Author: Richard

# Apple Watch Sleep Monitoring: Comprehending the Sleep Score Feature

The Apple Watch has transformed personal health tracking, and one of its most impressive features is the integrated sleep monitoring capability. Users can effortlessly wear their Apple Watch to sleep, and the device automatically records their sleep patterns without requiring extra apps or specialized modes.

## Improvements in watchOS 26: The Sleep Score Feature

With the rollout of watchOS 26, Apple has elevated sleep tracking by introducing a sleep score feature. This score offers users a visual depiction of their sleep quality from one night to the next, simplifying the understanding of sleep patterns and allowing for necessary modifications.

### Adjustable Sleep Score Alerts

One of the most advantageous elements of the sleep score feature is the option to receive alerts for particular score ranges. After its initial release, Apple enhanced the sleep score system based on user suggestions, improving its functionality and experience.

Each morning, users can get an alert that outlines their sleep score, aiding in the comprehension of their sleep quality. Initially, daily notifications were beneficial for users to get acquainted with the feature. However, many have discovered that personalizing notifications according to score ranges is more effective.

The sleep score falls into five categories:

– **Very Low:** 0-40
– **Low:** 41-60
– **OK:** 61-80
– **High:** 81-95
– **Very High:** 96+

For numerous users, myself included, receiving alerts for high and very high scores may not be required, as a restful night’s sleep should be the expected standard. Instead, concentrating on notifications for OK, Low, or Very Low scores can offer significant insights into sleep quality and prompt reflection on elements that may have led to a poor sleep experience.

To customize sleep score notifications, users can modify settings on either their iPhone or Apple Watch:

– **On iPhone:** Launch the Watch app, scroll to the Sleep section, and tap on Sleep Score Notifications to toggle alerts for specified ranges.
– **On Apple Watch:** Open the Settings app, scroll down to the Sleep section, and tap on Sleep Score Notifications to modify alerts.

## Grasping How Sleep Score is Determined

The sleep score is calculated based on three primary factors:

– **Sleep Duration (50 points):** The total time spent asleep.
– **Bedtime Consistency (30 points):** How consistently a user goes to bed at the same hour.
– **Interruptions (20 points):** Any disruptions that happen during sleep.

This scoring system provides a detailed overview of sleep quality, enabling users to monitor their progress over time.

### Compatibility and Accessibility

The sleep score feature necessitates watchOS 26, which works with Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, Apple Watch Ultra and newer, and Apple Watch SE 2 and newer. For those considering an upgrade, the Apple Watch Series 11 is currently offered at a reduced rate of $329 on Amazon, down from its standard price of $399.

For more in-depth information regarding sleep tracking with the Apple Watch, users can visit Apple’s official support page.

In summary, the sleep monitoring capability on the Apple Watch, especially with the improvements unveiled in watchOS 26, provides users with essential insights into their sleep quality. By leveraging the sleep score and customizable alerts, individuals can take proactive measures towards enhancing their overall health and wellness.

NASA’s Reid Wiseman, the commander of the latest Artemis II mission orbiting the Moon, has shared an incredible video taken with the iPhone 17 Pro Max that depicts ‘Earthset’—the Earth descending behind the Moon.

### Fresh Video Displays Earth Descending Behind the Moon, Captured at 8x on iPhone 17 Pro Max

We’ve witnessed numerous breathtaking images and videos from NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. Some of these were even recorded on an iPhone. However, Reid Wiseman, astronaut and commander of the Artemis II mission, recently shared a new video that may just claim the title for the most remarkable one yet.

It was filmed with the iPhone 17 Pro Max using 8x zoom, revealing the Earth setting behind the Moon.

[Check out the video from Reid Wiseman on X](https://x.com/astro_reid/status/2046009031613907029?s=61&t=a-bloX1n-TZ50ofqhetO1A):

> Only one opportunity in this lifetime… Like experiencing a sunset at the beach from the most alien seat in the cosmos, I couldn’t resist capturing a cell phone video of Earthset. You can hear the shutter on the Nikon while @Astro_Christina is diligently taking 3-shot brackets and capturing those…  — Reid Wiseman (@astro_reid) April 19, 2026

From Wiseman’s message:

> I could barely make out the Moon through the docking hatch window, but the iPhone was just the right size to capture the view…this is unedited, uncut with 8x zoom, which is quite similar to the view of the human eye. Enjoy.

NASA’s astronaut team has already provided Apple with ample Artemis II content for future ‘Shot on iPhone’ marketing, but this particular piece is quite extraordinary in its own right.

To find out more about how NASA obtained approval to take iPhones on the Artemis II mission, [check our earlier article here](https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/04/heres-how-nasa-cleared-the-iphone-17-pro-max-for-astronauts-on-artemis-ii/).