Monitor sleep patterns—duration, quality, stages (light, deep, REM), disturbances—using apps or wearables to identify problems and optimize rest. Sleep tracking devices (Fitbit, Oura Ring, Apple Watch, smartphone apps) measure: movement (accelerometers detect wake/sleep), heart rate (varies by sleep stage), sometimes blood oxygen.
Data reveals: total sleep time, time to fall asleep, wake frequency, sleep stage distribution. Benefits: identifies patterns (caffeine timing affecting sleep, optimal bedtime), motivates improvements, tracks intervention effectiveness. Limitations: consumer devices less accurate than clinical polysomnography; obsession can cause anxiety (orthosomnia). Use as general guide, not gospel.
Actionable insights: consistency helps (same bedtime/wake time), deep sleep increases with exercise, REM affected by alcohol. Knowledge empowers better sleep hygiene decisions.