The UK sleep-tracking industry is worth an estimated £270 million annually and is expected to double by 2030. But could this obsession with sleep data actually be making our insomnia worse?
Sleep trackers, including devices like smartwatches and rings, are popular tools for monitoring our sleep patterns. These devices measure factors like sleep duration, heart rate variability, and REM sleep cycles. However, experts warn that constant focus on these numbers can create anxiety, leading to worse sleep outcomes.
Orthosomnia: Obsession with Perfect Sleep
This phenomenon, known as “orthosomnia,” refers to the unhealthy obsession with achieving perfect sleep, often driven by wearable devices. Researchers have found that some people become so fixated on improving their sleep scores that they spend excessive time in bed or experience anxiety about not meeting their goals.
Katie Fischer, a behavioural sleep therapist, says many of her clients are chasing an ideal amount of sleep, often aiming for eight hours. However, she explains that good sleepers don’t typically stress over sleep. They go to bed when they’re tired and wake up refreshed without obsessing over the numbers.
Fischer adds that trackers often make people worry about the wrong things. For example, deep sleep typically accounts for only 13-23% of a person’s night, and waking up briefly during the night is normal. Yet many users panic when they see low deep sleep percentages or frequent awakenings.
Sleep Data: Helpful or Harmful?
Ollie Matthews, a functional medicine practitioner, has used sleep tracking devices like the Oura Gen3 smart ring and Garmin watches. At first, Matthews became obsessed with his sleep data, frequently checking it upon waking. He admits he would panic if his “readiness” or sleep score was low. Over time, however, he realized that this data didn’t always reflect how he truly felt. Matthews now uses sleep trackers less obsessively, focusing more on how he feels in the moment rather than the numbers.
Dr. Neil Stanley, a sleep expert, emphasizes that while devices can measure sleep duration, they are not perfect at distinguishing between light, deep, or REM sleep. He points out that the only way to accurately assess sleep stages is by monitoring brain activity. Even with reasonably accurate devices, Stanley argues that sleep data is unlikely to improve sleep quality. He recommends people listen to their bodies rather than focus on data.
The Risks of Sleep Tracking
Some experts believe that sleep tracking may not be suitable for everyone. Professor Guy Leschziner, a sleep specialist, argues that devices like sleep trackers often provide data that is not actionable. Unlike fitness trackers, where you can increase your steps if you’re not meeting your goal, sleep data can’t be directly changed. He also notes that sleep data on REM sleep can be misleading because there’s still much we don’t understand about the function of REM.
For those suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, sleep trackers may offer inaccurate readings. In some cases, such as with the new Apple Watch, devices that notify users about potential sleep apnea could be helpful, but their accuracy still needs proper evaluation.
When Sleep Tracking Helps
There are, however, some cases where sleep tracking can be beneficial. For example, Schuggie Macinnes, a business owner with erratic sleep patterns due to a busy schedule, finds sleep tracking useful. He uses a Whoop band to keep track of his sleep and says it helps him identify when he needs to prioritize rest. However, he does not let the numbers cause him stress.
The Future of Sleep Tech
The future of sleep technology is evolving, with new concepts such as pyjamas embedded with sensors and robot pillows designed to improve sleep. These innovations aim to track everything from posture to breathing patterns, but some experts question if these developments could add to our anxiety about sleep.
In conclusion, while sleep trackers can provide valuable insights for some people, the growing reliance on data to measure sleep could be contributing to heightened anxiety and worsening insomnia for others. Instead of focusing on numbers, experts suggest paying closer attention to how we feel and trusting our body’s natural rhythms.
Related topics:
- Teen Organizes ‘March For Teen Life’ to Raise Awareness of Mental Health
- Ames Community Supports Mental Health at NAMI Walk
- More Minnesota Firefighters Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
