Wearable tech’s role in the future of sleep health

Wearable technology has transformed how people access and interpret data about their health, from how many steps you take in a day to your heart rate, wearables provide a window of insight into your overall wellbeing. As a global leader in sleep health technology, we believe digital wearables can help consumers better understand their sleep habits and create a pathway for many to unlock higher quality rest.

In March 2024, our global sleep survey found the embrace of sleep trackers and digital technology to improve sleep is evident, with 36% of respondents globally currently tracking their sleep. And of those who do track their sleep, about a third do so either “every night” (36%) or “most nights” (31%.)

While sleep experts, ours included, tout that your bedroom should be a device-free zone, we believe that rule shouldn’t apply to your wearables. (Just make sure your wearable is comfortable enough to sleep in!) Regular sleep tracking can provide you with key insights into your sleep health which can in turn be used to help you make informed decisions about how to improve your quality of sleep now and in the future.

Who is already utilizing wearable technology to improve sleep and who should start?

According to a recent U.S. survey conducted by Resmed, one-third (33%) of consumers are likely to use a wearable device to understand their sleep patterns in the future. We think that everyone can benefit from knowing their personal sleep habits as your sleep health should never be ignored.

A group that gets it? Gen Z. It’s no secret that Gen Z prioritizes their sleep and rest over other generations. They also understand the invaluable insights into their sleep that they can gleam from their wearables; currently, 60% of Gen Z is most likely to use wearable device for sleep. And as for future use of the technology, 51% of Gen Z is most likely to use a wearable device to understand their sleep patterns compared to their older counterparts, with only 20% of Baby Boomer’s saying the same.

Why you should consider using a wearable device to understand your sleep health

Our survey found that more than half (54%) of respondents say that they would consider purchasing a wearable device with sleep tracking capabilities. The survey also found that roughly one-quarter of respondents say that since using their wearable device, they adjusted their sleep habits / environment (24%).

As the third pillar of health, along with diet and exercise, sleep is essential to maintaining good health throughout your life. In fact, not getting enough sleep has effects that extend to your physical and mental wellbeing. Lack of proper sleep can have detrimental lifelong health effects, from hindering your ability to think clearly and regulate your emotions, to several serious health issues linked to sleep deficiency like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes . Do your research on your specific wearables’ sleep-tracking capabilities as most are equipped with some degree of technology that can provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns.

You have your wearable sleep-tracking data. Now what?

Once you have access to your sleep-tracking data, what should you do with it? Are you repeatedly getting up to use the restroom, disrupting your sleep cycle? You can adjust your behavior by taking actions to limit the intake of beverages before bed and avoiding caffeine, alcohol as both can interfere with sleep by increasing nighttime awakenings. Additionally, some medications can affect sleep quality, so it may be helpful to discuss your medication use with a healthcare provider. Are your wearable data showing frequent interrupted sleep, fluctuations in your respiratory rate or drops in blood oxygen levels, frequent changes to sleep stages, and a higher proportion of light sleep or awake periods? These could be signs of an underlying sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. It’s important to bring this information to your healthcare provider’s attention, who can review your sleep data and discuss further testing and potential treatment options.

By utilizing your wearable’s sleep tracking technology, you have access to data and insights at your fingertips that can guide you and your healthcare provider in achieving better long-term sleep health.

Methodology (for TEAM LEWIS omnibus and Resmed global sleep survey) TEAM LEWIS surveyed 1,000 individuals in the US on behalf of Resmed. All respondents were 18 or older, and the sample was census-balanced by age and gender. TEAM LEWIS collected data through an online survey fielded in August 2024. The survey respondents were independently sourced from Veridata, a market research panel provider committed to high data quality.

The 2024 Resmed Global Sleep Survey included a total of 36,000 respondents across 17 markets including Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and USA, between December 2023 and January 2024.

Tomaso CC, Johnson AB, Nelson TD. The effect of sleep deprivation and restriction on mood, emotion, and emotion regulation: three meta-analyses in one. Sleep. 2021 11;44(6):zsaa289

Colten HR, Altevogt BM, eds. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2006.

Knauert M, Naik S, Gillespie MB, Kryger M. Clinical consequences and economic costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Sep 8;1(1):17-27.

This blog post contains general information about medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not medical advice. If you have any medical questions, please consult your doctor.