Sleep + heartbeat not consistently logging (tattoos)

[RPelo]

Hi all-

Can use some help. My Fitbit logs my sleep and heartbeat very intermittently and inconsistently- maybe 2-3/7 days a week which obviously isn’t valuable. It does work sometimes and I’ve tried making sure it’s showing my heartbeat before I go to sleep but that doesn’t really do the trick- the heart rate monitor itself is very ineffective. I’ve read bc I have tattoos on my arms/wrists that can interfere but it’s not solid black work- there are spots where skin shows so is that really a factor? I have tattoos on both sides so switching at night isn’t an option (did try that same result) if that is the issue.

It’s also posing an issue auto logging workouts as some days with weight training it logs my heart rate and sets my activity points high and then other days doing the same workout it says I’ve been inactive. 

Is there something I can do or is this unit a dud?

[RiekoC]

Hello @RPelo 

Tattoos on the wrist areas are known to interfere with heart rate tracking for Fitbit users.

A quick search in the Fitbit forums came up with this thread (<-- click link) that has a potential workaround using nano tape. You can give this workaround a try.

Another thread recommended using a wristband (<-- click link) which keeps their device in an area on their wrist that doesn't have ink. This would probably work when you sleep & workout.

Please let us know if either workaround was successful for you.