the phone. Just go to the Control Center on each device and activate it.
Apple Watch screen when you wake up in sleep mode
When Apple Watch is in sleep mode, the screen remains black as you move your wrist, preventing it from accidentally turning on while trying to sleep. And touching the screen makes it light very dimly over time and when your alarm is set.
Rotate the digital crown to use Apple Watch in sleep mode
If you want to wear your watch, it spins the digital crown, similar to blowing water out after swimming. This also prevents the observation from awakening by accident.
Good morning report on Apple Watch after sleep
Once you wake up, your Apple Watch will greet you with a summary of “good morning” that will let you know how long you slept, what the weather will be during the rest of the day and what is the battery life of your watch.
Sleep app on watchOS 7
You can revisit your sleep history by viewing the Sleep app on your Apple Watch or by visiting the Health app on your iPhone. It will show you how long you slept, how many times you woke up, and how consistent you have been.
Keep up with your battery
Speaking of battery, this is probably one of the user’s biggest concerns. Apple doesn’t have a way to magically extend your watch’s battery life, but it does try to help you manage it.
Apple Watch charging notification
When it’s almost bedtime, if the battery life is less than 30 percent, your phone will notify you that you need to charge it. And when your watch is charging, your phone will receive an alert that will alert you when it reaches a full charge so you can take it.
Apple Watch charges quickly, and in our time trials we haven’t had much trouble keeping the watch charged, even in a beta version. We complete it while we are in the shower and maybe a few minutes in the morning before work and it does it during the day and night.
Get some rest
Together, the new features cover the entire sleeping experience and help you improve your sleep patterns. Little by little, your day decreases, reducing distractions and getting into your bedtime routine. Your phone remains silent in Do Not Disturb mode while sleeping and your Apple Watch tracks it at the same time and does not turn on or blind you. When you wake up, your watch greets you, like your iPhone, to start your day.
Follow your dream with Apple Watch
It’s been a long time coming, but Apple’s implementation is well thought out, unique, and a phenomenal example of the Apple ecosystem working together.
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