While I was on the treadmill at the gym the other day, I overheard a conversation between two men.
“We had an amazing night last night,” one of them exclaimed.
Intrigued, I listened for more details, hoping for a juicy story.
“The score was 96 points,” he continued.
My interest waned.
“It’s insane,,” replied his companion. “My average is 67, and I don’t see it going any higher.”
“But what about your heart rate?”
“I never check, but I know my REM score this week is unusually high,” he responded.
At the mention of REM, rapid eye movement, they delved into a discussion about sleep performance.
Welcome to the realm of Orthosomnia. This term refers to an unhealthy fixation on achieving perfect sleep, often driven by wearable devices. American researchers coined the term in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. The study revealed that obsessively analyzing nightly sleep data might exacerbate insomnia. People may spend excessive time in bed striving for a flawless score, leading to heightened anxiety over their sleep performance.
But what constitutes a “good sleep score”? And can one manipulate involuntary biological processes?
According to behavioral sleep therapist Katie Fisher, many clients are fixated on achieving the “perfect” night’s sleep. She emphasizes that individuals who sleep well often don’t think much about it. Conversely, those who struggle with sleep attempt to hit a specific number of hours without realizing that their needs may differ. Fisher asserts that excessive monitoring of sleep data only induces stress and recommends focusing on how one feels rather than fixating on numbers.
Dr. Neil Stanley, author of How to Sleep Well, questions the utility of sleep tracking devices. While they can provide basic information on sleep duration, accurately discerning between sleep stages requires advanced monitoring. He highlights the importance of listening to one’s body rather than relying solely on data.
Professor Guy Leszziner also raises doubts about the efficacy of sleep tracking. He stresses the need to address underlying obstacles to good sleep, such as sleep disorders or lifestyle factors. Leszziner argues that while REM sleep plays a critical role, fixation on REM data may not yield significant insights into overall sleep quality.
Both experts advocate for a more holistic approach to sleep, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and lifestyle adjustments rather than fixating on sleep data. They highlight the need to prioritize self-care and listen to the body’s cues for optimal rest and well-being.
Ultimately, the focus should be on improving overall well-being and quality of life, rather than fixating on arbitrary sleep scores. By tuning in to one’s body and making sustainable lifestyle choices, individuals can optimize their sleep and overall health.
The quest for perfect sleep may lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, detracting from the essence of rest and relaxation. Instead of relying solely on data, individuals should prioritize self-care, listen to their bodies, and adopt healthy sleep habits to achieve long-term well-being.
As technology advances, sleep tracking may become more sophisticated, but the fundamental principles of good sleep remain unchanged. It is essential to strike a balance between leveraging technology for insights and honoring the body’s natural rhythm and needs.
In a world obsessed with metrics and data, the key to quality sleep lies not in numbers but in a holistic approach that integrates self-awareness, healthy habits, and a deep connection with one’s body.
Source: www.theguardian.com
