Best Sleep Trackers 2021: Don’t Sleep On These Devices

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A good night’s rest after an incredibly long day is something every person on this planet needs. But sometimes, it can be terribly hard to get that good sleep. Some days, you don’t even get any shut-eye at all. But what exactly causes the good nights and the sleepless nights? One way to find that out is through the best sleep trackers 2021.

Overview

Most of you might not know, but we actually spend the third of our lives asleep. However, sleeping in itself can be quite a mystery. Questions like, how do we sleep, why do we sleep, what happens during our sleep, tend to pop out now and then.

Several years ago, we had very limited tools that can accurately track our sleeping patterns at night. Not to mention, the concept of tracking our sleep wasn’t so popular either. We just wake up either feeling refreshed and energized or terribly tired and in desperate need of a caffeine boost to perk us up.

The funny thing was, we were okay with it and it didn’t matter to us much if we had trouble sleeping at night. We just went with it and started our days like it was nothing.

But thanks to our ever-advancing technology, sleep trackers have improved vastly in terms of the features it has and its built-in sensors in the most recent years.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a sleep tracker, don’t worry! I’ll be giving you a thorough explanation of what a sleep tracker is, its benefits, why you need them, as well as our top recommendations and a quick buyer’s guide on what to look for in a sleep tracker all in this article.

So if you’re itching to find what a sleep tracker is all about, just read on to know more.

What is a sleep tracker?

Essentially, a sleep tracker is a device that can help you gain insight and information regarding your sleeping habits throughout the night.

It can provide you with significant data regarding your sleeping habits and patterns, the duration as well as the quality of your overall sleep, and the stages you go through by measuring things based on your heart rate, respiration rate, and movement as you sleep.

These trackers have sensors built-in that will help gather this specific information or data throughout the different cycles and stages of your sleep at night. You will be able to check your patterns whenever you’re in light, deep, and REM sleep.

Also, some more advanced sleep trackers in the market can monitor your snoring and other sounds you might be producing through the use of smart listening technology. Some may also include features that can detect ambient noise happening around you, air quality, your room temperature, light levels, and so much more.

Moreover, sleep trackers can also do a plethora of other things than just tracking your sleeping patterns. With technology highly advancing every single day, it’s not surprising that sleep trackers are trying to do the most for us now too.

Now, aside from patterns, sleep trackers can also provide us with very detailed stats and analytics about the quality of our sleep. Certain sleep trackers can record your data and save it in a dedicated app that you can access at any time.

In addition, these sleep trackers are also built in a way that can provide maximum comfort during your sleep. Some are designed as wearables around your wrist, and some are designed as sleep tracking pads or sensor strips that you can place underneath or on top of your mattress.

What are the benefits of a sleep tracker?

Sleep trackers come in with a lot of benefits and features that can be very helpful to someone who wants to find out more regarding how they are during their deep slumbers or the lack thereof.

As I have previously mentioned, sleep trackers are made to monitor your sleeping patterns, record the data, then provide you with significant and detailed analytics regarding the quality of your sleep.

So how does it help you?

The answer is simple. With knowledge comes power. And that particular saying is actually true. When you have the information regarding your sleeping habits and patterns, then that’s when you can start modifying and fixing it to further improve your sleep at night.

With such helpful data in your hands, you will know where and when to start changing certain habits that can help you sleep better. You will be able to point out what is causing you to sleep terribly at night, and more importantly, you can have an idea of whether it is time to visit a specialist to get the appropriate help and medicine you need.

Personally, I have always been someone who has had trouble sleeping at night regularly. So having a sleep tracker on hand became really helpful and useful in times of need. Being able to see my stats, I was able to pinpoint the things I need to change in my sleeping habits as well as my lifestyle to get my sleeping on track.

So if you’re someone like me and you find yourself having difficulty getting some decent shut-eye, perhaps it’s time to look into some sleep trackers and see if it will work for you.

Who needs sleep trackers?

Throughout recent years, sleep trackers have gained a lot of popularity. Especially within people who find themselves having trouble sleeping and would like to find out more about its causes.

Usually, when a certain product is released, it’s targeted at a particular market or audience. But the good thing about sleep trackers is that anyone can use them. Of course, people who want to have more insight into their sleeping habits or their health, in general, would be more inclined to invest in these devices.

Aside from that, people who don’t like or are simply wear of having to go through the formal process of medical examinations can also benefit from sleep trackers as these devices measure your sleeping analytics and statistics indirectly.

Meaning, sleep trackers rely on monitoring your physical signals during sleep which is a lot easier to detect unlike in medical examinations where they need to monitor your brain activity and eye movement. However, do keep in mind that sleep trackers are not meant to replace your regular checkups with your doctor.

They’re just a useful device to keep in handy for your sleep data so you don’t have to constantly check in with a specialist if there is no immediate concern.

All in all, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a fitness and wellness enthusiast, or a health nut, or just the average person who deals with sleep issues from time to time. You and anyone else in this world can definitely benefit a lot from using the best sleep trackers this 2021.

Our Top Recommendations

For this list, I was able to do some thorough research on the best sleep trackers of 2021 that are available today. Throughout my research, I found that these listed products will give you the best insight and information regarding your sleep and how you can make it better if you have been having trouble with getting your night’s rest.

1. Fitbit Sense

Overview

When it comes to fitness and wellness, Fitbit is probably the brand to go to. It comes as no surprise that all the best fitness trackers in the market are under Fitbit and the Sense is just a primary example of that.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one device that not only can track your sleep throughout the night, but also monitor your stress levels, then this is the sleep tracker you’re looking for.

Equipped with features that rival the likes of the Apple Watch Series and Samsung’s Galaxy Watches, the Fitbit Sense is packed with a plethora of useful tools that can help you improve your health and your overall lifestyle.

Like all of Fitbit’s products, the Sense also comes in with the basic features we all come to know and love plus a lot more additions and upgrades that can be pretty useful for monitoring our health.

Such features include an EDA scan app that monitors and measures your stress levels and tell you how to keep them under control, provide blood oxygen level readings, body temperature measurement, sleep monitoring, and as well as an FDA-cleared electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).

As for sleep tracking, the Fitbit Sense helps in measuring your blood oxygen levels overnight as well as your body temperature and can actually spot any signs of potential sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

In addition, once a potential problem has been detected, the Fitbit app can help you make a report which you can share with your doctor.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 1.59 x 1.59 x 0.49 inches
• Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
• Sensor Type: Wearable
• Item Weight: 1.06 ounces
• Material: Silicone.
• Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth
• Connectivity: GPS
• Compatible Devices: Android, iOS
• Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. Can last up to 6+ days depending on usage.
• Colors: Black, Carbon, Graphite. (bands are interchangeable for different other colors)
• Extra Special Features: Weather Reports, Sleep Monitor, Reminders, Voice Assistant, Alexa, Phone, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, etc.

Check out our dedicated review of the Fitbit Sense here.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Where can I buy Fitbit Sense?

2. Polar M430

Overview

Now if you’re an athlete or someone who loves to run and would like to be more mindful about your sleeping patterns and other health necessities, the Polar M430 is your best bet.

This wearable was designed specifically for runners and athletes in mind. But that’s not to say that non-sporty folks can’t use this particular tracker.

The Polar M430 is equipped with a built-in GPS that can help monitor and track your stats a lot more accurately as well as 24/7 health and activity tracking. This means that this wearable will continuously monitor your heart rate and it will also detect if you have fallen asleep based on your movements.

When it comes to sleep tracking, the Polar M430 doesn’t lag either. The Polar Sleep Plus technology in this device will analyze your sleeping habits, the duration of your sleep, and its overall quality so you will have an idea of how you can optimize your sleeping experience.

Not to mention, the Polar M430 can also point out if there were any disturbances or interruptions during your sleep and gives you a description of how well your sleep was.

So regardless if you’re an athlete or someone who just wants more insight about their sleeping habits, the Polar M430 definitely has a lot of fitness and wellness tools tool to offer that you can benefit from and take advantage of so you can further improve your lifestyle.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 9.65 x 1.5 x 0.47 inches
• Manufacturer / Brand: Polar
• Sensor Type: Wearable.
• Item Weight: 0.2 kilograms
• Material: Synthetic.
• Wireless Communication Standard: Custome USB cable and Bluetooth.
• Connectivity: GPS
• Compatible Devices: Android and iOS.
• Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. Can last up to 5-14 days depending on usage.
• Colors: Black.
• Extra Special Features: Running program, running index, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, activity guide, fitness test, training and activity benefits, smart calories, training load, recovery status, and sleep plus technology.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where can I buy the Polar M430?

3. Wellue O2Ring

Overview

Unlike the first two devices mentioned in this list that you can wear around your wrist, the Wellue O2 Ring is a pulse oximeter you slip on your finger like a ring. Meaning, this device will measure the oxygen saturation in your blood while you sleep overnight.

Not only that, but it will also continuously monitor and track your heart rate and movements apart from pulse oximetry. This medical-grade oxygen monitor will helpfully alert you and send you gentle vibrations whenever it detects low oxygen levels or abnormal heart rates.

If you’re unaware, pulse oximetry can actually help identify potential sleeping disorders in a person such as sleep apnea.

This wearable can work both as a standalone device as it has its own built-in storage memory and an OLED touchscreen, then you can also sync this with the ViHealth app.

The ViHealth app will offer both real-time displays, as well as downloadable, detailed reports and analytics of your nightly, weekly, or long-term sleep data which you can opt to share with your doctor.

Additionally, the Wellue O2 Ring also works effectively with on-the-spot measurements or readings of your oxygen saturation levels and can also detect an array of potential problems like asthma, flu, and even symptoms of COVID-19.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 4.02 x 3.7 x 2.99 inches
• Manufacturer / Brand: Viatomtech / Wellue
• Sensor Type: Wearable
• Item Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Material: N/A
• Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Compatible Devices: Smartphones and desktops.
• Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. Can last up to 16 hours in a single charge.
• Colors: Gray / Blue.
• Extra Special Features: Overnight tracking, vibrating alarm, abnormal alerts, free apps for Android and iOS as well as desktops and laptops, built-in memory storage.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Where can I buy the Wellue O2Ring?

4. POLAR Vantage V2 

Overview

Another sleep tracker in this list that’s built for athletes in mind is the Polar Vantage V2. This particular wearable is a multi-sports wristwatch that has integrated GPS to track your activities and health a lot more accurately.

If you’re a dedicated athlete or fitness enthusiast, you must already know that recovery is one of the most important things needed for you to get back on your feet and further improve your performance after an intense training session.

This is where the Polar Vantage V2 shines. This wearable has two distinct sleep tracker tools that will help you optimize your recovery: Recovery Pro and Nightly Recharge. So what’s the difference between the two? Let’s find out.

Recovery Pro measures and focuses on your sleep quality, your training load, stress levels, mental health, and the results of subjective questions. This helpful tool will also suggest ways for you to optimize and tweak your training goals and plans to get that right balance between your training and recovery.

Meanwhile, Nightly Recharge makes use of a combination of your sleep quality data as well as your automatic nervous system or better known as ANS.

This way, the ANS charge will look at how well your entire nervous system has calmed down during the first hour of your sleep. This will be based on factors such as heart rate, heart rate variability, and breathing rates.

Overall, the two scores you get from these sleep tracking tools will be compared to your baseline, and then the Polar Vantage V2 will use this information and results to give you a personalized recommendation regarding your exercise, sleep, and how to regulate your energy levels.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 0.51 inches
• Manufacturer / Brand: Polar
• Sensor Type: Wearable
• Item Weight: 1.8 ounces
• Material: Silicone and aluminum.
• Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth
• Connectivity: GPS
• Compatible Devices: iOS and Android.
• Battery: 1 Lithium Metal batteries required.
• Colors: Black, grey, lime, and green. (bands can be customized and are interchangeable)
• Extra Special Features: Advanced wrist-based heart rate, ultra-long battery life & built-in GPS, Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro, Running and cycling performance tests, Leg recovery test, Nightly Recharge and Sleep Tracking, FitSpark Daily Training Guide, music controls, weather, and phone notifications.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Where can I buy the POLAR Vantage V2?

5. Withings Sleep Tracking Pad

Overview

If you’re the type who doesn’t like wearing anything around your wrists or fingers as you go to bed then the Withings Sleep Tracking Pad might be the one for you.

The Withings Sleep Tracking Pad is a fuss-free pad you can just slip under your mattress and it will automatically keep track of your sleeping quality, habits, and patterns overnight. This means you can just climb into bed and not have to worry about wearing anything like watches or rings for a sleep tracker.

Additionally, the Withings Sleep Tracking Pad also monitors a variety of other statistics as well. This includes your heart rate, your sleep stages or phases, the duration of your sleep, and if you snore during your sleep and how long did you snore.

This sleep tracking pad is great for anyone who wants an unobtrusive sleep tracker that they can just leave under their mattress overnight then check their sleep data in the morning in a dedicated easy-to-use application.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 24.4 x 7.4 x 0.19 inches
• Manufacturer / Brand: Withings
• Sensor Type: Sensor pad.
• Item Weight: 9.6 Ounces
• Material: Premium fabric.
• Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth 4.0
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Automatic Wi-Fi sync | 2.4 GHz b/g/n | WEP/WPA/WPA2.
• Compatible Devices: Android and iOS.
• Battery: No battery needed. Need to plug-in for power. This uses Power supply 5V 1A.
• Colors: Grey.
• Extra Special Features: Pneumatic sensor and sound sensor, sleep apnea detection, Amazon Alexa compatible.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Where can I buy the Withings Sleep Tracking Pad?

6. MUSE S

Overview

For those of you who don’t know, the Muse S headband is a brain-sensing sleep-tracking headband you wrap around your head overnight as you go to bed. This particular sleep tracker monitors brain activity, your movements, heart rate, and body temperature through your skin.

After collecting all that data, the Muse S will base everything from the collected information to guide you through meditation sessions during the day, then at night, it will provide you with detailed sleep tracking.

The headband itself feels comfortable to wear and can be a unique alternative for anyone who is uncomfortable with wearing a watch while they sleep. The Muse S also connects to the Muse app installed in your phone via Bluetooth and will ease you off to sleep through relaxing soundscapes and bedtime stories to help you doze off.

Once morning comes, you will find that the Muse S has collected the data from your sleeping patterns and habits and is now readily available to be viewed on the dedicated application on your phone. The data itself is an extremely detailed breakdown of your overall sleep quality.

Features & Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 2.99 x 6.34 x 7.68 inches
• Manufacturer / Brand: Muse
• Sensor Type: Wearable
• Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Material: Fabric
• Wireless Communication Standard: Bluetooth
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Compatible Devices: Apple iOS 11 and higher (integrates with HealthKit sleep and meditation), Android 5 or higher, Huawei devices NOT supported.
• Battery: 10 hours and uses Lithium Ion.
• Colors: Grey.
• Extra Special Features: Sleep (EEG + PPG + Accelerometer), Mind (EEG), Heart (PPG + Pulse Oximetry), Body (Accelerometer), and Breath (PPG + Gyroscope).

Check out our dedicated review of the Muse S here.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where can I buy the Muse S?

Before You Buy

Now that you have finished reading our top picks for the best sleep trackers 2021, here are some quick shopping tips and things you need to consider when looking for a sleep tracker before making any final purchases.

Sleep Detection Accuracy

One of the main things you need to research about particular sleep trackers is their accuracy when it comes to detecting your nocturnal activity during your sleep. Every manufacturer and brand out there has their own unique technology built into their devices that helps them track and monitor your sleeping patterns.

So it’s up to you to find out if a certain sleep tracker is accurate enough or not. One way to know this is if the tracker detects instantly whether you’re sleeping or fully awake.

The Data Quality It Provides

Another thing you need to focus on when choosing sleep trackers is the quality of data it provides you. How detailed do you want the resulting information to be? Do you want a full breakdown of your nocturnal activity? Do you want it to monitor your heart rate as well as your breathing and movements?

These are the questions you need to ask yourself and answer so you know which sleep tracker will fit your criteria. Additionally, it also helps a lot if the data the sleep tracker you have chosen is easy to read and understand.

Comfort Of Use

When it comes to sleep trackers, there’s a variety of types you will come across in the market. Some are made to be worn around the wrist, some are sensor strips placed under or above the mattress, and then there are the more uniquely designed sleep trackers such as headbands rings, and etc.

Whichever of these you prefer, I highly suggest taking into account its comfortability when in use. After all, these sleep trackers are in the business of helping you get better sleep.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, sleep trackers are very useful devices that can promote a healthier sleep hygiene and even improve your overall wellbeing. Most of you might not need the extra help sleep trackers can provide and that’s alright. At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether you want to invest in these devices or not.

However, if you’re constantly having sleep troubles at night, perhaps it’s time to start considering having a sleep tracker handy. This way, you can have an idea of what’s causing your sleeping difficulties, how you can prevent it and improve your bedtime habits, and if it is time to check in with a specialist to further evaluate your health.

Do you already own any of the sleep trackers listed above or still planning to buy one? Did your favorites make it to our list? Let me know all about your insights and experiences with sleep trackers or any suggestions or questions you might have in the comments section below. I would love to hear your thoughts!

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