What Apple Watch's "Core Sleep" Actually Means: Light Sleep Explained
By
Alan Bradley
Summary
Apple Watch uses the term "core sleep" to describe light sleep stages (stages 1 and 2 of the sleep cycle), which make up the majority of a person's sleep time. The article explains that core sleep is not a distinct sleep stage but Apple's branding for lighter sleep phases, contrasting with deep sleep and REM sleep. It clarifies that seeing a lot of core sleep is normal and healthy, as light sleep serves important functions like memory consolidation and bodily maintenance. The article also explains how Apple Watch tracks sleep using motion sensors and heart rate data, and breaks down the different sleep stages tracked by the device.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledCore sleep is not a distinct sleep stage, but rather Apple's branding for the lighter sleep phases that make up the majority of your night.
Seeing a lot of core sleep is completely normal and healthy — it's not a sign of poor sleep quality.
Your body cycles through different sleep stages multiple times each night, and core sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation and overall restoration.
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