Sleep tracker types

There are some important differences in how sleep trackers work and what kinds of data they collect. The most common sleep trackers include:

• Wearables. You wear these devices on your wrist or finger while sleeping. They typically collect data about your movement and heart rate. Some also track your breathing patterns. Most of these devices are multipurpose. You can also log your food and track daytime physical activity, including footsteps, heart rate and calories burned.
• Bedside devices. You place these devices next to your bed. They primarily collect data about your body movement and breathing. They may also store information about the room environment, including temperature, humidity, ambient noise and light.
• Bed sensors. You place these devices under your sheets or mattress. They collect information about your movement and heart rate. Some devices also track information about the room environment, like temperature and humidity. Smart beds — which have the sensors integrated into the mattresses — also are available.