Sleep tracking technology has become widely available, but not all devices offer the same level of information. This handout explains the differences between commercial sleep tracking devices (Apple Watch, Oura Ring, WHOOP strap, etc.) and clinical grade actigraphy, helping you understand why clinical devices are preferred for assessing and treating sleep disorders.
What is Clinical Actigraphy?
Actigraphy is a non-invasive way to monitor 24-hour sleep-wake patterns using a small device worn on the wrist. It records movement and light to estimate sleep-wake cycles and is used to assess insomnia and other sleep disorders over days or weeks.
Clinical Actigraphy is different than a “Sleep Study,” which evaluates sleep breathing and movement problems during a single night at home or in a sleep lab.
Why Clinical Actigraphy is Preferred for Sleep Disorders
Clinical grade actigraphy devices, combined with specialized software, offer several advantages for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders:
- 24-Hour Sleep-Wake Monitoring: Unlike commercial devices, clinical actigraphy offers detailed insights into daytime activity levels and circadian rhythms, helping to diagnose and treat disorders like delayed sleep phase syndrome and other “Body Clock” problems.
- Correctable Data Scoring: Clinical actigraphy software allows clinicians to review and manually correct errors in sleep scoring, while commercial devices use proprietary algorithms that cannot be adjusted when errors occur.
- Advanced Data Analysis: Clinical software provides in-depth summary statistics, graphical representations of sleep trends, and nonparametric circadian rhythm analysis (NPCRA), offering a more precise evaluation of sleep patterns and biological rhythms.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Helps create evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual sleep concerns.
Comparing Commercial and Clinical-Grade Devices
| Feature | Commercial Sleep Trackers | Clinical Actigraphy |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Uses proprietary algorithms that may not be scientifically validated | Usually validated against gold-standard sleep studies (PSG) |
| Regulation | Not regulated for clinical use | Typically, FDA-cleared for clinical use |
| 24-Hour Data Collection | Limited capability to track sleep-wake cycles throughout the day | Continuous 24-hour sleep-wake monitoring, for assessing circadian rhythm disorders and daytime sleep |
| Application | Designed for general wellness & fitness tracking | Used by healthcare professionals for diagnosing and managing sleep disorders |
| Monitoring Duration | Typically short-term, requiring frequent charging | Allow continuous monitoring for up to 45 days on a single charge |
Benefits of Clinical Actigraphy at a Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic
If you are struggling with sleep issues, clinical actigraphy can be an essential part of your care. Our behavioral sleep medicine clinic offers:
- Long-Term Insights: Helps identify patterns and trends that might go unnoticed in shorter assessments.
- Robust Sleep Assessments: Gain a clearer picture of your sleep patterns beyond self-reported sleep diaries.
- Integration with Therapy: Actigraphy data informs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and other sleep interventions for customized treatment.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
If you are experiencing sleep difficulties and want an in-depth evaluation, our clinic offers clinical actigraphy assessments as part of our comprehensive sleep treatment program. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation.
