Sleep tracking technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, promising to help us improve our rest by sharing insights into how much we sleep, how well, and even when we should go to bed and wake up. However, for some people, this tech-driven pursuit of better sleep can be counterproductive, leading to a condition known as “orthosomnia.”
Orthosomnia is characterized by poor sleep that stems from an obsessive pursuit of optimal sleep. It’s not just about tracking sleep patterns; it’s about being fixated on achieving perfection in every aspect of your sleep routine. This can lead to performance anxiety, causing individuals to stress over their sleep quality and feel anxious when they don’t meet their self-set standards.
The problem lies in the fact that wearable technology and sleep apps often rely on indirect data, such as heart rate or movement patterns, which may not accurately reflect actual sleep. As a result, users can become misinformed about their sleep quality and overreact to minor discrepancies, leading to further stress and anxiety.
Experts warn that orthosomnia can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as canceling plans with friends, skipping workouts, or lying awake for long periods of time in an attempt to improve sleep metrics. It’s essential to recognize the signs of orthosomnia, which include excessive concern over sleep duration and quality, anxiety related to data insights from sleep trackers, and difficulty falling or staying asleep due to a focus on achieving perfection.
Treatment for orthosomnia may involve taking a break from sleep tracking and focusing on how rested you feel, rather than just relying on numbers. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can also be effective in helping individuals reset their thoughts around sleep and develop healthier habits. The key is to strike a balance between data-driven efforts and intuitive understanding of your body’s needs.
By acknowledging the risks of orthosomnia and making conscious choices about how we engage with sleep tracking technology, we can work towards better sleep and overall wellness.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/orthosomnia-sleep-disorder-tech-common-wearable-goog_l_6904b438e4b0b48d8a1c2a65