Fitbit Sleep Profiles were announced last month and provide a “longitudinal analysis” of your sleep patterns across ten stats. Here’s how they measure.
After opening the iOS or Android Sleep card, you will be presented with an introduction prompt. You’ll then be asked to wear your device at least 14 nights per calendar month to get a Profile report. Fitbit says that the more sleep you log and the more accurate your Sleep Profile will be, the better your sleep patterns will be.
All those who qualify can see the June 2022 report right away. It is located just below the Sleep Score graph.
Clicking it will take you to a page with three tabs: Metrics and Sleep Profile.
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Below are the ten Sleep Profile stats, along with explanations. The app notes your performance “compared to two other Fitbit users”.
1. Sleep schedule variability
This chart shows how your sleep habits change from day to day. Your mental and physical well-being is directly affected by your body clock. A disrupted sleep schedule can cause your body to lose its natural rhythm, making you feel less well.
2. Sleep start time
This metric measures how much sleep you get each night. Some people like to sleep later than others, but it is essential to keep a consistent schedule. This is the key to good sleep hygiene.
3. Time before sound sleep
This shows how long it takes to fall asleep soundly. If you fall asleep regularly without delay, it indicates that your body is sleeping at a time that is consistent with your schedule.
4. Sleep duration
The average amount of sleep you get is called sleep duration. This could be lower than your total time in bed. You need to get the right amount of sleep for you.
5. Deep sleep
Deep sleep is when you are usually very still and your heart rate peaks. Sleep is a time of rest and recovery. A night that isn’t too active is more likely to be refreshing. If you are sleeping too much, it could indicate that you aren’t getting enough quality sleep.
6. REM Sleep
Rapid-eye movement sleep (REM) is an important stage of sleep. REM is a stage where your brain works hard to process emotions and complex problems. You are likely to have vivid dreams. If stressed out, you may find yourself in REM sleep too often.
7. Restorative sleep
Restorative sleep is when your heart rate is lower than the resting rate. A lower heart rate is associated with many restful or restorative sleep aspects.
8. Sleep stability
When you switch between sleep stages or positions, your brain can wake up briefly. However, it is usually so brief that you don’t notice. This is how often it happens. You might need to examine your sleep environment if you see any changes in your sleep stability.
9. Long nights and early mornings
You might be awakened by the noise, light, or an active mind. Although most people experience occasional awakenings that last a while, it is worth looking into why they are becoming more frequent.
10. Nappies and days
This is how Fitbit measures your naps. You may need to take a nap after a hard night’s rest. This can help you feel refreshed and more awake. If you notice you are waking up frequently, this could indicate that you have other sleep issues.
Fitbit then uses these ten stats to create a Sleep Profile/Animal.
Six options are available:
- Giraffe – Your sleep is shorter, and you tend to wake up earlier and sleep later. Despite having a shorter duration, you have a good amount of deep and REM sleep.
- Bear – You have a regular sleep schedule and fall asleep simultaneously every night. You tend to go to sleep earlier than others and get to sleep faster. You tend to have a long, restful sleep with a high percentage of deep and REM sleep.
- Dolphin: You fall asleep later than others and stay asleep for a shorter time, possibly due to an inconsistent sleep schedule. You tend to sleep more than others and may need to take naps to catch up.
- Hedgehog – You fall asleep later than usual and wake up earlier. Lighter sleepers are more likely to get sound sleep but may have a more challenging time getting deep sleep.
- Parrot – You are a regular sleeper and don’t go to bed too late or too early. You usually fall asleep quickly and get enough sleep each night to feel sound. While you will likely fall asleep deep once you wake up, it is possible to have a light REM sleep due to waking up frequently throughout the night.
- Tortoise – You fall asleep at different times every night, but more often than others. You may spend more time in bed if you have a slightly later average rise time. However, it might take longer for you to fall asleep, which could impact your deeper and REM sleep.
