Ever wondered if your sleep could be better? Our comprehensive guide on ‘Sleep Tracking Apps and Monitors: Which One Is Right for You?’ unveils the secrets of the night. Explore the world of sleep tracking technology, understand its significance, and discover how it can improve your overall health and wellbeing. From wearable to non-wearable trackers, we discuss various products and their features, helping you choose the right sleep assistant. Let’s make your slumber truly restful.
Introduction
Understanding and optimising your sleep has never been more important in the quest for better health and well-being. But with a plethora of sleep-tracking apps and monitors available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. This article will guide you through the importance of sleep, the science of your sleep monitoring and other tracking devices, and how you can utilise this technology to improve your sleep quality.
Understanding Sleep and Its Importance
Sleep is not merely a passive state of rest but an active state of restoration, repair, and consolidation. The sleep cycle is divided into stages: light sleep, deep sleep, and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep, often associated with vivid dreams, plays a key role in learning and memory function.
The benefits of enough sleep also extend beyond cognitive function. Proper sleep is vital for overall health and well-being. It bolsters your immune system, aids muscle repair, and regulates mood. On the other hand, poor sleep has been linked to various health issues, from heart disease and diabetes to depression and anxiety.
Moreover, there’s an undeniable link between sleep and lifestyle factors. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress can lead to disrupted sleep, while good sleep can help manage these issues, creating a positive feedback loop.
An Introduction to Sleep Tracking
Enter sleep-tracking technology, a tool that can unravel the mysteries of your nightly slumber. The best sleep trackers, available as wearable devices or smartphone apps, use sensors and software to monitor your sleep patterns, including sleep stages and sleep duration and provide actionable insights.
So, why track your sleep over the long term? Firstly, it helps identify patterns. You might notice you sleep worse after a late-night meal, for instance, or that you sleep better on days you exercise. These patterns can help tailor lifestyle changes to improve sleep quality.
Another key feature of the best sleep trackers is the overall sleep score. By taking into account factors such as sleep duration, restfulness, and time spent asleep in each sleep stage, the best sleep trackers compile this sleep data into a single, easy-to-understand score. Over time, this score can be used to either track sleep improvements or identify when your sleep is suffering and you need to make changes.
Understanding your sleep patterns is crucial to making informed decisions about your sleep habits. Do you get enough deep sleep? Do you regularly wake up in the night? Answering these questions is the first step towards better sleep health and, by extension, better overall health.
The following sections will delve deeper into the features, benefits, and considerations when choosing a sleep-tracking device or app.
Stay tuned to discover how sleep tracking can unlock the secret to a good night’s sleep!
How Does Sleep Tracking Work?
At a glance, sleep trackers may seem like magic, providing detailed insights into a part of our lives that we’re usually unconscious for. But in reality, they rely on various sensors and sophisticated algorithms to monitor and interpret various aspects of our sleep.
Most sleep trackers monitor sleep stages by tracking movements throughout the night. This method, known as actigraphy, involves using an accelerometer to detect when you’re awake, in light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep.
Many of the best sleep trackers monitor heart rate and blood oxygen data levels in addition to movement. Heart rate variability, or the variation in the time between each heartbeat, can provide insights into your stress level and overall sleep quality. Similarly, tracking blood oxygen saturation and levels can help detect sleep disruptions like sleep apnea.
However, tracking this sleep data is only the first step. To truly benefit from the best sleep trackers, it’s crucial to understand and use all the data to inform changes to your sleep habits or environment.
Wearable vs Non-Wearable Sleep Trackers
When choosing the best sleep trackers, one of the first decisions you must make is between wearable and non-wearable devices.
Wearable sleep and fitness trackers, like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin devices, are worn on your wrist and use motion and heart rate sensors to track your sleep. They’re handy because they also offer fitness tracking features, like step counting and workout tracking. However, some people find wearing a device to bed uncomfortable, which could in itself affect sleep.
On the other hand, non-wearable sleep monitors sit on your bedside table or under your mattress. One example is smart beds, which can monitor your sleep stages, heart rate, and breathing. Non-wearable trackers tend to be less intrusive, as they don’t require you to wear anything to bed. However, they might not offer the same level of detail as wearable devices, particularly regarding sleep tracking capabilities and movement.
Both trackers have pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your preferences, comfort, and the specific insights you hope to gain from your sleep tracker.
In the next section, we’ll dive into the world of sleep-tracking apps and how they can help you optimise your sleep even further.
Sleep Tracking Apps
Sleep tracking apps have emerged as a convenient and cost-effective way to monitor your sleep. Let’s look at a few of the top-rated apps in this space.
Sleep Cycle is a well-regarded app that monitors your sleep stages using your phone’s sound analysis or accelerometer data. Its user-friendly interface allows easy setup and interpretation of results. The app also includes a smart alarm feature that wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase, making you feel more refreshed.
Sleep Score utilises sonar technology to monitor your sleep. It provides detailed reports on your sleep stages and sleep quality score and personalised recommendations for improving your sleep. The app also boasts an easy-to-use interface, making setting up and reviewing your data simple.
Google Fit, while primarily a fitness tracker app, also offers basic sleep-tracking features when paired with a compatible wearable device. This could be a great option if you already use Google Fit for other health-tracking purposes.
However, it’s crucial to consider data privacy when using sleep-tracking apps. Make sure to read the privacy policies of each app and understand what data they collect and how it’s used.
Features to Look for in Sleep Trackers
When choosing a sleep tracker, certain features can significantly enhance its usefulness and ease of use.
Heart rate monitoring can provide insights into your sleep quality and stress level. Some trackers even offer oxygen level monitoring, which can help detect conditions like sleep apnea.
Noise and light monitoring can provide insights into your sleep environment. For instance, a tracker may reveal that your room is too bright or noisy, prompting you to make changes for better sleep quality.
Smart alarms can wake you during a lighter sleep stage, which can help you feel more refreshed. Smart home integration allows your tracker to adjust the room temperature or lighting based on your sleep patterns, enhancing your sleep environment.
Finally, long battery life is a crucial consideration for wearable sleep trackers. A device that must be charged daily can be a hassle, and you might miss the sleep-tracking experience some nights if the battery dies.
In conclusion, understanding your needs and the features that can meet them is key to choosing the right sleep tracker.
Sleep Tracking for Specific Needs
Not all sleep trackers are created equal – some are better suited to specific needs and demographics. For example, the Fitbit Ace 2 is a great option for kids, with its colourful design, robust build, and simple sleep-tracking features. For the elderly, Withings Sleep offers a non-wearable, easy-to-use option that tracks sleep stages, heart rate, and snoring and can even detect sleep apnea.
Sleep Number’s SleepIQ technology, which is built into their smart beds, provides a solution for couples who want to track their sleep simultaneously. This can be particularly useful for detecting sleep disturbances caused by a partner’s snoring or restless movement.
As for specific medical conditions, the Oura Ring and the Withings Sleep offer advanced sleep-tracking features, like heart rate variability and oxygen level monitoring, which can help manage conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and snoring.
The Role of Sleep Hygiene and the Environment
Good sleep hygiene – which includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring a dark and quiet sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and screen time before bed – is vital not only to help you fall asleep but also for quality sleep. Sleep trackers can help promote good sleep hygiene by providing data about your sleep patterns and offering personalised suggestions for improvement.
Furthermore, the best sleep trackers can help you optimise your sleep environment for better rest by monitoring noise, light, and room temperature.
Cost and Technical Aspects of Sleep Trackers
While some sleep trackers come with a hefty price tag, there are several cost-effective options in the market, such as the Mi Band series and certain mobile apps like Sleep as Android.
Additionally, consider the product’s technical support, warranty, and return policies before buying. Also, keep your tracker’s software updated for optimal performance and to benefit from new features or improvements.
In conclusion, a thoughtful evaluation of your needs, budget, and the features offered by various sleep trackers will help you find the best fit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sleep tracker comes down to understanding your unique sleep needs and aligning them with the features offered by various devices. Whether you are looking for a more accurate sleep tracker to help manage a specific sleep condition, seeking to improve your overall sleep hygiene, or simply curious about your own sleep history and patterns, there is a sleep tracker out there that is right for you. Remember, quality sleep is an integral part of overall well-being. By leveraging technology, you can make informed changes to your sleep habits and environment, thus improving your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is Sleep?
Sleep is a natural, recurring state of rest essential for the health and functioning of virtually all animals, including humans. It’s characterised by altered consciousness, reduced activity, lowered metabolic rate, and a typically strong response to being disturbed.
While we’re sleeping, our bodies are performing important tasks such as:
Restoration: This is when the body repairs and rejuvenates tissues, builds bone and muscle and appears to strengthen the immune system.
Memory consolidation: During sleep, the brain processes information from the day, forms new memories, and strengthens neural connections.
Growth: Growth hormones are released during sleep, which is why adequate sleep is particularly important during childhood and adolescence.
Sleep Stages:
There are several stages of sleep that we cycle through multiple times during the night, including Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and several stages of Non-REM sleep. Each stage plays a different role in the many processes that happen in our bodies during sleep.
Lack of sufficient or quality sleep can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, impaired cognitive function, weakened immunity, and mood disorders. Chronic sleep deprivation is also linked to long-term health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
What is the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep rule?
The 10-3-2-1-0 sleep rule is a simple guideline aimed at improving sleep efficiency and the quantity and quality of one’s sleep. Each number in the rule represents a specific step to take before bed:
10 hours before bed: Stop consuming caffeine. Since caffeine can stay in your system for 6-10 hours, avoiding it for at least 10 hours before bed helps ensure it won’t interfere with your sleep.
3 hours before bed: Stop eating or drinking large amounts. This can help you avoid indigestion, acid reflux, or needing to get up and go to the bathroom at night, all of which can interfere with sleep.
2 hours before bed: Stop doing work or any mentally draining tasks. This can help your mind wind down and prepare for sleep.
1 hour before bed: Stop looking at screens. The blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin. Turning off devices an hour before bed can help ensure your body is ready for sleep.
0: The goal is to aim for 0 times, hitting the snooze button in the morning. Consistently getting enough quality sleep should help you wake up refreshed and ready to start your day, eliminating the need for the snooze button.
It’s important to note that while these guidelines can be helpful, everyone is different, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. It’s always important to listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if you’re having consistent trouble with sleep.
What are the Best Times to Sleep?
The “best” times to sleep can vary greatly depending on an individual’s unique internal biological clock, also known as a circadian rhythm. Generally, most adults function best when they go to sleep between 9 pm and midnight and wake up between 6 am and 8 am. This generally aligns with our natural circadian rhythms and typical work schedules.
However, it’s important to note that the total number of hours slept and the consistency of your sleep schedule also play significant roles in your sleep quality and overall health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults require between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Individual sleep needs vary based on age, lifestyle, and general health. For example, teenagers and children require more sleep than adults, while older adults might need a little less. Individuals with physically demanding jobs or lifestyles, or those under a lot of stress, may also require more sleep.
If you’re consistently tired during the day, it might be a sign that you need to adjust your sleep schedule or aim for more sleep. If sleep issues persist, it could be worthwhile to consult a healthcare provider, as chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health issues, from decreased cognitive function to increased risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Can improving sleep help with anti-aging?
Absolutely! Good sleep is vital for various bodily functions, including cellular regeneration, hormone production, and a healthy immune system. All these functions are integral to anti-ageing.
Do I need a sleep tracker to improve my sleep quality?
While a sleep tracker isn’t absolutely necessary, it can provide useful insights into your sleep patterns and help identify areas for improvement. Moreover, these devices can detect potential sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, which, if left untreated, can significantly affect your health.
How do sleep trackers work?
Sleep trackers monitor and record various physiological and behavioural data during sleep to provide insights into sleep patterns and quality. While different sleep trackers may utilize various technologies and sensors, here is a general overview of how sleep trackers work:
- Sensors: Sleep trackers typically use sensors to collect data while you sleep. These sensors can be integrated into wearable devices like fitness trackers or smartwatches, or they may be placed near your bed, such as with smartphone apps or dedicated sleep tracking devices.
- Movement Detection: One common method sleep trackers use is measuring movement during sleep. Accelerometers or gyroscopes in wearable devices can detect body movements, while smartphone apps may utilize the device’s built-in sensors. By tracking movement, sleep trackers can estimate sleep duration and identify sleep stages (e.g., light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep).
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Some sleep trackers include optical sensors that measure your heart rate throughout the night. By monitoring your heart rate, sleep trackers can infer sleep stages and analyze the overall quality of your sleep. Changes in heart rate can indicate transitions between sleep stages and the presence of sleep disruptions.
- Environmental Factors: Some sleep trackers also consider environmental factors that may affect sleep quality. These can include room temperature, noise levels, and even light exposure. By analyzing these factors alongside sleep data, sleep trackers can provide insights into environmental influences on sleep.
- Sleep Analysis Algorithms: Sleep trackers use sophisticated algorithms to process the collected data and generate reports or insights. These algorithms analyze the data to estimate sleep stages, calculate sleep efficiency, and provide sleep quality metrics. They may also identify sleep disruptions, such as periods of wakefulness or sleep apnea events.
- Data Visualization and Insights: Sleep trackers present the collected data and insights through user-friendly interfaces. This may include sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep stages breakdown, and trends over time. Some sleep trackers also offer personalized recommendations and tips for improving sleep habits based on the gathered information.
What is the best sleep tracker on the market?
The best sleep tracker varies based on personal needs and preferences. These devices vary in features, style, and cost. Hence, the “best” sleep tracker largely depends on individual needs and preferences. Here are a few popular choices:
Fitbit Charge 4: This wearable device not only tracks steps and heart rate but also monitors sleep. It breaks down sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provides an overall sleep score to help users understand sleep quality.
Withings Sleep: This is a non-wearable sleep tracker that slides under the mattress. It monitors sleep cycles, heart rate, and snoring and can even detect signs of sleep apnea. Withings Sleep also integrates with smart home systems and provides a sleep score.
Apple Watch (with Sleep Watch app): While the Apple Watch is a multi-purpose smartwatch when paired with the Sleep Watch app, it becomes a powerful sleep tracker that monitors heart rate, noise levels, and sleep stages. The Apple Watch sleep tracker measures sleep stages using a combination of accelerometer and heart-rate variability (HRV) data. By wearing your Apple Watch while sleeping, it can calculate the duration you spent in each stage of sleep—REM, Core, and Deep—and also identify possible wake-up moments. Upon awakening, consult the Apple Watch Sleep app to discover your sleep duration and analyze your sleep patterns from the previous two weeks.
Garmin Vivosmart 4: This wearable tracker not only monitors different stages of sleep but also includes a feature called Body Battery that helps users manage their energy levels throughout the day.
Oura Ring: A unique, ring-based tracker, the Oura Ring monitors body temperature, heart rate, and movement to provide insights into sleep quality and readiness for the day ahead.
Beddit 3.5 Sleep Monitor: Owned by Apple, Beddit is a flat strip tracker placed under the bedsheet to monitor sleep time, heart rate, breathing, snoring, and bedroom temperature and humidity.
How to use your Apple watch as a sleep tracker?
You can use your Apple Watch as a sleep tracker by following the steps below:
- Update your iPhone and Apple Watch: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS and your Apple Watch is updated to the latest watchOS. This is crucial since the Sleep app was introduced in watchOS 7.
- Set up the Sleep app: Open the Health app on your iPhone, and tap on the ‘Browse’ tab. Then, select ‘Sleep’ and ‘Set Up Sleep’. Follow the instructions to set your sleep goal and bedtime schedule.
- Enable sleep mode: When it’s time for bed, the watch will automatically enter sleep mode, where it dims the screen and disables notifications to prevent disturbances. You can also manually enable this mode by swiping up from the watch face to bring up the Control Centre, then tapping on the Bed icon.
- Wear your Apple Watch to bed: Put on your watch before sleeping. The watch needs to be on your wrist to track your sleep.
- Check your sleep data: In the morning, you can check your sleep data on the Sleep app on your Apple Watch or iPhone. The app tracks your total sleep time and your time in bed and provides a chart showing your periods of sleep and wakefulness.
Remember, your Apple Watch should be sufficiently charged for accurate sleep tracking. Apple suggests charging it at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
In addition to the native Sleep app, you can also use third-party apps like ‘Sleep Watch’, ‘AutoSleep’, ‘Sleep++’ for a more detailed analysis of your sleep patterns. Always make sure to review privacy practices when considering third-party apps.
Source: Apple Support (https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/apd830528336/watchos)
Which Fitbit tracks sleep?
Fitbit offers several models that track sleep, including:
- Fitbit Charge 4: This fitness tracker includes sleep tracking features, such as sleep stage tracking (light, deep, and REM sleep), sleep duration, and sleep quality metrics.
- Fitbit Versa 3: This smartwatch is equipped with advanced sleep tracking capabilities, including sleep stage tracking, Sleep Score, and insights into sleep quality, duration, and disturbances.
- Fitbit Sense: This premium smartwatch includes advanced sleep tracking features, such as Sleep Score, sleep stage tracking, and a Smart Wake feature that gently wakes you up during your lightest sleep stage.
- Fitbit Inspire 2: This budget-friendly fitness tracker offers sleep tracking features, including sleep duration, sleep stages, and sleep insights.
These Fitbit models use a combination of sensors, including accelerometers and heart rate monitors, to track sleep patterns and provide insights into your sleep quality. They can monitor sleep duration, sleep stages, and provide additional metrics to help you understand your sleep patterns better.
It’s important to note that while Fitbit sleep tracking can provide valuable insights, it may not be as accurate as a sleep study conducted in a medical facility. Fitbit sleep tracking is designed for general sleep monitoring purposes and can offer guidance and trends to help you improve your sleep habits.
Can I rely solely on the data from my sleep tracker to diagnose sleep disorders?
While sleep trackers can provide valuable data and a sleep score, they should not be used to diagnose sleep disorders on their own. If your sleep tracker indicates a potential problem, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How can a sleep tracker improve my sleep?
Sleep trackers can offer personalised insights into your sleep patterns, identify disruptions or irregularities, and provide actionable advice for improving sleep quality.
What should I do with the data from my sleep tracker?
You should use your sleep data to identify trends and potential issues. If you notice persistent disruptions or poor sleep quality, it might be worth discussing this data and your sleep score with a healthcare provider.
How do sleep apps work?
Sleep apps typically work by utilizing the sensors and capabilities of smartphones or wearable devices to track and analyze sleep-related data. Here is an overview of how sleep apps generally work:
- Data Collection: Sleep apps use various sensors and features of your smartphone or wearable device to collect data while you sleep. These may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, microphones, and light sensors. Some apps may also integrate with external devices, such as wearable sleep trackers or smart beds, to gather additional data.
- Sleep Tracking: Sleep apps monitor and analyze your movement and behaviour during sleep to estimate sleep duration and quality. They use the device’s accelerometer or other motion sensors to detect movement and determine when you are asleep or awake. Some apps may also utilize sound analysis to identify snoring or other sleep-related sounds.
- Sleep Stage Detection: Advanced sleep apps attempt to classify sleep stages, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, by analyzing your movement patterns and other physiological signals. However, it’s important to note that sleep stage detection through a smartphone app may not be as accurate as using specialized sleep monitoring equipment in a sleep laboratory.
- Sleep Environment Monitoring: Some sleep apps can monitor the sleep environment, including factors like room temperature, ambient noise levels, and light exposure. This information can help you understand how environmental factors impact your sleep quality.
- Sleep Insights and Recommendations: Sleep apps often provide personalized insights and recommendations based on the collected data. They may offer suggestions for improving sleep hygiene, creating a better sleep environment, or establishing consistent sleep patterns. Some apps also provide relaxation techniques, white noise or calming sounds, or guided meditations to help with falling asleep.
- Sleep Data Visualization: Sleep apps present sleep data in an easily understandable format, such as graphs or charts, allowing you to track your sleep patterns over time. They may show sleep duration, sleep quality metrics, and trends to help you gain insights into your sleep habits.
Are sleep-tracking apps accurate?
It’s important to note that sleep apps may have varying levels of accuracy and reliability. While they can provide useful information and insights, they are not meant to replace professional sleep evaluation or diagnosis of sleep disorders. While not as accurate as a professional sleep study, modern sleep-tracking apps can provide valuable insights into your sleep habits and patterns. They use motion detection, sound analysis, and other methods to estimate sleep stages.
What are the Best Sleep Apps?
Several highly-rated sleep-tracking apps are available. Keep in mind that the “best” app can vary based on your specific needs and the features you’re looking for. Here are a few popular options:
Sleep Cycle: This app tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you up during light sleep, serving as an intelligent alarm clock. It uses sound analysis to identify sleep states by tracking movements in bed.
SleepScore: SleepScore uses your smartphone’s microphone and speaker to monitor your sleep through echolocation. It provides detailed analysis and personalised advice to improve sleep quality.
Pillow: This iOS sleep-tracking app syncs with your Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad. Pillow provides a detailed breakdown of your sleep stages and includes features like a power nap mode and a smart wake-up alarm.
Sleep As Android: An Android app that tracks sleep stages, records sleep talk and snoring and uses natural sound alarms to wake you up at the best time gently.
Calm: While primarily a meditation app, Calm includes sleep stories – bedtime stories for adults designed to have soothing sounds to help you relax and fall asleep.
Headspace: Similar to Calm, Headspace is primarily a meditation app, but it also offers “sleepcasts,” which are 45-55 minute stories designed to help you relax and drift off to sleep.
Audible’s Sleep Collection: Audible’s Sleep Collection is a curated selection of audio experiences designed to help individuals sleep better. It includes meditations, bedtime stories, soundscapes, and other audio content designed to create the right environment for falling asleep and getting a good night’s sleep.
Remember, these apps can provide useful insights, but they should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice if you have serious sleep issues or concerns.
How does the Sleep Cycle work?
The Sleep Cycle app is designed to help users track and improve their sleep quality by monitoring their sleep patterns and providing insights to optimize their sleep routines. It utilizes the sensors in your smartphone, such as the accelerometer, to track your movements and analyze your sleep stages.
Here’s how the Sleep Cycle app works:
- Sleep Tracking: Before going to bed, you place your smartphone near your bed with the app running. The app uses the accelerometer to detect your movements during the night.
- Sleep Analysis: As you sleep, the app analyzes your movements to determine your sleep stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. It tracks the duration and quality of your sleep throughout the night.
- Smart Alarm: The Sleep Cycle app features a smart alarm function that aims to wake you up during a period of light sleep close to your desired wake-up time. By waking up when you are in a lighter sleep stage, you may feel more refreshed and alert.
- Sleep Insights: The app provides detailed sleep analysis and insights into your sleep patterns. It offers information on factors impacting your sleep quality, such as room temperature, noise levels, and sleep disturbances. These insights can help you adjust your sleep environment and habits to improve your overall sleep quality.
- Sleep Trends: Over time, the Sleep Cycle app tracks your sleep trends and generates visual reports that show patterns in your sleep quality, duration, and other metrics. This can help you identify any patterns or issues affecting your sleep and make informed changes to optimize your sleep routine.
Is Sleep Cycle Accurate?
Compared to professional sleep monitoring devices used in sleep laboratories, the accuracy of sleep stage detection through a smartphone app may be limited. Sleep Cycle and similar apps may not be able to differentiate sleep stages as precisely as specialized equipment.
Furthermore, the reliability of sleep tracking apps can be influenced by various factors, such as the positioning of the device, ambient noise, and individual sleep habits. For example, if the phone is placed far away or if the user moves minimally during sleep, the app’s ability to accurately track sleep may be compromised.
It’s worth noting that sleep tracking apps like Sleep Cycle are not intended to diagnose or treat sleep disorders. They can provide general insights and trends about your sleep, but if you have concerns about your sleep or suspect a sleep disorder, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in sleep medicine.
References:
et al (2020). Effect of wearables on sleep in healthy individuals: a randomized crossover trial and validation study. Available from: https://jcsm.aasm.org
et al (2019). Accuracy of Wristband Fitbit Models in Assessing Sleep: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Available from: https://www.jmir.org/2019/11/e16273/
et al (2019). The Sleep of the Ring: Comparison of the ŌURA Sleep Tracker Against Polysomnography. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6095823/
National Sleep Foundation. (2022). Sleep Apps: What You Should Know. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org
John Hopkins (2022). Do Sleep Trackers Really Work? Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention
Massimiliano de Zambotti et al (202o). Wearable Sleep Technology in Clinical and Research Settings. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6579636/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific concerns or medical conditions, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and support.
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