Go-Go Gadget Watch: My New Tech Gadget Monitors Sleep

By Ray Li

3 min read

I have been diagnosed with heart issues. Sometimes parts of my heart beat out of order and I get tachycardia frequently. According to the cardiopulmonary specialist, I am quite sensitive to these events. As a result of this, I've been looking into home heart monitors. I have an at-home blood pressure monitor that will tell me what my heart rate is at that moment, but because of my fibromyalgia, it is a little painful to do. I don't really want to be doing it several times in a row just to monitor my heart rate. Thankfully, I discovered a new gadget that also provides sleep apnea data.

Fitbit sense smartwatch and sleep apnea data

Enter the Fitbit Sense Smartwatch. It has a heart rate detector and actual FDA-approved ECG function. Seeing those 2 things together had me sold on buying this particular smartwatch, something I never thought I would own. The added bonus to this new gadget is the sleep monitoring capabilities. I know it's not absolutely perfect at sensing and accurately assessing my sleep events, but it seems to be pretty close.

Thankfully, I do not find it uncomfortable to wear at night. I have had it for a little over 2 weeks now (as of writing this).

Useful sleep data from my new tech gadget

So far, it's been pretty neat seeing how my sleep is doing. It shows me how many times I woke up in the night and for how long I was awake. Also, it shows how much deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep I get in the night. The Fitbit Sense Smartwatch factors in how long I slept and gives it an overall score out of 100 to indicate sleep quality.

There is also the function that estimates my blood oxygen saturation variation though the night. At the start of a new week, I get an email that is a summary of last week's information. It shows me what night of the week I had the best sleep, as well as other information like overall exercise and overall heart rate, etc.

More sleep info

Snoring

When I bought the Fitbit Sense Smartwatch, it came with a free trial of premium membership for 6 months that I cannot wait to try out. With premium, it will tell me if I snore and how much. I don't always snore but when I do, it's because I can't breathe through my nose properly; so, it would be nice to see if that's affecting my sleep at all. It also has a sensor that tracks how much noise is in the bedroom while you sleep and with that, I would be able to see if there are times my husband snoring wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Heart activity, movement, and sleep quality

There is also a function that will monitor how my heart is doing while am sleeping and let me know how it is affecting my sleep quality. Additionally, there is a sensor that lets me know how often I toss and turn during the night and if that’s affecting my sleep. Thankfully, I can only sleep on my back so I'm not literally tossing and turning but I know I do move a little. The bedsheets give it away.

Do you own a Fitbit Sense Smartwatch? Have you thought about owning something like this that could help you gather info on your sleep?

Do you use some kind of go-go gadget too? Please share a comment about your experience.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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patti Member
I just got an Apple smart watch, that has fall detection capabilities. I have been having some spectacular falls lately, and needed a way to summon help if needed. I also thought I’d never use a smart watch! I know it has the capability to monitor your heart rate, and I believe sleep as well, but I haven’t checked into all the perks yet. I’ve been trying to find out why I’m falling (and can’t get up 🤣), and am waiting for the doctor to get back to me about the results of an MRI. It looks like it’s going to end up a “it’s due to your fibromyalgia, so there’s not much that can be done” type of answer. But, back to sleep apnea. I also think it has some sleep functions, which I really didn’t pay much attention to since I have my cpap. Not that I’m using it much, I have problems breathing with it, mask fit, etc. I try to keep it on for at least 4 hours, but sometimes can’t even do that. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d look into getting the implant. It’s so bad I get emails from my cpap (MyAir ResMed) telling me how lonely it is, it hasn’t seen me very much and seems to be disconnected. 😂 Just what I need, another thing complaining at me, lol! 
1. patti Member
 <inline-mention username="catherinecollazos" user-id="4582172"/> There are different models of the Apple Watch, with the latest, the 7, costing upwards of $500! That one has all the bells and whistles. I got the SE Cellular option, It works with your current number. This way it's not dependent on finding an unlocked WiFi within 30 yards, lo! Since I live in a fairly rural area, that's not likely to happen. Actually, it's not likely to find an unlocked WiFi anywhere. Thank you for the links, I'll check them out. I think I really need to find a new sleep doctor, it's been a few years since mine moved away. 
2. catherinecollazos Community Admin
 Hi @patti, these Apple products sure don't come cheap! When is the last time you seen a sleep doctor? I definitely encourage you to find a new one. It can be super helpful to have a sleep specialist provider throughout your health journey! Let me know if those articles I provided you helped! Warmly, Catherine (Team Member)
Matt Gentry Member
This is pretty cool, thank you for sharing. Please keep us posted on how you like it. 🙂 — Matt G. (<a href='https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net' target='_blank'>sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net</a>) Team Member
1. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="Matt Gentry" user-id="4118335"/> It's pretty cool tech to have and all on my wrist. I also find it super fascinating that this watch is more powerful than all the computers it took to send man to the moon. Heck, a math calculator is more powerful than those computes.