By Kristen Fischer
Using a sleep tracker seems like an easy way to learn about overnight habits, but can it really lead to a better night’s sleep?
According to a 2023 survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), more than a third of Americans have used a device to monitor sleep.
Unlike medical sleep studies that record brain activity at labs, sleep trackers measure markers like breathing and movement to give insight into sleep patterns at home. While the devices can offer a sense of what’s happening during shuteye, experts say they have limitations as well.
[...] Grandner acknowledged that a sleep tracker can be a valuable tool for managing sleep but that it should be used in conjunction with other strategies.
“Think of it this way—a bathroom scale won’t help you lose weight on its own,” Grandner said. “It’s an important part of a weight loss program but on its own, it can be helpful for some people, stressful for other people, and just not useful on its own most of the time.”