Sleep Log: Sensitive vs Normal | Which is better?

[mikeyyc]

Hi Fitbitters,

I am a new user of my fancy tech; I go nowhere without it and love it!

The main reason I bought the fitibit was to track sleep, and am having a heck of a time getting used to the data logging. The default sleep sensitivitity settinging is "normal", with an option for "sensitive".

Under normal, my log lookd reasonably normal:

11:46PM	6:15AM	17min	7	4hrs 20min	71%
11:23PM	6:01AM	14min	7	5hrs 56min	93%
10:42PM	6:23AM	9min	13	6hrs 50min	91%

On sensitive however, the numbers go way out of whack:

	1:50AM	6:36AM	7min	4	2hrs 32min	59%
	1:24AM	6:46AM	30min	5	2hrs 32min	60%
	9:30PM	5:30AM	25min	7	3hrs 51min	53%

2.5 hours, 2.5 hours again, then almost 4 hours? I know I'm tired a lot but these numbers seem highly inconsistent with the data obtained during normal mode.

I'm wondering if "awake" is not necessarily "awake" but should be logged as "restless".

Any thoughts?

[SilviaFitbit]

@mikeyyc I'm happy to hear that you're loving Fitbit Flex and you go nowhere with it ! I appreciate the details that you provided me about differences that you noticed. 

I would like to explain you how Fitbit Flex tracks your sleep when it's in normal or sensitive mode, normal sleep tracking counts significant movements, such as rolling over, as being awake. The Normal setting is appropriate for most users.Sensitive sleep tracking counts nearly all movements as being awake. It is best for people who have sleep disorders or those who want to closely analyze their movements while sleeping.

Whichever setting you choose, if your tracker is worn consistently in the same place with the same setting, the data it provides should be useful in helping you analyze your sleep patterns over time.

If you would like to know more about sleep tracking go Here

[mikeyyc]

Hi Silvia,

Thanks for the information; I did see the FAQ on sensitive vs normal but it doesn't really answer my question.

If an activity such as rolling over counts as "awake" in normal mode, I would assume the same is true for sensitive mode. What other types of movements and to what intensity are considered "awake".

Can the Flex differentiate between an "awake" event such as a rollover versus a "restless" moment of re positioning a foot? Can this data be segregated between "sleep", "restless" and "awake" ?

[SilviaFitbit]

@mikeyyc I'm glad to continue helping you to understand your sleep pattern!

I can't tell you at what intensity or other movements but when your Flex indicates that you are moving so much that restful sleep would not be possible, your sleep graph will indicate that you were awake. 

Flex will differentiate when you're awake or restless as you can see in your sleep graph that gives you results of restless, awake and asleep. A restless state of sleep indicates that your body transitioned from a very restful position with little movement to movement, such as turning over in bed. This doesn't necessarily mean that you were fully awake or cognizant of your movements, but it may indicate that you were not getting the most restful sleep possible at that time.

When you click on the gear icon of the sleep tile, you'll see for how many minutes you were awake and restless. Also, the sleep graph will provide you with the specific time you were awake or restless and it will give you the total amount of hours you were asleep. 

Let me know if you have further questions 

[pistolpete730]

"I can't tell you at what intensity or other movements but when your Flex indicates that you are moving so much that restful sleep would not be possible, your sleep graph will indicate that you were awake."

You guys know what you programmed into your own device, so you should be able to tell us. What did you program into the device to make it think that a certain amount of movement is too much movement for restful sleep? Is that threshold arbitrary? Is it dervied from sleep studies? Why is this basic information not in the package or website?

[divedragon]

Thanks!  This helped answer my questions as well since I was seeing a similar pattern.  I've had sleep issues for a long time (10 years or more) which I've assigned to many contributing causes including shift work, stress, obesity and others.  Even today, I often feel I get better quality sleep from an afternoon nap than I do all night.  The fitbit has somewhat confirmed that.  I am also hoping that by loosing the excess weight, my sleep quality will also improve along with stress relief from the added exercise.

[pheinox777]

do you guys have any advice on how I can get to sleep?

[turtlecatmagic]

Where did you find the settings choice of normal or sensitive?  I just bought mine and am confused about setting my preference. Mine is a fit bit flex.  I so far have learned how to turn it on and sync by double tapping it.  I don't know how to tell if it is charged or if dying either. Lol. No read out but dots..what does it allmean?  There were no real instructions in the packaging either!

[tahansen44]

FYI that link to "more about sleep tracking" just takes you to the general Fitbit Help site - impossible to find anyting about sleep tracking there.

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello everyone. @tahansen44 Welcome to the community forums. 

I'm sorry for the inconvenience. If you would like to know more about Sleep tracking, I recommend visiting the following links: 

How do I track my sleep with my Fitbit device?, What should I know about Fitbit sleep stages?

Hope this helps.