top of page

How Is Sleep Technology Impacting Mental Health?

by Khadija Husain

7 Oct 2024

beauty

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of sleep is often overlooked, even though it’s a vital pillar for both physical and mental well-being. Sleep directly influences cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall health. The advent of sleep technology, through wearable devices and apps, promises to help individuals monitor and improve their sleep patterns. But how effective is this technology, particularly in supporting mental health? We turn to Tuna Bereket, a DHA-licensed Allied Health Counselor at Thrive Wellbeing Centre, to explore the intricate relationship between sleep technology and mental well-being.


Tuna Bereket
Tuna Bereket

The Role of Sleep in Mental Health


"Sleep is an essential biological process that has a profound impact on mental health," Tuna explains. "Poor sleep quality can exacerbate conditions like anxiety and depression, while mental health issues often disrupt sleep, creating a challenging cycle for those affected." Tuna emphasizes that sleep plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and overall mental well-being. As mental health is increasingly prioritized, understanding how technology fits into this equation is vital.


How Sleep Technology Helps Patients


With the rise of wearable devices and sleep-tracking apps, people are becoming more aware of their sleep patterns. "These tools can provide valuable insights into sleep duration and cycles," Tuna says. "In my practice, I’ve seen patients benefit from using sleep technology. Some report improvements in both sleep quality and mental health after monitoring their habits and making changes based on the data." Tuna highlights that wearable devices can empower individuals to understand how their sleep affects their emotional state and cognitive functioning. However, she also cautions that these tools are only as effective as the person’s commitment to change.


"Tracking sleep alone isn’t enough," she adds. "People need to be willing to make adjustments—such as maintaining a consistent sleep routine and minimizing screen time before bed—to see lasting benefits. Sleep technology can raise awareness, but individuals need to act on that awareness for it to truly improve mental health."


The Risk of Sleep Anxiety


While sleep technology can enhance well-being, Tuna warns of a potential downside: anxiety related to sleep metrics. "Constantly checking sleep data can lead to an unhealthy fixation on achieving 'perfect' sleep," Tuna notes. This phenomenon, known as orthosomnia, can cause unnecessary stress if users become overly focused on their numbers.


"To avoid this, it’s important to use sleep data as a general guide rather than a strict standard of success or failure. Sleep varies naturally from night to night, and small fluctuations are completely normal," she advises. Focusing on long-term trends and not obsessing over nightly metrics can help mitigate any anxiety related to tracking sleep.



Consistency and the Power of Sleep Technology


One of the most important aspects of sleep, Tuna points out, is consistency. "Irregular sleep patterns can disrupt the circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. This, in turn, can lead to emotional instability and impaired cognitive function." Sleep technology can aid in establishing healthy routines by sending reminders to go to bed at the same time each night or setting alarms aligned with natural sleep cycles.


"While the technology is helpful, users should be mindful of its limitations," Tuna says. Wearable devices are generally accurate in tracking sleep duration, but their ability to differentiate between stages of sleep, such as REM and deep sleep, may be less reliable. "It's essential to take the data with a grain of caution. If someone is experiencing severe sleep issues, they should consult a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on technology."


Recommendations for Users Unsure About Sleep Technology


For individuals struggling with both sleep and mental health, Tuna suggests starting small. "Track your sleep for a few weeks to gather baseline data, then make simple adjustments like setting a consistent bedtime or reducing caffeine intake," she recommends. "If the technology begins to cause stress, it may be best to step back and explore other methods for improving sleep, such as relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral strategies."


Sleep technology can be particularly beneficial for individuals with specific conditions, such as insomnia or mild anxiety, but Tuna stresses that it should be seen as a supplementary tool. "For more severe conditions, it’s important to seek professional support alongside any use of sleep technology."

 







bottom of page