Getting Started
Welcome to NapSense. It waits until your phone stops moving before it starts the countdown, so the time you spend falling asleep does not come out of your nap. Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of your napping experience.
How NapSense Works
NapSense uses your device's accelerometer and gyroscope to detect when you fall asleep. Once sleep is detected, it automatically starts your preset timer, ensuring you get the exact amount of rest you intended.
Quick Setup Guide
- Step 1: Download NapSense from the App Store
- Step 2: Grant permission for Notifications when prompted
- Step 3: Set your desired nap duration
- Step 4: Keep the phone in your hand, or on the bed beside you — not on a nightstand or desk
- Step 5: Tap "Start" and relax - NapSense will detect when you fall asleep
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does sleep detection work?
NapSense uses your device's motion sensors to watch for the phone to stop moving. Once it has been still for long enough — one to three minutes, depending on your sensitivity setting — the app treats that as you having fallen asleep and starts the countdown. All of this happens on your device.
Q: Where should I place my device?
Keep it in your hand, or on the bed or couch beside you, so that it moves a little while you are still awake. Do not put it on a nightstand or a desk: a phone on a hard surface never moves at all, so NapSense reads that as sleep the moment you set it down and starts counting early. Avoid placing it on surfaces that vibrate or move independently.
Q: What permissions does NapSense need?
NapSense needs Notification permission so it can wake you when the timer ends. The motion sensors need no permission of their own. You will also be asked once about ad tracking; you can decline that and the app works exactly the same. Sleep data is processed on your device.
Q: Can I use NapSense with Do Not Disturb mode?
Yes! NapSense alarms will sound even when Do Not Disturb is enabled. We recommend using Do Not Disturb during your nap to avoid interruptions from other notifications.
Q: How accurate is the sleep detection?
Detection is based on how long the phone stays still, so the wait is one to three minutes depending on your sensitivity setting. Where you put the phone matters more than anything else: a phone on a nightstand never moves at all, so the app reads that as sleep the moment you set it down. Keep it in your hand or on the bed beside you.
Q: What alarm sounds are available?
NapSense offers four carefully selected alarm sounds: Default, Gentle, Nature, and Classic. You can preview and select your preferred sound in the Settings. All sounds are designed to wake you effectively without being jarring.
Q: Does NapSense work in the background?
Yes, NapSense continues to monitor and will alarm even if your device is locked or if you switch to another app. White noise playback and sleep detection continue in the background. Just make sure not to force-quit the app.
Troubleshooting
Sleep Detection Not Working
- Ensure the app is running and not force-quit
- Keep the phone in your hand or on the bed beside you, not on a hard surface
- Avoid placing the device too far from your body
- Try adjusting the detection sensitivity in Settings
Alarm Not Sounding
- Check your device volume and ringer settings
- Ensure the app has notification permissions enabled
- Alarms play even when the ring switch is set to silent. There is no vibration-only alarm.
App Crashes or Freezes
- Try force-quitting and restarting the app
- Ensure you have the latest version from the App Store
- Restart your device if problems persist
- Contact support if issues continue
Tips for Better Naps
- Timing: The ideal nap length is 20-30 minutes to avoid sleep inertia
- Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable space with dim lighting
- Temperature: A slightly cool room (65-68°F / 18-20°C) is optimal for napping
- Consistency: Try to nap at the same time each day if you nap regularly
Privacy & Security
Your privacy is our priority. All motion data used for sleep detection is processed locally on your device and is never transmitted to our servers or third parties. For complete details, please review our Privacy Policy.
System Requirements
- iOS 17.0 or later
- iPhone XS or newer (requires iOS 17.0 support)
- Approximately 50 MB of storage space
- Built-in accelerometer and gyroscope (standard on all compatible devices)
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