Ever since Fitbit introduced sleep features back in 2009, sleep tracking has been incredibly popular — making information previously only available through a sleep lab accessible to users via their wrist. To date, the company has analyzed 22 billion hours of sleep data, equivalent to the lifespan of over 5,000 tortoises.

And now, a new sleep-related feature has been unveiled – Sleep Profile, which provides Fitbit Premium members with a new longitudinal analysis of their sleep patterns. It also makes their sleep data even easier to interpret with fun animal characters, so they can take steps to improve their sleep quality and, in turn, their overall health.

How was it made?

Supported by sleep science, Sleep Profile analyzes your sleep across 10 key metrics each month, calculates trends and compares them to what’s typical for your age and gender, so you can discover where you have room to improve.

Fitbit’s team studied 1,000 different sleep features during its analysis before distilling it down to the key metrics that are include in your profile. Ranging from new metrics — including sleep schedule variability, time before sound sleep and disrupted sleep, to previously tracked metrics such as sleep duration, restfulness and REM sleep — these data points portray a holistic month-long view of your sleep patterns and quality. You’ll also be provided with ideal ranges for each metric so you can consider where to focus your efforts for improvement. These metrics are shown on a monthly aggregate view for the first time.

These critical data points gathered from your sleep analysis inform your designated Sleep Animal, providing a fun way to understand your sleeping style. Fitbit’s extensive research and testing found six animal archetypes, each chosen for their distinct trends that correlate each animal’s behavior with common user sleeping behaviors and patterns.

How does it work?

Wear your Fitbit device to sleep for at least 14 nights per calendar month to receive an assessment. The more you wear the device to sleep, the more precise the evaluation. Sleep can vary significantly from night to night, so it’s helpful to analyze your sleep data over a longer period from your own sleep environment to uncover more insights into your habits and how you can improve.

As a Premium member you will see your Sleep Profile, including your sleep animal and monthly sleep analysis, on the first day of every month. Animals can change from month to month, and data collected throughout the month will inform the next animal you receive the following month. There is no “ideal” animal – each one can be used to better understand your sleep patterns and how you can improve your sleep quality.

Based on your sleeper type’s behavior, you will see where your sleep patterns compare to others like you – whether it’s setting a more consistent sleep schedule or creating a bedtime routine like trying the mindfulness content found within the Fitbit app to help you fall asleep faster. Getting quality sleep can play a critical role in your overall health and well-being, with poor sleep being correlated to increased potential health risks including diabetes, cardiovascular problems, obesity, poor cognitive functioning and more. Premium uplevels your Fitbit experience by helping you better understand your sleep patterns, your readiness to exercise and how your body responds to stressors, all with additional guidance and insights to help you achieve your health, fitness and wellness goals.

Availability

Sleep Profile is rolling out in the Fitbit app to Premium users with Sense, Versa 3, Versa 2, Charge 5, Luxe or Inspire 2 devices upon launch. Users will receive their first profile during the week of July 4, followed by monthly profiles delivered in the Fitbit app on the 1st of each month.