Key points from article :
Orthosomnia, a term coined by sleep researchers, describes the obsession with perfecting sleep quality, often driven by wearable devices. This rising trend has seen people scrutinizing their sleep data from gadgets like smartwatches and rings, aiming for high scores and specific metrics like REM sleep or heart rate variability (HRV). However, ironically, this obsession with tracking sleep often leads to anxiety and worsens insomnia.
Sleep experts, like behavioural therapist Katie Fischer, argue that sleep is not something to be micromanaged. Most people who sleep well do so naturally, without overthinking or worrying about meeting a perfect number of hours. In contrast, those fixated on achieving perfect sleep scores often overlook the fact that factors like deep sleep percentages and nightly awakenings are part of normal sleep patterns. Constantly striving for perfection only creates stress, which can further disrupt sleep.
Devices measuring sleep provide interesting data, but their accuracy is limited. As sleep researcher Dr. Neil Stanley notes, while these gadgets can estimate the amount of sleep, only brain monitoring can truly track sleep stages like REM. Despite this, the sleep tech industry is booming, fuelled by people’s desire to quantify every aspect of their lives. Sleep experts generally agree that tracking sleep may benefit people who chronically undervalue rest, but for most, the key to better sleep lies in listening to the body rather than relying on data.
In conclusion, while sleep trackers can offer useful insights for some, sleep perfectionism can be counterproductive. Rather than chasing perfect scores, experts suggest focusing on how well-rested and energized you feel, recognizing that sleep needs vary and cannot be perfectly controlled through technology.
