The Validity of Sleep Tracking via Wearables
When your smartwatch indicates three hours of deep sleep, how much credence should you lend to that figure?
A vast multitude of individuals increasingly depend on mobile applications and wearable technology—ranging from rings to smartwatches and various sensors—to gauge the quality of their slumber.
However, these gadgets predominantly infer sleep states through indirect signals, such as heart rate fluctuations and motion, prompting significant inquiries into the reliability of their data.
According to Grand View Research, the market for sleep-tracking devices in the United States generated approximately $5 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting that revenue could double by 2030.
As these gadgets continue to gain traction, experts stress the necessity of comprehending their capabilities and limitations, as well as the appropriate use of the data they yield.
Let us delve into the underlying technology and explore why some experts believe that the full potential of these devices remains untapped.
Deciphering Metrics of Sleep Trackers
Devices such as the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Oura Ring employ a uniform methodology: they monitor the user’s movements and heart rate during periods of rest.
Daniel Forger, a mathematician at the University of Michigan specializing in sleep research, elucidates that the algorithms implemented by prominent brands have become adept at discerning when an individual is asleep.
Additionally, while these devices may provide reasonable estimates of various sleep stages, Forger notes that nothing surpasses the precision of an in-laboratory study for definitive insights.
“For an accurate distinction between non-REM and REM sleep, lab-based analysis offers unparalleled clarity,” he asserted.
Key Sleep Metrics to Consider
Dr. Chantale Branson, a neurologist and educator at the Morehouse School of Medicine, frequently encounters patients who arrive brandishing their sleep scores from fitness devices. Some become fixated on minute details, such as the amount of REM sleep attained on a specific night.
Branson advocates a different perspective: these instruments excel at revealing trends over time, yet should not be regarded as definitive indicators of one’s sleep health. She warns against ascribing undue significance to any single night’s data.
“We would have believed their accounts even without a device, as we explored underlying issues preventing quality sleep—something wearables do not address,” she remarked.
For individuals preoccupied with daily sleep statistics, Branson suggests prioritizing “sleep hygiene,” which includes establishing a calming bedtime routine, minimizing screen exposure prior to sleep, and ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment. She recommends consulting a healthcare professional before investing in wearable technology.
In contrast, Forger expresses a more favorable perspective on these devices, asserting they serve to remind users of the vital importance of sleep.
He advocates their use even for those without major sleep challenges, as they can provide insights that facilitate improvements in daily alertness.
“Understanding whether your biological clock is aligned is immensely beneficial; even when sufficient sleep time is allotted, misaligned sleep schedules can hinder sleep’s efficacy,” Forger emphasized.
Harnessing Sleep Data for Improved Habits
Kate Stoye, a middle school teacher in the Atlanta vicinity, acquired an Oura Ring last summer, motivated by commendations from peers who utilized it for fertility tracking. She found it equally effective for monitoring her sleep.
Notably, she discerned a correlation between nights of alcohol consumption and diminished sleep quality, prompting her to abstain from drinking.
“Knowing the impact on my well-being diminishes my interest in drinking,” Stoye shared, noting she keeps the device on except during tennis matches or charging durations.
She also identified another trend reflected in her data: late-night eating drastically affects her rest quality.
“I perpetually grapple with bedtime, frequently due to late meals,” she explained. “I have long known this about myself, and now the device corroborates it.”
Challenges Associated with Sleep Tracking
In New York City, advertising professional Mai Barreneche previously donned her Oura Ring consistently. Although it helped cultivate beneficial sleep habits and instigated a regular exercise regimen, her metrics-driven nature led to an obsessive fixation on nightly sleep scores, eventually breeding anxiety—a phenomenon termed “orthosomnia.”
“I recall going to bed, pondering the score I’d receive the following morning,” Barreneche recalled.
After a vacation where she opted not to wear her ring, she chose not to resume using it upon her return. While she retained the beneficial habits the device had encouraged, she no longer wished to endure the pressure of sleep score monitoring.
Branson notes that she has witnessed similar anxiety patterns among patients, particularly those who strive for specific REM sleep benchmarks or who compare scores with peers.
Such comparisons are ill-advised, as individual sleep needs vary considerably based on factors such as age and genetics.
“These devices are intended to assist,” Branson cautioned. “If they induce anxiety or frustration, it may be prudent to seek professional guidance.”
Prospects for Wearable Technology
Forger believes that the true promise of wearables has not yet been fully appreciated. Emerging studies indicate that these devices could potentially facilitate the early detection of infections—prior to symptom manifestation—and identify shifts in sleep patterns that might herald the onset of depression or relapse.
“The human body makes a myriad of significant decisions to maintain health and alertness, often unbeknownst to us,” he noted. “Infectious conditions can disrupt our natural rhythms as the body engages in defensive mechanisms.”
Such technology holds particular promise for underserved communities, where wearables could expedite the identification of health issues and allow for remote monitoring, negating the need for extensive medical facilities, according to Forger.
“A pivotal narrative is on the horizon: comprehending sleep rhythms and architecture could substantially elevate our quality of life,” he concluded.
Source link: Republicworld.com.
