My Two-Year Journey with Sleep as Android: A Game-Changer for My Health
Hey everyone! I’ve been using the Sleep as Android app for over two years now, and it's been a truly amazing tool for understanding and improving my sleep. This app has given me detailed insights into my sleep hygiene and offered great suggestions that have helped me transform my habits and increase my overall sleep duration.
I’m a big fan of using a wearable with the app to get the most accurate data. I've used my Polar Verity Sense optical heart rate sensor, my Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5, and even my Polar H10 ECG chest strap. All of these give me a detailed picture of my heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and deep sleep cycles. Plus, on occasion, I'll use my BerryMed BM2000D wrist pulse oximeter to check my blood oxygen levels, which helps me verify if my CPAP therapy is working well. The reports are incredibly detailed, and there's a handy web interface to view your sleep data.
Key Features That Make a Difference
One of the standout features of Sleep as Android is its comprehensive analysis. It’s got an AI bot built right in that can answer questions and offer personalized suggestions based on your sleep patterns. I’ve found that the data from the app closely matches my Oura Ring, which is widely recognized for its accuracy, but Sleep as Android provides even more detail.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Tracking: The app uses something called SDNN to track my HRV overnight. I've learned that a healthy recovery is shown by my HRV being at its lowest when I fall asleep and then gradually increasing throughout the night until it's at its highest when I wake up. This is a great indicator of how well my body recovered from the previous day.
Smart Alarm & Sound Recording: The app features a smart alarm that wakes you up gently during your lightest sleep cycle. It also uses your phone's microphone to record things like snoring or sleep talking, so you can track how much noise you're making at night.
Lullabies & Binaural Beats: A special add-on lets you play lullabies to help you fall asleep. I love using my Manta Sleep Sound mask with built-in Bluetooth headphones to listen to these all night. It also has a feature that plays binaural beats—a special tone with a subtle 10Hz difference between the left and right ear. This subtle sound difference helps to occupy your brain and improves your sleep quality.
Extensive Wearable Compatibility: Sleep as Android is compatible with a huge range of wearables, from heart rate chest straps to smartwatches. You can even use the app with just your phone's microphone and sensors if you don't have a wearable, though a wearable provides much more accurate data.
Web Interface and Support: The app has a detailed web interface for viewing your reports and a helpful online community forum. The developers are also very responsive and helpful with any technical issues.
Why Good Sleep Hygiene Matters (Especially for Diabetics)
Using this app has made me more aware of my personal sleep hygiene, which is critical for everyone, but especially for those with diabetes like myself. I learned that cortisol, a hormone that naturally rises before you wake up, can trigger your liver to release glucose, which raises blood sugar—a process known as the "Dawn Effect." Chronic stress and poor sleep can lead to high cortisol levels, which can make diabetes harder to control.
My personal experience as a locksmith working night shifts for over a decade taught me firsthand how destructive irregular sleep patterns can be. It led to chronic health issues and exacerbated my diabetes. Now, with better sleep patterns and a tool like Sleep as Android, my diabetes is much more under control.
I've made a few changes to my evening routine based on what I've learned:
Using blue light blocking glasses an hour or two before bed.
Avoiding electronic devices close to bedtime.
Engaging in relaxing activities like reading or talking with family.
Avoiding intense exercise within three to four hours of sleep. I usually do my red light therapy and cold plunge sessions earlier in the evening to help me wind down.
In conclusion, I highly recommend using some form of sleep tracking to monitor your health improvements over time. While there are many options out there, I truly believe that Sleep as Android offers an unbeatable set of features that can provide you with the detailed insights you need to improve your sleep and overall health.
