Guest Josh Cotterill and hosts discuss the negative effects of obsessing over sleep tracking devices on sleep quality and mental health. They delve into the impact of technology on sleep perception and advocate for a balanced approach to monitoring sleep patterns.
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Quick takeaways
Overthinking sleep patterns can create unrealistic expectations and fear of failure, leading to disrupted rest.
Relying solely on sleep data for optimizations can increase anxiety and competitiveness, detracting from restful sleep.
Deep dives
The Pitfalls of Orthosomnia and Obsessive Sleep Tracking
Orthosomnia, an obsession with perfect sleep metrics, can lead to increased anxiety and stress surrounding sleep. The term derives from the Greek words for correct sleep. While technology may offer precise data, it may not address underlying sleep issues like stress or anxiety. Overthinking sleep patterns can create unrealistic expectations and a fear of failure, adding pressure and potentially disturbing actual rest.
The Impact of Sleep Tracking Technology on Anxiety and Control
Tracking sleep data and relying on data-driven optimizations for sleep quality can enhance feelings of control but may also lead to heightened anxiety. The comparative mindset fostered by shared data can add pressure and trigger anxiety. The pursuit of perfection in sleep metrics can result in a fear of failure. Social comparison through shared data on devices may exacerbate stress and competition, detracting from restful sleep.
Balancing Technology and Personal Judgment for Better Sleep Habits
While sleep tracking technology offers data insights, it's vital to balance these metrics with personal judgment and self-awareness. Establishing healthy sleep routines, free from excessive reliance on technology, is key. Technology should serve as a tool for reminders or a taste of modernity, not as a definitive judge of health. Unplugging from excessive tracking and focusing on self-assessment can help individuals maintain a healthier approach to sleep.
Heart to Heart - please send your audio questions to ezfmroundtable@foxmail.com! / Are you losing sleep over...losing sleep? Are you obsessing over sleep tracking devices, which end up making your sleep habits worse (10:18). We discuss why. On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Josh Cotterill
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