Can Fitness Trackers Track Sleep?

Abstract

Technological advances over the years have led to the widespread use and popularity of consumer wearable devices. Although polysomnography and actigraphy are standard tools for objective evaluation of sleep, common wearable devices that can be used daily can aid with diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. Accelerometer and photoplethysmography sensors are included both in actigraphy and wearable devices; therefore, the wearable device functions as an actigraphy tool to analyze sleep architecture. Easy accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of long-term monitoring serve as advantages of this device; however, scientific validation is warranted to promote the use of the commercial apparatus as a medical device.