Run a short setup test before sleeping
Give the app microphone access when you intend to record. Place the phone on a stable, ventilated surface near the bed, following device charging guidance. Avoid placing it under a pillow or where bedding can cover it. Do a short test recording and listen back so you know whether a fan, air conditioner, partner or street sound dominates the microphone.
Tell anyone sharing the room about the recording and respect their consent and local rules. A night recording may include private speech. Keep clips private unless the person involved agrees to share them or a clinician needs a relevant example.
Review clips as observations, not diagnoses
For each notable clip, record the time, what you actually hear and what else might explain it. “Low rhythmic sound; fan running” is better than writing “apnea” from a label. If you move the phone between nights, note that too; distance and background noise change what is captured.
| Time | App label | What I heard | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01:20 | Snoring | Short low repeated sound | Fan on; source uncertain |
| 03:05 | Room noise | Door movement | Partner awake |
Noctory records overnight audio and presents labeled clips for snoring, talking, coughing, breathing and room noise. Its listing says labels may be inaccurate; use the clip and a written observation rather than treating the label as a medical conclusion.
Download Noctory for iOS ↗Know the limit of sound labels
Audio can be useful when you need to explain what happened, but a diagnosis of sleep apnea requires clinical evaluation. The NIH/NHLBI diagnosis guide describes assessment by a healthcare provider and sleep testing. Seek professional advice for concerning symptoms such as gasping, witnessed breathing pauses or persistent daytime sleepiness; do not wait for an app score to decide.
A clip can be misleading even when it sounds clear. The recording may come from another person, a pet, a fan or traffic. Multiple nights and a context note help you avoid overinterpreting a single event.
Use Noctory as a review tool
When you set up Noctory, decide which sounds matter to you, test your phone placement, and review the microphone/privacy permission. Choose the sound categories relevant to your question, verify the test clip and keep the night log. Share only selected clips when you decide they are useful; the product is a personal reference tool, not a medical device.
A free starting worksheet
The CSV contains fixed example values, not formulas or an app-import format. Replace them with your own records. No account or email is required.
Review dates, measurements and source requirements for your own situation. The worksheet does not calculate or validate them.
Questions answered
Can a phone recording diagnose sleep apnea?
No. A clinician may need a medical history and sleep test.
Why was a fan labeled as snoring?
Classification can be inaccurate, especially with background sound or phone placement. Listen to the clip and note uncertainty.
Should I record a partner without asking?
Discuss recording and sharing first. Overnight audio may capture private speech.
How the app fits: Noctory
Noctory records overnight audio and presents labeled clips for snoring, talking, coughing, breathing and room noise. Its listing says labels may be inaccurate; use the clip and a written observation rather than treating the label as a medical conclusion.
Download Noctory for iOS ↗Check the App Store for current availability, compatibility and any paid features.
Sources and product details
- NIH/NHLBI: sleep apnea diagnosis
- Noctory on the App StoreCurrent public product details and availability.
Examples, diagrams and worksheets are original. Sources are linked for claims that need verification. This guide does not claim search rank, app downloads or measured outcomes.