Help?-I want to video record my sleep

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Wed May 29, 2019 8:01 am

I’d like to video record myself sleeping. I need the easiest setup possible. I don’t want to sleep with too much extra light so infrared would be best. I found a little security camera on Amazon that seemed okay, but wondered what others are doing. Also any tips? Best angle, height, etc? Thank you!

brookfox · Post by **brookfox** » Wed May 29, 2019 9:08 am

I went with an Amcrest indoor camera, about $60-70. Setup was relatively easy.

You can set it to record only when it detects movement or to record continuously. I had it record continuously.

I will say that reviewing all the hours of video afterward is a little tedious, even when fast forwarding through it, but it was worth it to get an idea of how much my feet kick.

aausten · Post by **aausten** » Wed May 29, 2019 10:49 am

I got an ieGeek IP camera from Amazon and use the free iSpy (https://www.ispyconnect.com/) software to set up recording via PC which is overkill just to record sleep but it's free and pretty simple to set.

After years of complaining that I "feel like I haven't slept" videoing myself gave me hard evidence that something "out of the ordinary" is happening overnight as I toss and turn significantly every 5-10 minutes but have no memory of doing so.

Still waiting to see what they can do for me, I already have an APAP machine, good luck!

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Wed May 29, 2019 3:05 pm

As far as position, it depends on what you're trying to determine with the video. Just one tip if videoing for your legs - do not place the camera at the foot of the bed if you expect to ever let anyone else see it.

(see video in my signature line for explanation) If recording your legs, continuous is the way to go if ruling out periodic limb movements.

McSleepy · Post by **McSleepy** » Wed May 29, 2019 3:21 pm

There are many options - some good, some bad. On the hardware side, you may need to read some reviews to find the efficiency of the IR illumination as the listed ranges are not always accurate. You don't need any remote-control functions (e.g., PTZ) since you won't be moving much (unless you sleep-walk

). Resolution is also not important (don't go for the hot new "4K" models). Recording to media card or device will affect mostly price. If you can have it connected to a PC (via cable or WiFi), that may be the cheapest option.

Since the motion-detection is a function of the software (rarely - the firmware), make sure that the one you get supports that. My main problem with what's offered today is that camera manufacturers try to "get" you by only supporting the camera via cloud services, where they'll try to drain your wallet with tons of useless subscriptions. My advice is to get an ONVIF camera so that you could use it with any number of freely-available ONVIF software. For post-processing, you can use your favorite video editor. If the motion-detection was good, you shouldn't need much (if any) of that, though.

I haven't shopped for those in a long time, so I can't recommend any specific models (mine are outdated), but you should be able to find plenty of options in the $50-60 range.

McSleepy

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Wed May 29, 2019 3:32 pm

emcee13 wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 8:01 am
I’d like to video record myself sleeping. I need the easiest setup possible. I don’t want to sleep with too much extra light so infrared would be best. I found a little security camera on Amazon that seemed okay, but wondered what others are doing. Also any tips? Best angle, height, etc? Thank you!

If you're talking about the wyze camera, it's well worth the 25$ it costs, very good night vision, and movement triggering. Djams used the same thing to find out what was happening to him at night.

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Wed May 29, 2019 4:54 pm

palerider wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 3:32 pm

emcee13 wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 8:01 am
I’d like to video record myself sleeping. I need the easiest setup possible. I don’t want to sleep with too much extra light so infrared would be best. I found a little security camera on Amazon that seemed okay, but wondered what others are doing. Also any tips? Best angle, height, etc? Thank you!
If you're talking about the wyze camera, it's well worth the 25$ it costs, very good night vision, and movement triggering. Djams used the same thing to find out what was happening to him at night.

I am indeed speaking of the Wyze camera. I’m glad to hear it does well for sleep recording. I probably get that one and give it try. Thanks!

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Wed May 29, 2019 4:58 pm

McSleepy wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 3:21 pm
There are many options - some good, some bad. On the hardware side, you may need to read some reviews to find the efficiency of the IR illumination as the listed ranges are not always accurate. You don't need any remote-control functions (e.g., PTZ) since you won't be moving much (unless you sleep-walk ). Resolution is also not important (don't go for the hot new "4K" models). Recording to media card or device will affect mostly price. If you can have it connected to a PC (via cable or WiFi), that may be the cheapest option.

Since the motion-detection is a function of the software (rarely - the firmware), make sure that the one you get supports that. My main problem with what's offered today is that camera manufacturers try to "get" you by only supporting the camera via cloud services, where they'll try to drain your wallet with tons of useless subscriptions. My advice is to get an ONVIF camera so that you could use it with any number of freely-available ONVIF software. For post-processing, you can use your favorite video editor. If the motion-detection was good, you shouldn't need much (if any) of that, though.

I haven't shopped for those in a long time, so I can't recommend any specific models (mine are outdated), but you should be able to find plenty of options in the $50-60 range.

McSleepy

Wow! So much great info! Thank you! I’m going to save it because I feel like it’s going to come in handy just in life. I found a little cheap security camera. I’m going to see how that does. If not I can use it as a cheap GoPro. It will magnet to the top of the car!

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Wed May 29, 2019 5:08 pm

kteague wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 3:05 pm
As far as position, it depends on what you're trying to determine with the video. Just one tip if videoing for your legs - do not place the camera at the foot of the bed if you expect to ever let anyone else see it. (see video in my signature line for explanation) If recording your legs, continuous is the way to go if ruling out periodic limb movements.

You have a wonderful sense of humor. Your video made me laugh just a little but guiltily too. That looks awful... but it seems you are better now! Good tip about placement. I’m going to try to get my face in there. Would love to know if I mouthbreathe at all.

I have a parasomnia called catathrenia (sleep groaning/morning/squeaky beach ball). It’s very embarrassing. I’ve had to share the audio recording with doctors and oh my the look on their faces! Sleep IS SO FUN, isn’t it??!!!

djams · Post by **djams** » Wed May 29, 2019 5:58 pm

palerider wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 3:32 pm

emcee13 wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 8:01 am
I’d like to video record myself sleeping. I need the easiest setup possible. I don’t want to sleep with too much extra light so infrared would be best. I found a little security camera on Amazon that seemed okay, but wondered what others are doing. Also any tips? Best angle, height, etc? Thank you!
If you're talking about the wyze camera, it's well worth the 25$ it costs, very good night vision, and movement triggering. Djams used the same thing to find out what was happening to him at night.

I did indeed. On the advice of a helpful member that goes by palerider.

I can confirm that you can record to SD card, IR was plenty good. Motion detection sensitivity is adjustable and it works well. I got a lot of cat videos. She's on and off the bed all night.

Distance- first night I had it setup 12' away, and didn't get anything usable. I was only recording motion. So either the motion detection or the IR or first time user setup was bad. I don't recall what my conclusion was. Had another spot 5' away. Moved it there and everything worked great. At 5' I was able to capture entire length of my body.

All the configuration is done on phone app. Straightforward.

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Wed May 29, 2019 8:07 pm

djams wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 5:58 pm

palerider wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 3:32 pm

emcee13 wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 8:01 am
I’d like to video record myself sleeping. I need the easiest setup possible. I don’t want to sleep with too much extra light so infrared would be best. I found a little security camera on Amazon that seemed okay, but wondered what others are doing. Also any tips? Best angle, height, etc? Thank you!
If you're talking about the wyze camera, it's well worth the 25$ it costs, very good night vision, and movement triggering. Djams used the same thing to find out what was happening to him at night.
I did indeed. On the advice of a helpful member that goes by palerider.

I can confirm that you can record to SD card, IR was plenty good. Motion detection sensitivity is adjustable and it works well. I got a lot of cat videos. She's on and off the bed all night.

Distance- first night I had it setup 12' away, and didn't get anything usable. I was only recording motion. So either the motion detection or the IR or first time user setup was bad. I don't recall what my conclusion was. Had another spot 5' away. Moved it there and everything worked great. At 5' I was able to capture entire length of my body.

All the configuration is done on phone app. Straightforward.

I just ordered it! Great info on placement. Thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it!

Chris8243 · Post by **Chris8243** » Wed May 29, 2019 9:50 pm

I just ordered one too! I hope I can figure out why I'm having such a hard time sleeping.

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Thu May 30, 2019 8:15 am

Chris8243 wrote: ↑
Wed May 29, 2019 9:50 pm
I just ordered one too! I hope I can figure out why I'm having such a hard time sleeping.

Good luck my friend! I hope it provides a helpful piece to the puzzle.

Mine should be here today. Yay amazon prime!

Chris8243 · Post by **Chris8243** » Thu May 30, 2019 8:21 am

emcee13 wrote: ↑
Thu May 30, 2019 8:15 am

Good luck my friend! I hope it provides a helpful piece to the puzzle.

Mine should be here today. Yay amazon prime!

Yes, I ordered it last night, already shipped. If the set-up is tricky maybe we can help each other. Did you read the first couple reviews? They said this thing can spy on you, I don't necessarily believe that but I think I'll turn the camera to the wall during the day!

emcee13 · Post by **emcee13** » Thu May 30, 2019 9:18 am

Chris8243 wrote: ↑
Thu May 30, 2019 8:21 am

emcee13 wrote: ↑
Thu May 30, 2019 8:15 am

Good luck my friend! I hope it provides a helpful piece to the puzzle.

Mine should be here today. Yay amazon prime!
Yes, I ordered it last night, already shipped. If the set-up is tricky maybe we can help each other. Did you read the first couple reviews? They said this thing can spy on you, I don't necessarily believe that but I think I'll turn the camera to the wall during the day!

Yes, let’s definitely KIT, especially if there are any bugs or issues.

Yes, I read that too!

I was thinking if China is so interested in boring American bedrooms I’ll give em an eyeful!

I kid! But seriously, yeah, I’m going to unplug mine and cover it while not in use. You can use an SD card to get around using the WiFi but it doesn’t record sound. I do have a snore recorder app but it seems better to have the audio from the video.

I did see a review that you can stick it to the roof of your car as it’s magnetic. I think I’ll have some fun with that!

I hope we both find nothing... or something... whichever would be better. I’m curious if I do any mouthbreathing, what all that “thrashing around” sound is on the snore recorder, and any other oddities. I’m not on PAP yet, but getting a machine soon. I’m doing this all myself. After 3 years of terrible sleep, 2 sleep doctors, and noncompliance with my original machine... I’m finally ready to dig in and fix this!

Help?-I want to video record my sleep

Help?-I want to video record my sleep

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