The Benefits of Improving Sleep Quality with Wearable Technology
Far from being a luxury, getting enough sleep is essential for good health and productivity. Wearable technology – such as watches, smartwatches, and fitness bands – makes it easy to track and monitor sleep patterns, enabling users to measure and improve their sleep quality over time.
Sleep deprivation has become a global epidemic and is directly linked to a staggering range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, diabetes, and obesity. In the US alone, approximately 70 million people suffer from lack of sleep, with an estimated $411 billion annual cost to the economy.
What is Wearable Technology?
Wearable technology, also known as “wearables,” are small gadgets worn on the body. They are “hands-free,” meaning that users can go about their day as usual during use. Popular wearables include fitness trackers and smartwatches. They measure data such as heart rate and steps taken and sync with phones and computers to take advantage of smartphone capabilities like messaging or calls.
In the context of sleep monitoring, wearables measure changes in heart rate, breathing, and body movements. This data is then synced with an app and analyzed to help the user understand the links between their daily habits and the amount of quality sleep they’re getting.
The Benefits of Tracking Sleep Quality with Wearables
Wearable technology helps users track and understand their sleep patterns, as well as identify and address factors that make it difficult to get adequate rest. Here are some of the key benefits:
Timely Reminders: Setting an alarm is a great way to ensure that users get enough sleep each night. Wearables can provide timely reminders when it’s time to turn in for the night or take a nap.
Uninterrupted Sleep: Technology can help users maximize their sleep quality by tracking uninterrupted sleep cycles. Wearables can alert users when they begin to become restless, preventing them from entering a deep sleep cycle.
Overall Health Monitoring: Wearables measure physical health indicators, such as heart rate, respiration, and body movements. By keeping track of these indicators, users can understand how their sleep is affecting their health, allowing them to make specific lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life.
The Downsides of Using Wearables to Improve Sleep Quality
The downsides of using wearables are mainly related to cost and battery life. Many wearables require charging daily; if users forget to plug them in, they won’t be able to track their sleep. Additionally, those who opt for higher-end wearable technology must pay a premium for their devices – which can be a deterrent for some.
Wrap Up
Using a wearable device to improve sleep quality may sound like a luxury, but it’s actually an essential tool for good health. Wearables provide users with valuable data to understand their sleep patterns and make changes to maximize their quality of sleep. Of course, there are downsides to using wearables, such as cost and battery life. Ultimately, the decision to use a wearable to improve sleep quality is a personal one.
