Time: 2024-07-24
Your partner or roommates may point out any sleep disturbances you 're experiencing so you can get them checked out , but that 's not exactly an option when you live solo . For people who live by themselves , it 's a challenge to monitor for a sleep disorder . Sometimes the house is in disarray but was n't that way before they went to bed , making it easier to notice something 's going on.
Most of the time , though , you might sense something 's off with your sleep - say , feeling excessively tired or irritable during the day , despite getting the recommended hours of shuteye - but not wake up to concrete evidence the next day . Enter sleep trackers . There are a number of ways to track sleep to understand the potential symptoms that are occurring . These might include wearable devices , bedside devices , and bed sensors.
Wearable devices can collect information regarding movement , heart rate , and breathing patterns . Since many of these devices are multipurpose , users can use them to track eating habits and breathing patterns during the day as well . If your usual amount of sleep is decreasing significantly , for instance , you could speculate it 's being caused by symptoms related to your health conditions . You can then compare and contrast this information with your sleep patterns to have a better understanding of what symptoms may be striking during sleep and why.
Bedside devices are placed next to the bed and can collect data regarding breathing habits and body movement . This information can help determine if you 're experiencing shortness of breath or excessive movement during sleep . Then there are bed sensors , which can be placed underneath the sheets or mattress . These sensors collect information regarding movement and heart rate . Irregular heart rates can be tied to health conditions , such as hyperthyroidism or excessive stress.
Once you 've got two to three weeks ' worth of sleep data , you can bring it to your next doctor 's appointment for a consult . Because consumer devices are n't tested or regulated for clinical diagnosis , they wo n't be able to use the data to officially diagnose you , but they can at least use the data to help determine whether clinical testing would be beneficial.
Dr. Thomas Hammond , a board - certified neurologist at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute in Boca Raton , Florida , emphasized the importance of monitoring sleep disorders , especially for individuals living alone . Sleep disturbances can often go unnoticed without the help of others , making it crucial to utilize technology such as sleep trackers to identify potential issues.
Incorporating these devices into your daily routine can provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns and overall health . By tracking factors like movement , heart rate , and breathing patterns , individuals can better understand the symptoms they may be experiencing during sleep . This data can then be shared with healthcare professionals for further evaluation and potential clinical testing.
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