Wake Time
Wake Time is the clock time at which the sleep period ended, marking when a person rose from the sleep environment. It represents the final awakening from the main sleep period. Wake Time differs from the last moment of sleep; a person may lie awake briefly before rising. The metric captures when the sleep opportunity window closed, not the last moment of sleep itself.
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Key Takeaways
Represents clock time when sleep period ended and rising occurred.
Reflects end of sleep opportunity window.
Combined with bedtime, determines time in bed.
Consistency may be more relevant than specific time.
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How It's Measured
Oura detects Wake Time by identifying when the user left the sleep environment based on sustained activity indicating rising.
Common Influences
Work and obligations: Employment and responsibilities often fix wake time regardless of sleep obtained.
Deep Dive
Wake Time represents the clock time when the sleep period concluded. It reflects when a person ended their sleep opportunity, which influences circadian exposure and the structure of the day.
A useful framing is that wake time positions waking relative to the circadian clock and light exposure. Waking at consistent times reinforces circadian rhythm; variable wake times may disrupt this alignment. Morning light exposure after waking is a key circadian zeitgeber (time-setter).
The timing of waking affects circadian rhythm through light exposure and activity patterns. Consistent wake times, particularly with morning light exposure, help stabilize circadian phase. Variable wake times can disrupt circadian alignment, potentially affecting subsequent sleep.
Wake time is influenced by both physiological factors (circadian clock, sleep completion) and behavioral factors (alarms, obligations). Natural waking occurs when the circadian clock promotes alertness and sleep need is satisfied; forced waking may interrupt ongoing sleep.