Work, study, family commitments, social outings, side-projects – there are only so many hours in the day, and when our lives are so fast-paced, we look for areas to make sacrifices. As a result, countless people neglect a good night’s sleep and the vast number of health benefits that can come with it. 

In fact, skimping on sleep can lead to a host of serious health issues.

Could this be you? Enter sleep tracking, a modern solution to help you understand and improve your sleep habits. 

From smartphone apps to high-tech wearables, sleep trackers promise insights into our nightly rest, collecting data literally while we sleep. 

We’ve all heard of the technology, but do they really work? Are the insights accurately reflecting the state of our health?

Our team has spent some time exploring sleep tracking's nitty-gritty, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s worth the hype.

Is Sleep Tracking Actually Useful?

Sleep tracking has become a go-to tool for many people hoping to improve their sleep quality. These devices and apps monitor various aspects of sleep, such as duration, quality, and cycles, arming you with a full data set that pinpoints problems like insomnia or sleep apnea so you can make the necessary lifestyle adjustments.

For instance, if your tracker shows frequent disturbances during the night, it might be time to rethink your bedtime routine or create a more sleep-friendly environment. 

Before we go further, just remember: while these gadgets can offer valuable insights, they do not replace professional medical advice. If you’re struggling with serious sleep issues, a visit to your healthcare provider is a must.

What is the Best Way to Track Your Sleep?

There are several ways to keep tabs on your sleep, each with its own pros and cons:

• Wearable Devices: Think smartwatches and fitness bands like Fitbit and Apple Watch. These come loaded with sensors that monitor your movement, heart rate, and sometimes even blood oxygen levels to estimate your sleep stages.
• Smartphone Apps: Apps like Sleep Cycle and Pillow use your phone’s microphone and accelerometer to track sleep based on sound and movement.
• Bedside Devices: Specialised devices can sit under your mattress and track your sleep without the need to wear anything.

For the most precise results, wearable devices with advanced sensors tend to outperform basic smartphone apps. Combining a wearable device with a bedside monitor can give you a well-rounded view of your sleep health.

What Do Sleep Trackers Monitor?

Sleep trackers usually monitor several key metrics to paint a complete picture of your sleep:

• Sleep Duration: How long you spend asleep, including the time it takes to fall asleep and wake up.
• Sleep Quality: Measures how restful your sleep is, detecting interruptions or restless periods.
• Sleep Stages: Tracks light, deep, and REM sleep stages to give insights into your sleep cycle.
• Heart Rate: Monitors your resting heart rate and its variations during sleep.
• Environmental Factors: Some devices track bedroom temperature, noise levels, and light exposure.
• Lifestyle Factors: You can log inputs like caffeine intake, exercise, and stress levels to see how they impact your sleep.

These metrics help you understand your sleep patterns and highlight areas that need improvement.

Are There Any Dangers Using Sleep Tracking Apps?

While sleep tracking apps are generally safe, they’re not without their pitfalls:

• Data Accuracy: Not all sleep trackers are created equal. Wearable devices usually provide more reliable data than apps that rely solely on a phone’s sensors.
• Over-Reliance on Data: Becoming too obsessed with sleep data can lead to anxiety, a condition known as orthosomnia.
• Privacy Concerns: These devices collect a lot of personal data, so be sure to check the privacy policies and data usage practices of the app or device you choose.

Can Sleep Trackers Cause Anxiety?

Perhaps. Some people might get caught up in the quest for perfect sleep scores. The fixation, known as orthosomnia, can cause stress and ironically worsen your sleep quality. 

Use sleep trackers as a tool for insight, not as a benchmark for perfection. Focus on overall trends rather than nightly variations to keep anxiety at bay.

What is the Best Sleeping Tracker?

If you’re looking to buy smart watches for a sleep tracker that combines style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology, the Ryze Flex is a top contender.

Features:

• Advanced Monitoring Features: The Ryze Flex offers a comprehensive analysis of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress tracking, and sleep cycles. You will get a detailed picture of your overall health, not just your sleep.
• User-Friendly Display: The Ryze Flex's sleek 1.28" touch screen makes it easy to navigate and read, even in low light.
• Impressive Battery Life: With a 300mAh battery capacity, the Ryze Flex lasts up to 7 days on a single charge, making it perfect for those without frequent recharging.
• Quick Charging: The watch charges fully in approximately 2.5 hours, so you’re back up and running in no time.
• Durability: With an IP68, 3 ATM ingress protection rating, the Ryze Flex is water-resistant and built to withstand the elements, whether you’re swimming or caught in the rain.
• Seamless Connectivity: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, the Ryze Flex ensures smooth connectivity with your smartphone, allowing you to sync data effortlessly.
• Comfortable Fit: Designed to fit a wrist circumference of 140 - 200 mm, with a strap width of 22 mm, the watch is both comfortable and secure.

In the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started: the Ryze Flex Smart Watch, a bonus strap, a user manual, and a USB charging cable.

But what truly sets the Ryze Flex apart is its holistic approach to health tracking:

• Ryze Sense Technology: This connected technology offers exciting potential for understanding and maximising your well-being, helping you achieve your health goals.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Keep tabs on your heart health and identify patterns to help you stay fit and prevent chronic illnesses.
• Blood Oxygen Levels: Monitor your blood oxygen to gauge your fitness levels and overall health.
• Stress Tracking: Ryze Flex’s stress tracking feature helps you manage and reduce stress, helping you maintain long-term well-being.
• Sleep Cycle Analysis: The sleep monitoring feature allows you to learn your sleep patterns in detail and find ways to improve your rest.

The Ryze Flex isn’t just a sleep tracker; it’s a comprehensive health companion designed to help you live your best life.