In this discussion, Dr. Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and sleep physician at King’s College London, delves into the troubling trend of sleep perfectionism. He reveals how the rise of sleep tracking tech may fuel anxiety and distort our understanding of sleep quality. They explore 'orthosomnia,' where the obsession with perfect sleep can ironically worsen our rest. Dr. Leschziner also shares insights on the vital roles of different sleep stages and offers practical tips to improve sleep hygiene, highlighting the importance of balance over perfection.
Sleep trackers can contribute to orthosomnia by creating anxiety around sleep quality, hindering restful sleep instead of improving it.
Understanding individual sleep needs is crucial, as the required sleep duration varies widely based on personal factors like age and lifestyle.
Deep dives
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is crucial for various physiological and cognitive functions, including memory consolidation, mood regulation, and immune system maintenance. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular problems and increased risk of conditions like dementia. Although the common belief is that eight hours of sleep per night is necessary, this varies widely among individuals based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and sleep quality. Acknowledging this variability is essential for understanding personal sleep needs and recognizing that the amount of required sleep differs from person to person.
The Impact of Sleep Trackers
Sleep trackers, which are designed to monitor sleep patterns through movement, heart rate, and oxygen levels, have gained immense popularity. However, their accuracy can be questionable, especially for individuals with existing sleep disorders, often misclassifying sleep states. These devices can unintentionally exacerbate anxiety around sleep, contributing to a condition known as orthosomnia, where individuals become excessively preoccupied with their sleep score. This obsession can lead to a detrimental cycle, where the anxiety stemming from tracking interferes with the ability to achieve restful sleep.
Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is vital for improving sleep quality, as regular sleep-wake patterns help align the body's biological clock. Additionally, implementing good sleep hygiene practices, such as avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, engaging in regular physical activity, and limiting light exposure in the evening, can enhance sleep. It is advisable to avoid overly drastic variations in sleep hours between weekdays and weekends, as this can disrupt sleep cycles. Overall, these strategies help create an environment conducive to restful sleep and the restoration of bodily functions.
As the sleep tracking industry booms, some worry that it could be driving orthosomnia, the medical term for an unhealthy obsession with attaining perfect sleep, usually driven by a wearable device. Madeleine Finlay speaks to consultant neurologist and sleep physician Dr Guy Leschziner to find out whether this tech is helping or hindering our chances of maximising sleep’s health benefits. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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