Apparatus and methods for controlling sleep mode in a wireless device are disclosed. The sleep mode is controlled using low power detection of RF beacon signals of known frequencies to reduce power consumption of the wireless device during sleep modes. Detection is achieved by using passive or low power elements in a receive chain that filters received signals allowing beacon signals of particular frequencies to pass, which are accumulated with passive or low power circuit elements requiring no external power source. The accumulated energy is compared to a threshold to determine the presence of the beacon with sleep circuitry. When the beacon is detected, the full RF receiver is triggered to wake up. Use of low power elements and passive elements, affords a beneficial increase in power savings for the wireless device, which is particularly helpful in wireless access points or relay stations that have an alternative power sourcing such as battery or solar power.