How do smart band measure sleep quality?

photo credit: Nikita Kostrykin @chilinik @unsplash
How do smart band measure sleep quality? | @healthbiztips

How do smart band measure sleep quality?

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Smart band or fitness tracker is a wearable device that utilizes a number of sensors in order to quantify sleep quality which may vary depending on the brand and manufacturer. One such sensor is the accelerometer which is part of it's hardware. An accelerometer is a tiny device which can detect changes in speed. This way, smart band can detect movements.

Other sensory mechanisms employed in smart band to get a clear picture of a person's sleep pattern are gyroscope (measures speed of rotation), optical sensor (measures heart rate), and temperature sensor.

Of course, smart band usually are not able to differentiate whether or not it's user is sleeping or is just not moving, so there is an option to switch to "Sleep mode" in most fitness trackers which basically tells the device that it's user is about to sleep.

Although, there is an issue with regard to the accuracy of information generated by smart band with regard to sleep considering that the device is not able to determine whether or not the person is actually fast asleep or is yet to fall asleep.

To tract sleep, smart bands detect body movements, pulse, temperature, and other indicators. Unfortunately, the device isn't able to determine whether or not the person is actually awake. You have to configure the settings and set it up to a sleep mode.

However, compared to polysomnography, which is the gold standard for measuring sleep, smart bands are preferred by a large number of people for it's convenience and affordability.