Bracelets And smart watches they are now omnipresent, on the wrists of millions of people who use them every day to monitor their health, sports sessions, steps and heart rate. Among the thousand features offered by these trinkets, one of the most popular is the sleep tracking. But how accurate is this data? And above all, are they really able to provide a complete and reliable picture of night-time habits? Here’s what the experts have to say about it.
How does sleep tracking work?
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Smart sleep tracking bracelets are based on highly sensitive motion sensors, and in particular on accelerometers. The latter detect i micromovements of the wrist during the night, interpreting the decrease in activity as a signal to enter sleep. Through complex algorithms, the devices then process the collected data distinguishing between light, deep sleep and waking phases. Accuracy is not always absolute, but in general trackers prove effective in monitoring the overall duration of night’s rest and in identifying any disorders such as i frequent awakenings. Valuable information for evaluating the quality of rest and identifying strategies to improve it. For example, someone who experiences frequent awakenings may benefit from a quieter environment, a lighter meal in the evening, or may require a medical consultation to rule out sleep apnea.
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watch out for excesses
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While useful, using smart bracelets and watches for sleep tracking requires some precautions. In some people, the obsessive analysis of the data provided by the devices can generate a vicious circle of anxiety and expectations. Excessive attention to parameters such as the duration or quality of sleep, defined by algorithms that are not always perfect, can paradoxically make the situation worse. And focusing on specific data could lead to neglecting other fundamental components of restful sleep, such assleep hygiene or stress. In this regard, it is never a bad idea to consult an expert to choose the smart device best suited to your needs, and for get help to correctly interpret the data collected.
