Bedtime
Bedtime is the clock time at which the sleep period began, marking the start of the time in bed window. It represents when a person entered the sleep environment with apparent intention to sleep. Bedtime differs from Sleep Onset (when sleep actually began); the interval between bedtime and sleep onset is Sleep Latency. The metric captures the timing of the sleep attempt, not whether sleep was achieved.
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Key Takeaways
Represents clock time when sleep period began.
Reflects timing of sleep opportunity, not sleep onset.
Combined with wake time, determines time in bed.
Consistency may be more relevant than specific time.
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How It's Measured
Oura detects Bedtime by identifying when the user entered the sleep environment based on movement patterns, posture, and subsequent physiological changes.
Common Influences
Work schedule: Employment obligations often constrain when bedtime is feasible.
Deep Dive
Bedtime represents the clock time when the sleep opportunity started. It reflects when a person began the sleep period, which influences circadian alignment and the structure of subsequent sleep.
A useful framing is that bedtime positions sleep relative to the circadian clock. Sleeping at consistent times reinforces circadian rhythm; variable bedtimes may disrupt this alignment. The metric captures timing, not duration or quality of sleep that followed.
The timing of sleep relative to the circadian clock affects sleep architecture and quality. The circadian system promotes sleep during the biological night and wakefulness during the biological day. Sleeping at times aligned with this rhythm supports consolidated sleep; sleeping at misaligned times is associated with difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep.
Bedtime is a behavioral choice influenced by work, social obligations, and personal preference. The physiological consequences depend on how bedtime aligns with the individual's circadian phase.